Top Areas to Practice in the Southeast (Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas) VIDEO Top Areas to Open a Private Practice in the Southeast US Welcome to The Perfect Place to Put a Practice ! I’m your host, Mike Green, from Doctor Demographics, where we help dentists, veterinarians, optometrists, and private practice owners find the ideal location to grow their businesses. Whether you’re starting fresh or expanding, choosing the right spot can make or break your success. Today, we’re diving into one of the hottest regions in the country for private practices: the Southeast United States, specifically Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Why the Southeast? The Southeast is a goldmine for private practice owners. Why? It’s a region of growth, opportunity, and diversity. Populations are booming, economies are thriving, and the demand for healthcare services—dental, veterinary, and optometric—is skyrocketing. Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are seeing influxes of new residents, from retirees to young families to professionals, all needing your services. Plus, the business climate is friendly, with lower taxes and fewer regulatory hurdles compared to other parts of the country.
But not every city or town is created equal. Today, we’ll break down the top areas in each state, looking at demographics, competition, cost of living, and growth trends. I’ll also share tips on what to look for when scouting a location, tailored to your specific profession. Ready? Let’s start with the Sunshine State.
Florida: The Land of Opportunity Florida is a juggernaut for private practices. With no state income tax, a massive and growing population, and a diverse patient base, it’s no surprise it ranks high for dentists, veterinarians, and optometrists. Let’s explore three top areas: Tampa Bay , Orlando , and Naples .
Tampa Bay: A Hub of Growth First up, Tampa Bay. This metro area, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, is a demographic dream. The population is around 3.2 million and growing at about 1.5% annually, faster than the national average. Why does this matter? More people mean more patients—whether they need a root canal, a pet checkup, or new glasses.
Tampa’s demographic mix is ideal. You’ve got a healthy blend of young families, professionals, and retirees. For dentists, the retiree population is a goldmine—older adults often need restorative work like crowns or implants. Veterinarians, you’re in luck too: Tampa has a pet ownership rate above the national average, with over 60% of households owning a pet. Optometrists, the influx of young professionals working in tech and finance means a steady stream of patients needing eye exams and corrective lenses.
Competition is moderate. Tampa has about 1 dentist per 1,800 residents, slightly better than the national average. Veterinarians face similar ratios, while optometrists enjoy a slightly less saturated market. The key is location within Tampa. Suburbs like Wesley Chapel and Brandon are booming with new developments, offering affordable commercial real estate—think $20–$30 per square foot for lease rates. These areas are perfect for a new practice, as they’re underserved compared to downtown Tampa.
Cost of living is a factor. Tampa’s is 5% above the national average, but it’s far cheaper than Miami or Naples. Starting a practice here is manageable, with startup costs for a dental office averaging $300,000–$500,000, depending on equipment. Veterinarians and optometrists can often start for less, around $200,000–$400,000.
Pro Tip : Look for strip malls near new residential developments. They’re cost-effective and put you right where your patients live. Also, Tampa’s telehealth policies are flexible, so consider offering virtual consultations to boost revenue.
Orlando: The Family-Friendly Hotspot Next, let’s head to Orlando. Known for theme parks, Orlando is also a powerhouse for private practices. Its metro population is 2.7 million, with a growth rate of 2% annually—one of the fastest in the country. The demographic skews younger, with a median age of 37, making it ideal for pediatric dentistry, family veterinary care, and optometry services for kids and young adults.
Orlando’s economy is diverse, beyond just tourism. Healthcare, tech, and education are booming, attracting professionals who value convenience. This is great for optometrists, as busy workers often seek quick eye exams during lunch breaks. Veterinarians, note that Orlando’s suburban sprawl means pet-friendly communities like Lake Nona, where new practices can tap into affluent pet owners.
Competition is a mixed bag. Orlando has more dentists per capita than Tampa—about 1 per 1,600 residents—but certain suburbs, like Winter Garden or Dr. Phillips, are less saturated. Veterinary and optometry markets are slightly more open, especially in newer developments. Commercial lease rates are reasonable, around $18–$25 per square foot, and startup costs align with Tampa’s.
Pro Tip : Focus on family-oriented services. For dentists, offer flexible hours for parents. Veterinarians, consider mobile vet services for busy suburbanites. Optometrists, partner with local schools for vision screenings to build your patient base.
Naples: The Affluent Niche Finally, Naples, on Florida’s southwest coast. This is your high-end market. With a population of about 400,000 in the metro area, Naples grows at a steady 1% annually. The median age is 52, and the median household income is $94,000—way above the national average. This is a haven for retirees and wealthy snowbirds, perfect for specialized dental work, high-end veterinary care, and boutique optometry practices.
The catch? Competition is fierce, and costs are high. Naples has 1 dentist per 1,500 residents, and commercial real estate can hit $35–$50 per square foot. Startup costs for a dental practice can exceed $600,000 due to the premium on aesthetics—your office needs to scream luxury. Veterinarians and optometrists face similar pressures but can start closer to $300,000–$500,000.
Pro Tip : Differentiate with premium services. Dentists, offer cosmetic procedures like veneers. Veterinarians, provide holistic pet care or acupuncture. Optometrists, stock designer frames and offer advanced diagnostics like retinal imaging. Naples patients will pay for quality.
Georgia: The Peach State’s Promise Georgia is another Southeast star, ranking second for dental practices in that 2022 report. Its business-friendly environment, with low taxes and streamlined licensing, makes it a magnet for private practices. Let’s look at Atlanta , Savannah , and Columbus .
Atlanta: The Urban Powerhouse Atlanta is the Southeast’s economic engine, with a metro population of 6.3 million and a growth rate of 1.8% annually. Its diversity is a strength: 50% White, 34% Black, 12% Hispanic, and 6% Asian, per recent census data. This mix means varied healthcare needs, from routine dental cleanings to specialized veterinary care for exotic pets to culturally tailored optometry services.
Atlanta’s suburbs, like Alpharetta, Roswell, and Marietta, are where the action is. These areas have median household incomes of $80,000–$120,000 and are growing fast with young families and professionals. Dentists will find a 1:1,900 dentist-to-population ratio in these suburbs, better than downtown’s 1:1,600. Veterinarians and optometrists see similar trends, with less competition outside the urban core.
Commercial real estate is affordable in the suburbs—$15–$25 per square foot—and startup costs are reasonable: $250,000–$450,000 for dental, $200,000–$350,000 for veterinary or optometry. Atlanta’s tech boom also means a tech-savvy patient base, so invest in digital marketing and online booking systems.
Pro Tip : Target suburban office parks or mixed-use developments. For optometrists, Atlanta’s demand for eye care is high in cities like Columbus, where franchise opportunities are growing.
Savannah: The Coastal Gem Savannah, with a metro population of 420,000, is smaller but mighty. Its growth rate is 1.2% annually, driven by tourism, port activity, and a growing retiree population. The median age is 39, and the median income is $68,000, making it a balanced market for all three professions.
Savannah’s charm is its affordability. Commercial lease rates are $12–$20 per square foot, and startup costs are lower than Atlanta—$200,000–$400,000 for dental, $150,000–$300,000 for others. Competition is moderate, with 1 dentist per 2,000 residents and similar ratios for veterinarians and optometrists. The retiree population loves high-quality, personalized care, while younger residents need affordable services.
Pro Tip : Build a community presence. Sponsor local events like Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. Veterinarians, offer low-cost vaccine clinics to attract clients. Optometrists, focus on blue-light glasses for the city’s growing creative class.
Columbus: The Up-and-Coming Star Columbus, Georgia, is a hidden gem with a metro population of 330,000 and a 1% annual growth rate. Its median income of $60,000 and median age of 36 make it ideal for budget-conscious practices. The presence of Fort Benning drives demand for family-oriented services, as military families need dental, veterinary, and eye care.
Competition is low—1 dentist per 2,200 residents—and commercial real estate is dirt cheap at $10–$18 per square foot. Startup costs are the lowest in Georgia: $200,000–$350,000 for dental, $150,000–$250,000 for others. Columbus is also a hub for optometry franchises, with demand for quality eye care rising.
Pro Tip : Focus on military discounts and flexible payment plans. Dentists, offer whitening services to attract younger patients. Veterinarians, tap into the high pet ownership rate among military families.
The Carolinas: Growth and Affordability North and South Carolina are Southeast standouts, offering affordability, growth, and a welcoming business climate. We’ll cover Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina, and Greenville in South Carolina.
Charlotte, NC: The Financial Hub Charlotte is a financial powerhouse with a metro population of 2.7 million and a 2.1% annual growth rate—one of the fastest in the U.S. The median age is 38, and the median income is $74,000. This is a young, affluent market, perfect for cosmetic dentistry, high-end veterinary services, and trendy optometry practices.
Suburbs like Ballantyne and Huntersville are prime spots. They’re growing fast, with new families and professionals moving in. The dentist-to-population ratio is 1:1,900, and veterinary and optometry markets are similarly open. Commercial lease rates are $18–$28 per square foot, and startup costs range from $250,000–$450,000 for dental, $200,000–$350,000 for others.
Pro Tip : Leverage Charlotte’s corporate culture. Offer corporate dental plans or vision benefits partnerships. Veterinarians, market to pet-friendly apartment complexes. Optometrists, stock eco-friendly frames for the city’s sustainability-conscious residents.
Raleigh, NC: The Research Triangle Raleigh, part of the Research Triangle, has a metro population of 1.5 million and a 1.9% growth rate. With a median age of 36 and a median income of $80,000, it’s a hotspot for young professionals and families. The presence of universities and tech companies drives demand for innovative healthcare services.
Competition is moderate—1 dentist per 1,800 residents—and suburbs like Cary and Apex are underserved. Commercial real estate is $15–$25 per square foot, and startup costs align with Charlotte’s. Raleigh’s tech-savvy population loves digital solutions, so invest in telehealth and online scheduling.
Pro Tip : Partner with local startups for employee wellness programs. Dentists, offer Invisalign for young professionals. Veterinarians, provide subscription-based pet care plans. Optometrists, focus on sports vision for the active community.
Greenville, SC: The Affordable Gem Greenville, South Carolina, is a rising star with a metro population of 950,000 and a 1.5% growth rate. The median age is 39, and the median income is $65,000. It’s affordable, with commercial lease rates at $12–$20 per square foot and startup costs of $200,000–$400,000 for dental, $150,000–$300,000 for others.
Competition is low—1 dentist per 2,100 residents—and the market is open for veterinarians and optometrists. Greenville’s mix of retirees, families, and young professionals creates diverse needs, from geriatric dental care to pediatric optometry.
Pro Tip : Emphasize community engagement. Sponsor local festivals like Fall for Greenville. Veterinarians, offer mobile services for rural clients. Optometrists, provide free vision screenings at community centers.
Key Considerations for All Professions Before we wrap up, let’s talk strategy. Choosing a location is about more than numbers—it’s about fit. Here are five universal tips for dentists, veterinarians, and optometrists:
Demographics Matter : Match your services to the local population. Retirees in Naples need different care than young families in Orlando.
Competition Analysis : Use tools like Doctor Demographics to check provider-to-population ratios. Aim for underserved areas.
Cost vs. Revenue : Balance startup costs with potential revenue. Suburbs often offer the best ROI.
Marketing is Key : Invest in digital marketing—SEO, social media, and Google Ads. Patients find you online first.
Community Connection : Build trust through local partnerships, sponsorships, and events. It’s your fastest path to a loyal patient base.
Conclusion And there you have it—the top areas to open a private practice in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas! From Tampa’s growth to Atlanta’s diversity to Greenville’s affordability, the Southeast is brimming with opportunity. Each city offers unique advantages, so do your homework and align your practice with the local vibe.
If you need help analyzing demographics or scouting locations, reach out to us at Doctor Demographics. Visit our website at doctordemographics.com for free resources and personalized consultations. Until next time, keep searching for The Perfect Place to Put a Practice !
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