Healthgrades’ National Health Index is a list of the 25 U.S. cities leading the way in healthcare and, according to Bizwomen, Phoenix is one of them.

The study looked at hospital quality ratings, surveys from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and the number of active primary care providers per 100,000 people in the American Medical Association Masterfile.

The Phoenix region, which includes Mesa and Glendale, scored a 91.6 out of a possible 100, ranking the 21st overall. The area scored well thanks to the overall health status of the local population as well as low levels of risky health behaviors. Phoenix also has lots of quality hospitals in the region. 

The big issue that held Phoenix back from ranking higher was the lack of access to doctors. The ratio of primary care physicians to population is way below national averages.

The city and region also have multiple opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Center by the Estate Antigua neighborhood in Paradise Valley offers multiple trails. You can test your fitness limits by running the Phoenix Marathon across the Las Sendas neighborhood in Mesa. Cyclists can enjoy the roadways of South Mountain in South Mountain Village by using San Juan Road, which is typically closed to cars.