Whether you're a digital nomad, a freelance professional or a remote employee, choosing the right city to work remotely from can significantly impact your productivity, well-being and overall quality of life.
The TechNational is proud to present a comprehensive guide for remote workers seeking the ideal setting to thrive in their professional endeavors. We've meticulously sifted through data to curate a list of 'The 15 Best US Cities to Work Remotely'.
Join us as we explore the factors that matter most to remote workers, and discover the cities that offer the perfect blend of connectivity, community and opportunity, allowing you to excel in your remote career while living your best life!
How We Created Our List
The TechNational has meticulously examined several key metrics to curate our list of the 15 Best US Cities to Work Remotely. Our methodology prioritizes factors that directly impact remote professionals' quality of life, productivity and overall satisfaction with their work environment.
Here's an overview of the criteria we used to rank our cities:
- Financial Incentives and Affordability: We considered factors including average household income in each city to gauge the economic opportunities available to remote professionals. We evaluated the affordability of each city by analyzing metrics such as average rent price and average utilities cost.
- Coworking Spaces: The availability of coworking spaces is crucial for remote workers seeking collaborative environments and networking opportunities.
- Connectivity: High-speed internet is essential for remote work productivity. We assessed the average internet speed and cost in each city to ensure that remote professionals have reliable connectivity.
- State Income Tax: State income tax rates can significantly impact remote workers' earnings. We considered the presence or absence of state income tax in each city to provide insights into potential financial benefits.
- Safety: Safety is paramount for remote workers looking to relocate to their next ideal home. We examined the crime rates in each city to ensure a secure environment for remote professionals.
By carefully assessing these metrics from the US Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics and other official data, we were able to identify the US cities that offer the best conditions for remote work. Some of the date is presented in the table below:
So, let’s take a closer look at our top picks!
Top 15 US Cities to Work Remotely For 2024
1) Boise, Idaho
Nestled in the heart of Idaho, Boise offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventure. Remote workers can enjoy the city's affordable living costs and proximity to the Rocky Mountains, including hiking trails and ski resorts.
Boise has the lowest crime rates of the cities we have included making it an incredible safe option for those thinking of relocating. With a thriving tech sector and a growing coworking community, Boise provides remote workers with a high quality of life.
2) Chattanooga, Tennessee
Known for its lightning-fast internet speeds thanks to its municipally-owned fiber optic network, Chattanooga is a haven for remote workers seeking connectivity.
Chattanooga has therefore emerged as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with a growing number of startups and tech companies calling the city home. The city's low cost of living, vibrant arts scene and friendly community make it an ideal destination for those looking to balance work and leisure.
3) Greenville, South Carolina
With its charming downtown and affordable housing market, Greenville is a hidden gem for remote professionals. The city's strategic location along major transportation routes has also made it an attractive destination for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Boasting a growing number of coworking spaces and a low crime rate, Greenville offers a peaceful yet dynamic environment for remote work.
4) Burlington, Vermont
Surrounded by picturesque landscapes on the shores of Lake Champlain and dotted with artisanal cafes, Burlington exudes a unique charm that appeals to remote workers seeking a laid-back lifestyle.
Despite its small size, the city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, excellent internet infrastructure and an eco-friendly ethos that attracts those looking for a sustainable work-life balance.
5) Madison, Wisconsin
Home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a thriving tech sector, Madison offers remote workers a dynamic blend of innovation and culture.
Madison has emerged as a leading tech hub in the Midwest, attracting startups, entrepreneurs and tech talent from around the country. The city's growing tech sector spans industries such as biotechnology, healthcare IT and software development.
With its affordable housing market, abundance of parks and lakes, Madison provides an ideal backdrop for both work and play.
6) Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for creatives, outdoor enthusiasts and remote workers alike. There are an abundance of coworking spaces meaning startups can make vital connections for growth.
With its eclectic arts scene, thriving food culture and craft breweries, Asheville offers a unique blend of inspiration and connectivity for those seeking a remote work lifestyle.
7) Santa Fe, New Mexico
Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning desert landscapes, Santa Fe attracts remote workers seeking a serene yet vibrant setting.
The city has the highest percentage of self-employed workers in our list, earning itself a spot on our list as an entrepreneurial ecosystem providing opportunities for collaboration and growth. With affordable housing options, Santa Fe provides an ideal environment for creative professionals and digital nomads.
8) Eugene, Oregon
Surrounded by lush forests and nestled along the Willamette River, Eugene offers remote workers a perfect blend of nature and innovation.
The city is known for its commitment to sustainability, local food movement and social activism, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for remote workers to thrive. Sustainable technology and climate technology are strong industries currently hiring remote positions in Eugene.
9) Huntsville, Alabama
Dubbed the "Rocket City" for its rich aerospace history, Huntsville offers remote workers a unique mix of innovation and Southern hospitality. Huntsville is home to over 300 technology companies and has been recognized as one of the top cities for tech job growth in the United States.
With its affordable cost of living and high-speed internet infrastructure, Huntsville provides a welcoming environment for remote professionals looking to launch their careers to new heights.
10) Des Moines, Iowa
Positioned as a thriving hub for business and innovation in the heart of the Midwest, Des Moines offers remote workers a blend of affordability and opportunity.
Des Moines boasts a diverse economy with strong job growth across various industries, including finance, insurance, technology and healthcare. With a low crime rate and low rental property rates, Des Moines provides a welcoming environment for remote professionals seeking a safe and affordable base.
11) Fort Collins, Colorado
Tucked against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins offers remote workers an idyllic setting for work and play.
With its vibrant craft beer scene and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities along an extensive trail system, Fort Collins provides a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility for remote professionals.
12) Fayetteville, Arkansas
Home to the University of Arkansas and a burgeoning tech scene, Fayetteville offers remote workers a dynamic blend of innovation and Southern charm.
Fayetteville offers a low cost of living compared to many other cities (offering the lowest average cost of rent in our list), making it an attractive destination for remote workers seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
13) Reno, Nevada
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains and known as the "Biggest Little City in the World," Reno offers remote workers a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventure.
With its growing tech sector, affordable housing market and proximity to Lake Tahoe, Reno provides an ideal environment for remote professionals seeking a vibrant yet laid-back lifestyle.
14) Sioux Falls, South Dakota
With its low cost of living and strong job market, Sioux Falls offers remote workers a welcoming environment to pursue their careers.
Sioux Falls has experienced a 20% increase in tech job postings over the past year, signaling the city's growing tech sector. If you are a lover of both city living and nature, Sioux Falls provides an ideal setting for remote professionals looking to find that perfect work-life balance in a supportive and vibrant community.
15) Spokane, Washington
Situated along the banks of the Spokane River and surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Spokane offers remote workers a tranquil yet vibrant setting.
Whether exploring the city's cultural attractions and local food festivals, or discovering the Spokane Waterfalls, Spokane offers remote workers an inspiring and enriching environment to live, work, and play. With a crime index well below the national average, Spokane provides a safe environment for remote professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Closing Thoughts
The ability to work remotely offers unprecedented freedom and flexibility for professionals across industries. The 15 US cities highlighted in this report represent not only geographic diversity but also a diverse range of opportunities and lifestyles for remote workers.
Whether you're drawn to vibrant arts scenes, outdoor recreational opportunities or thriving coworking communities, there's a city on this list to suit every remote professional's preferences and priorities.
As you consider relocating to a new city, we encourage you to explore the possibilities that these cities have to offer. At TechNational, we're committed to providing valuable insights and resources to empower remote professionals to discover the city that best suits their professional and personal aspirations.
