These days, an increasing number of jobs can be done without the physical presence of an employee at the office. In a way that would have seemed like science-fiction to our parents and grandparents, the internet has had the effect of freeing us from the geographical constraints of work. This newfound freedom is allowing millions of people to marry their work-life with the ability to enjoy unlimited travel possibilities.
If you are a digital nomad who is currently looking for the next stop, there are some great destinations in the United States. In this article, we will assess the most attractive U.S. cities for remote working.
Note: If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need to apply for the ESTA visa waiver scheme to gain entry on arrival in the United States. Check out this handy ESTA guide to find out whether you are eligible for a 90-day stay.
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1. Austin, TX
Texas’ state capital of Austin is famous for being a hotbed for tech startups. When you add this to the city’s flourishing music and art scene, the attraction for upwardly mobile remote workers is clear. Austin offers many of the same professional networking benefits as other tech hubs on the West Coast but with a cost of living that is much more affordable. The weather in Austin is pretty good, and Texans are famously welcoming to outsiders.
2. Miami, FL
Miami may be a slightly more expensive option than other cities on this list, but the benefits it offers are arguably worth paying a bit more for. While the city is a major hub for the tech industry and presents extensive networking opportunities, it is its proximity to the stunning Floridian beaches and all-year-round great weather that really sells it as a place to spend a few months as a digital nomad.
3. Seattle, WA
Home to some of the world’s biggest and most important tech giants, Seattle is truly the land of opportunity for techies looking for career opportunities. The weather may not be great, and the cost of living is decidedly mid-level, but Seattle has so much to offer in terms of music and culture. The city is also known for its emphasis on sustainability, and there are tonnes of possibilities around the city for people who like the Great Outdoors.
4. Chicago, IL
The Windy City makes for an attractive proposition for remote work for many reasons. At first sight, Chicago is an important economic hub with a highly competitive business sector, and it is reputed to be one of the friendliest U.S. cities in terms of existing remote working opportunities. But this is not where the story ends. The largest city in Illinois is famous as the birthplace of blues music and its fascinating melting pot of cultural influences, making it great for people who love the spice of life.
5. San Diego, CA
The southern Californian city of San Diego should feature on any remote working bucket list. Filled with fantastic co-working spaces and a thriving remote working culture, San Diego is also attractive for its excellent weather and proximity to first-rate beaches. Although the cost of living is high, San Diego gives back more than enough in terms of lifestyle to make spending a time there worth it.
6. Salt Lake City, UT
Set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains, the booming metropolis of Salt Lake City is a remote worker’s dream. The influx of remote workers who have moved into the city in the last few years has led to a massive growth in the number and variety of co-working spaces that now litter the city. Adding to the attraction is the almost unbelievably low cost of living and the abundance of opportunities to engage in outdoor pursuits like rock climbing and hiking.
7. Kansas City, MO
Kansas City is probably not the first place that you think of when making a list of attractive remote working locations. However, it does have one major ace up its sleeve – its incredible internet speeds! Kansas City is reputed to have the fastest internet in the West (and the East), making a great place for remote workers who rely on high bandwidth for their jobs.
All things considered, the U.S. is a great place for remote working. Check out some of the locations in this article the next time you are in the area to see if they may be suitable places in which to set up shop for a few months or even years!