The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new era of remote work, with many companies allowing employees to work from anywhere. This allowed remote workers to live wherever they wanted without being tied to a corporate office. In 2024, some cities will be particularly appealing places for remote workers due to affordable housing, vibrant communities, abundant amenities, and good work-life balance. Here are some of the best cities for remote workers in 2024.
Austin, Texas
With its energetic vibe, rich culture, and outdoorsy lifestyle, Austin earns a top spot on the best places for remote workers in 2024. Nicknamed the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin has a renowned live music and arts scene that helps attract young, educated professionals. The city has a lower cost of living than other major metro areas, making it ideal for remote workers.
Austin boasts a strong economy and many networking, social, and recreational opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking and biking trails around Lady Bird Lake and Barton Springs Pool. There are many co-working spaces across Austin to choose from if you ever need to get out of the house. The warm climate also makes patio work possible for most months of the year. With its vibrant, youthful vibe and flourishing cultural scene, Austin is poised to remain a top destination for remote workers in 2024.
Boise, Idaho
With its natural beauty and wealth of outdoor activities, Boise has become a magnet for remote workers in 2024. Nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise offers easy access to mountain trails, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and skiing. The city has seen a surge of new residents drawn by the mild climate, affordable housing, and family-friendly vibe.
In downtown Boise, remote workers will find coffee shops and co-working spaces conducive to productivity. The city has invested in developing its technology and startup scene, providing networking and innovation opportunities. Boise strikes an excellent balance between urban amenities like restaurants and cultural events while being steps away from nature when you need a break. With a low living cost and abundant recreation, Boise will continue gaining fans among location-independent professionals.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the U.S. thanks to its vibrant quality of life, thriving economy, and highly educated population. This capital city is set on an isthmus between two lakes and hums with youthful energy from the 50,000+ students at the University of Wisconsin. Outside of the college town feel, Madison boasts a blossoming arts scene, entrepreneurial spirit, and some of the best restaurants in the Midwest.
Madison gets four full seasons but still enjoys relatively mild weather for biking, boating, and hanging out in the city’s many green spaces. With excellent public transportation and various co-working options, remote workers can quickly get around without a car. Reasonable housing prices and plenty of cultural enrichment and outdoor activities make Madison an intelligent choice for remote workers seeking an engaging community.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is an island paradise with natural amenities, making it alluring to remote workers in 2024. Gorgeous beaches, surfing, snorkeling, and hiking trails through tropical rainforests provide an ideal backdrop. But Hawaii’s capital city also boasts modern conveniences like shared workspaces, tech events, and casual opportunities to network with others in the local business community.
The time zone in Honolulu lets remote workers collaborate more efficiently with mainland companies while still enjoying Hawaii’s laid-back lifestyle in their off hours. Local co-working spots organize events to help people meet others and find a sense of community. For digital nomads who can work from anywhere, Honolulu provides a chance to enjoy idyllic weather and island adventures while still staying connected and productive. Just beware of the high cost of living eating into those remote work savings.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Once synonymous with steel factories, Pittsburgh has become a hub for technology, healthcare, education, and the arts. Google, Apple, Facebook, Bosch, and Uber all have offices in Pittsburgh, drawn by world-class research institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. The city’s diversified economy and wealth of universities help create a stimulating, dynamic environment.
While larger cities become overpriced, Pittsburgh continues to provide value with affordable housing stock and a growing job market. Nature lovers can explore miles of urban trails or escape to the Laurel Highlands for hiking and whitewater rafting. Pittsburgh’s distinct neighborhoods feature historic architecture and ethnic food offerings. With top-notch amenities at a reasonable price point, Pittsburgh is poised to attract more remote workers in 2024.
Las Vegas, Nevada
While known for its extravagant casinos and live entertainment, Las Vegas offers some surprising benefits for remote workers in 2024. Nevada has no state income tax, making Las Vegas appealing for those able to work remotely. Due to the proliferation of conferences and conventions, Las Vegas boasts many co-working spaces and coffee shops well-equipped for productivity.
Downtown Las Vegas has transformed into a more livable area with numerous restaurants, bars, art galleries, and sports arenas. For those seeking community, Las Vegas now attracts many entrepreneurs, innovators, and young professionals. But you can still enjoy Vegas staples like world-class shows, pools, and spas to unwind after work. Las Vegas provides workers the luxury of having some exotic place as a home base while saving on state taxes.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor consistently ranks at the top of the “best places to live” rankings thanks to its thriving job market, highly rated schools, and robust quality of life. Home to the University of Michigan, this college town offers an intellectually stimulating environment. Residents enjoy cultural offerings like museums, live music, and festivals, supplemented by outstanding dining and shopping.
Ann Arbor’s location, 45 minutes from Detroit, provides the convenience of airports without considerable city congestion. Outdoor lovers can bike, run, or stroll through Nichols Arboretum and Gallup Park along the Huron River. Ann Arbor’s entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in the growth of co-working spaces and tech startups. With a blend of livability, culture, and university influence, Ann Arbor will continue attracting remote workers in 2024.
Bend, Oregon
In central Oregon, with views of the Cascade Mountains, Bend is a paradise for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts. The area provides easy access to hiking, skiing, rafting, golfing, and mountain biking trails, perfect for remote workers who want an active lifestyle. Deschutes River flows through the town, creating opportunities for kayaking and spectacular scenery.
Bend also supports a thriving cultural scene, from art galleries and museums to various restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and coffee shops. The loss of tourism revenue during COVID-19 spurred Bend to focus on attracting remote workers. With its natural beauty and amenities, Bend is poised to be an alluring destination for remote workers seeking more work-life balance.
Sarasota, Florida
With its tropical beaches, arts scene, and sophistication, Sarasota boasts plenty of amenities that appeal to knowledge workers and creatives. The charming Gulf Coast city has thriving social and cultural offerings, from the Sarasota Film Festival to the Sarasota Opera House. Downtown Sarasota provides a vibrant, walkable area with restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops.
Sarasota’s population skews older, making remote workers seeking community connections attractive. Outdoor activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and golf are abundant. Sarasota’s cost of living is higher than other parts of Florida but more affordable than many major metros. Sarasota is worth a look for remote workers who want cosmopolitan offerings in a waterfront setting.
Greenville, South Carolina
Once a sleepy textile town, Greenville has transformed into a thriving small city with a quaint downtown district full of great restaurants, shops, and boutique hotels. The town offers a moderate cost of living compared to larger metros while still providing amenities like bike-share programs, brewery tours, museums, chef-driven restaurants, and parks.
Greenville lies a short drive from Asheville, Charlotte, and Atlanta when you need a taste of significant city action. Set near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville provides access to scenic hiking trails, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. With a flourishing job market and redevelopment focused on livability, Greenville appeals as an affordable base for remote workers in 2024.
Critical Factors in Choosing a Remote Work Destination
In 2024, remote workers can be more selective than ever when choosing a city. Here are some of the critical factors to weigh:
– Cost of living – Look for reasonable housing prices, affordability of groceries and utilities, and low overall tax burden. Cities with growing populations can become expensive quickly.
– Amenities – Prioritize cities with co-working spaces, robust WiFi connectivity, vibrant restaurants/cultural scenes, and recreation. Some amenities require a car, like nature access.
– Community – Look for networking opportunities, meetups, and ways to meet new people. Younger cities tend to
