Are you a remote worker looking for the best places to work remotely? Choosing the best place to work will depend on your needs, and we’re here to help you with that.
This article will tackle some of the best cities and countries for remote work to help you decide which place is the best for you.
Can You Live Anywhere in the World With a Remote Job?
Yes, you can live anywhere in the world with a remote job. Writing, designing, marketing, and other knowledge-based work can be done anywhere. This is possible due to the rise of task assignments and communication tools that allows employee-employer connection anywhere.
Here are some factors you must consider when planning to work remotely in a different country:
- Timezone.
Differences in time can impact collaboration. When moving to a different country while working remotely, ensure you can keep your current communication setup with your co-workers and employer. - Legal and Tax Requirements.
Moving to a different country means potentially different legal and tax implications. Before packing your bags, conduct thorough research to ensure you abide by these requirements. - Employer Policies.
Some companies have guidelines or restrictions on where employees can work remotely. Ask your employer if they have such before moving. - Cultural and Social Differences.
Moving to a different country means adapting to different cultures, languages, and social norms. If you’re not up for these changes, working in a different city may not be your best choice.
Can an employer dictate where you work remotely? If you want to know the answer, check our article about how employers track remote workers.
9 Best Cities for Remote Workers
Here are the nine best cities for remote workers:
1. Salt Lake City, Utah
Indeed says that Salt Lake City is a popular destination for young professionals seeking affordable living and a dynamic city life.
Many remote employees work from coffee shops, connecting with like-minded individuals. Utah’s government provides remote workers with online career training opportunities.
The technology sector in Salt Lake City is expanding, drawing in remote workers. Dependable internet infrastructure is essential for remote work, and Salt Lake City typically provides trustworthy connectivity.
This is a significant factor for remote workers who rely on fast internet for their everyday responsibilities.
2. Miami, Florida
Miami is one of the best places to work. It offers an exciting and vibrant atmosphere, some of the world’s best beaches, and nightlife. Its unique architecture is sure to impress, as is its world-class culinary scene, which will undoubtedly satisfy foodies.
Miami is a tax-free haven and is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and contagious joie de vivre.
The city’s low cost of living, cultural diversity, and dynamic energy have attracted thousands of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and even corporate employees to the so-called Magic City.
In addition, Miami is home to various events and conventions, which can offer valuable networking and career advancement opportunities. The city’s thriving business community offers many benefits for those who work remotely and value building professional connections.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is among the best cities for remote workers because of its coworking density metric, public Wi-Fi density, and telecommuting.
Atlanta’s infrastructure for flexible work is excellent, particularly regarding public Wi-Fi accessibility and the abundance of coworking spaces. Atlanta is also home to more than 150,000 businesses.
Atlanta’s relatively low cost of living is another plus point that makes it an attractive destination for remote work.
Don’t want your employer to know where you’re working from? Here’s everything you need to know about using a VPN for remote work.
4. Denver, Colorado
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment states that the city has a remote work initiative to strengthen remote work initiatives in the city. This is one reason why Denver is one of the best cities for remote workers.
The state of Colorado also has 23.7% of the total number of remote workers in the US home-based workforce.
Denver offers stunning natural landscapes and a variety of outdoor recreational activities, making it ideal for remote workers who value an active lifestyle. Its vibrant arts scene, cultural attractions, and focus on sustainability also contribute to a positive living experience.
Denver’s growing technology sector also provides remote workers in the industry with networking opportunities and a supportive ecosystem.
5. Washington, D.C.
Before early 2020, remote work rates in the Washington region were not as high as today. Despite reducing from their peak during the pandemic, remote work rates remain higher than before the pandemic.
Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States and serves as a central location for government, international organizations, and various industries.
Professionals working remotely in politics, public policy, and international relations may discover valuable networking opportunities here.
Washington, D.C.’s presence of diplomatic missions, international organizations, and embassies draws individuals from all over the globe. Those who work remotely and appreciate being part of a diverse and global community may find this aspect of the city attractive.
Related Post: How to Pay Remote Workers
6. Boston, Massachusetts
According to Boston.com, in 2022, approximately 23.7% of Massachusetts workers were primarily engaged in remote work, marking a four-fold increase from the previous year.
Boston has become a remote work hub like many other major U.S. cities. However, in 2022, remote tech workers are among those who have opted to leave Massachusetts.
Still, Boston provides a blend of urban conveniences, open areas, and diverse neighborhoods, resulting in a high standard of living. The city’s multiculturalism, recreational prospects, and tight-knit society enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Consider this city if you’re still asking yourself where to work remotely.
Want to move out of the US? Here are the cheapest places to work remotely.
7. Seattle, Washington
The city houses some of the largest technology companies, such as Microsoft and Amazon. Remote workers in the tech industry can take advantage of networking opportunities, collaboration, and potential employment prospects.
Seattle boasts a thriving startup scene and a culture of innovation, making it an exciting and dynamic environment for remote workers interested in entrepreneurship or working with startups.
Furthermore, Seattle’s natural beauty, including mountains, waterways, and parks, surrounds the city. For remote workers who value outdoor recreation and a connection to nature, Seattle’s proximity to Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges can be attractive.
Read more in the Seattle Times about how the city is one of the best cities for remote work.
8. Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City is a more affordable option for those close to New York City. But the good news is you don’t have to bear the high cost of living that comes with living directly in Manhattan.
The city of Jersey is known for its strong sense of community. It regularly hosts events designed to unite residents. For remote workers who desire a lifestyle that is rich in community engagement and local activities, this can contribute significantly to their overall living experience.
New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure and broadband access make it an excellent location for hybrid and remote work arrangements. NJ TRANSIT and PATH provide convenient public transportation.
These factors allow businesses to choose a location closer to their employees’ residences.
9. Nashville, Tennessee
These are the reasons why Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the best cities for remote workers:
- It’s Simple to Switch Back and Forth Between Work and Play.
Whenever work starts to become overwhelming, you can easily take a short break. Do this by soaking in your private hot tub, strolling to a fashionable coffee shop in Nashville, or indulging in a delectable lunch at one of the city’s top restaurants. - It’s Affordable and Welcoming.
Nashville is an affordable city with a welcoming community and relaxed vibe, ideal for remote workers. It’s one of the cheapest places to work remotely. You will enjoy diverse cuisine, live music, history, and art while advancing your career on your terms. - It’s Dynamic and Entertaining.
Nashville has a dynamic music and entertainment scene, which has earned it the nickname “Music City.” The city is a hub for live music, cultural events, and a lively atmosphere, making it an exciting destination for remote workers who appreciate these things.
Choosing the best city for remote work is subjective and depends on preferences, industry, and lifestyle. Factors like the cost of living, climate, and personal interests play a vital role.
Rankings and circumstances change, so check for the latest information when evaluating a city for remote work.
Check out Forbes for a list of the best cities for remote workers.
Which Country Is Best for Remote Work?
There’s not just one country that is best for remote work. Several factors come into play when determining the ideal country for remote work, and the decision is mostly subjective based on personal preferences, lifestyle, and professional requirements.
Nonetheless, a few countries are typically viewed as desirable for remote work for various reasons, such as quality of life, infrastructure, cost of living, and legal considerations.
These are some of the best countries for remote work:
- Canada.
From July 2023 onward, Canada is introducing a digital nomad visa. The initiative aims to attract more skilled professionals, particularly in the tech industry, to stimulate job creation. - Switzerland.
Switzerland is an ideal destination for remote workers due to its affordable living costs, excellent internet connectivity, and balanced work-life. It is a socially connected and inclusive country that offers safety, security, and access to diverse cultures and experiences. - Denmark.
Denmark is ranked as the best country for remote work in NordLayer’s Global Remote Work Index 2023. Despite its high living costs and expensive internet services, Denmark excels in social inclusiveness, internet quality, social safety, e-government, and healthcare. - Georgia.
Known as possibly the most welcoming country, Georgia is an Eastern European haven celebrated for its excellent wine and beautiful mountain scenery. The country has taken steps to attract digital nomads, offering various amenities and services to accommodate remote workers. - Iceland.
Iceland is ideal for tech professionals and remote workers. Its reliable internet, reasonable living costs, and mild weather make it perfect for those with allergies or asthma. The friendly and welcoming locals enhance the appeal of living there.
If you’re using Slack to connect with your workmates, here are some of the best Slack practices you should know as a remote worker.
Are People Happier Working Remotely?
Yes, people are happier working remotely, according to a study conducted by Tracking Happiness. The research revealed that employees with the option to work remotely express higher levels of job satisfaction.
Individuals working from home full-time report an average happiness increase of 20% compared to those lacking the opportunity to work remotely. Read more about it on Forbes.
Choosing the Best Place for Remote Work Depends on You
Choosing the best remote work location depends on personal preferences, including lifestyle, climate, culture, family, affordability, health, work style, networking opportunities, internet access, and legal considerations.
In essence, the best place for remote work is subjective and varies based on individual needs and values, contributing to greater happiness and productivity for remote workers.
