As we settle into the “new normal” following the COVID-19 pandemic, remote and hybrid work arrangements have become a permanent fixture in the corporate landscape. The shift towards telecommuting has opened up opportunities for employees to work from anywhere, but not all cities offer the same conducive environment for efficient remote work. According to a report from CoworkingCafe, the best cities for remote workers include various factors that contribute to a balanced lifestyle, such as remote work infrastructure, economic stability, connectivity, and quality of life. Here are the cities ranked highest in these attributes.
Atlanta: The Top Destination for Remote Workers
Atlanta, Georgia, takes the lead as the best city for remote workers. With a thriving telecommuting culture, nearly 30 percent of its workforce embraces remote work, offering a diverse range of leisure options with 679 entertainment establishments per 100,000 residents. Atlanta also boasts robust infrastructure support for flexible work, with 22 coworking spaces per 100,000 residents and 30 public Wi-Fi hotspots per 100,000 residents. This balanced approach to remote work and vibrant leisure scene catapults Atlanta to the forefront of telecommuting havens.
Seattle: A Hub for Remote Work and High Salaries
Seattle, Washington, secures second place with 36 percent of the working population telecommuting and a median income of $73,500. The city’s extensive airport network makes it a viable choice for hybrid employees, allowing occasional in-person meetings while enjoying the benefits of remote work.
Arlington, VA: A Lucrative Landscape for Professionals
Arlington, Virginia, offers a lucrative landscape for remote professionals with the highest median income in the nation at $87,000 and a substantial 35.8 percent share of remote workers. The city also boasts a low unemployment rate of just 2 percent and exceptional broadband Internet coverage of 99.2 percent, ensuring top-tier connectivity.
Washington, D.C.: Close Competitor in the Remote Work Category
Washington, D.C., is a worthy challenger for remote work, with 34 percent of workers telecommuting and 14 coworking spaces per 100,000 residents. The city’s impressive median income of $74,436 and a Walk Score of 76.7 make it one of the most livable big cities for remote professionals.
San Francisco: Balancing Work and Quality of Life
San Francisco, California, stands out on the West Coast, offering urban charm and accessibility with an exceptional Walk Score of 88.7. The city’s commitment to work-life balance, coupled with its vibrant cultural scene, provides an inviting environment for remote workers. Four airports within a 70-mile radius ensure easy access for occasional in-person meetings.
Scottsdale, AZ: Strong Job Security and Financial Indicators
Scottsdale, Arizona, shines in terms of job security, with a 2.6 percent unemployment rate and a $61,500 median income. The city also excels in the remote work and connectivity categories, with 34 percent of workers telecommuting and an average internet speed of 495 Mbps.
Denver, CO: Consistently High Scores Across the Board
Denver, Colorado, consistently scores high across various metrics, with excellent broadband Internet coverage of 99.1 percent and a strong presence of coworking spaces. Denver’s well-rounded profile makes it a compelling destination for remote workers.
Austin, TX: Thriving Economy and Job Market
Austin, Texas, boasts a thriving economy with a 3 percent unemployment rate and a median income of $53,729. The city received high scores across all subgroups, making it a well-rounded destination for remote workers.
Minneapolis, MN: Affordable, Connected, and Enjoyable
Minneapolis, Minnesota, beckons remote workers with affordable prices, great connectivity, and ample entertainment options. The city’s cost of living score is below the national average, and 98.7 percent of addresses have access to broadband Internet.
Pittsburgh, PA: A Hub for Remote Work and Quality of Life
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, claims the 10th spot with a high density of coworking spaces, the second-lowest cost of living score in the top 10, and a vibrant social scene. The city offers manageable long-distance visits with four airports within a 70-mile radius.
