If your job lets you work from anywhere, why keep grinding in a place that doesn't suit your lifestyle? More and more people are packing up and moving to cities that better match their values, lifestyle, and budget. Thanks to fast Wi-Fi, widespread coworking hubs, and flexible work norms, remote work is unlocking places you might not have considered before.
In 2025, remote-friendly cities in growth mode are those offering a rare mix of affordability (some but not all), culture, community, strong infrastructure, and access to nature or urban fun. People moving for remote work aren’t just chasing cheap rent—they’re looking for better day-to-day experiences and places that spark joy or peace, depending on what they need. These cities are thriving as a result.
Cities Covered
- Boulder, CO
- Asheville, NC
- Madison, WI
- Bend, OR
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Boise, ID
- Santa Fe, NM
- Durham, NC
- Fayetteville, AR
- Eugene, OR
Boulder, CO
The Vibe
Upscale outdoorsy. Think Patagonia jackets, kombucha on tap, and mountain views from your office window.
What Works
Super fast Wi-Fi, strong health-conscious community, loads of trails, and a high concentration of knowledge workers.
What to Watch Out For
Expensive housing and a somewhat insular culture (not much diversity); can feel more like a bubble.
Is This City Right for You?
Ideal for those who love outdoor adventures, sustainability, and a tight-knit, high-achieving remote scene.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Boulder to learn more.
Asheville, NC
The Vibe
Bohemian mountain town. Think street music, indie bookstores, and weekend hikes.
What Works
Active arts and music scene, affordable housing, walkable downtown, and multiple coworking spaces.
What to Watch Out For
Limited public transit and job options if you ever go hybrid.
Is This City Right for You?
Best if you want creative energy, community connection, and don’t mind a smaller town feel.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Asheville to learn more.
Madison, WI
The Vibe
College town meets capital city. Progressive and smart, with plenty of coffee and bikes.
What Works
Lots of parks and lakes, good infrastructure, a strong local tech presence, and excellent public services.
What to Watch Out For
Cold winters and potential isolation if you don’t plug into community life.
Is This City Right for You?
Great for socially conscious remote workers who want Midwestern charm and livability.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Madison to learn more.
Bend, OR
The Vibe
Outdoorsy startup town. Zoom in the morning, mountain biking by noon.
What Works
Fast internet, high quality of life, rapidly growing community of freelancers and remote tech workers.
What to Watch Out For
Growing pains from popularity, including higher costs and some infrastructure strain.
Is This City Right for You?
Perfect for people who want small-town scale and major natural access.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Bend to learn more.
St. Petersburg, FL
The Vibe
Laid-back Gulf Coast charm meets urban artsy buzz.
What Works
Vibrant LGBTQ+ community, warm climate, solid tech infrastructure, and beachside relaxation.
What to Watch Out For
Humidity, seasonal tourism traffic, and a slower pace that’s not for everyone.
Is This City Right for You?
A good match for those who want sun, space, and strong local culture without Miami costs.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into St. Petersburg to learn more.
Boise, ID
The Vibe
Up-and-coming mountain metro. A city that still feels like a town.
What Works
Clean, safe, affordable, growing tech scene, and tons of outdoor adventure.
What to Watch Out For
Cultural scene is still catching up; limited diversity.
Is This City Right for You?
Great if you want affordability, nature, and a sense of new energy.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Boise to learn more.
Santa Fe, NM
The Vibe
Artistic desert oasis. Rustic charm, adobe architecture, and an arts scene rooted in history.
What Works
Inspiration everywhere, low-key lifestyle, sunny skies, and thriving remote creative economy.
What to Watch Out For
Limited nightlife and not much urban buzz.
Is This City Right for You?
Best for creatives, writers, and thinkers craving tranquility and scenery.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Santa Fe to learn more.
Durham, NC
The Vibe
Chill college-meets-startup town. A little bit Southern, a little bit Brooklyn.
What Works
Affordable housing, diversity, strong health and research sectors, growing food and beer scene.
What to Watch Out For
Pockets of gentrification and uneven development.
Is This City Right for You?
A solid pick for progressive professionals looking for balance and opportunity.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Durham to learn more.
Fayetteville, AR
The Vibe
Quirky, friendly, and affordable. Unexpected energy tucked into the Ozarks.
What Works
Good cost of living, university energy, rapid infrastructure growth, and an emerging creative economy.
What to Watch Out For
Still maturing culturally and professionally.
Is This City Right for You?
For remote workers who want to get in early on a rising small city.
Eugene, OR
The Vibe
Hippie meets hacker. Funky, green, and buzzing with alternative ideas.
What Works
Strong Wi-Fi, walkable neighborhoods, great food and bike culture, supportive community.
What to Watch Out For
Rainy months and fewer large-scale job options.
Is This City Right for You?
Ideal for freelancers or creatives seeking community and quality of life over prestige.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Eugene to learn more.
Ready to find your match?
Check out our City Search Quiz or explore the full city profiles to compare housing, lifestyle, and community fit across hundreds of U.S. cities.