Best Cities for Remote Work in the U.S.
Remote work is here to stay, but not every city makes it easy to thrive when your office is at home (or a coffee shop). The best remote work cities combine strong infrastructure with a lifestyle that supports flexibility—think fast internet, coworking spaces, community resources, and neighborhoods that feel good to live in when you’re not commuting.
Qualifications used for Qualifying Best Cities for Remote Work in the U.S.
This list highlights U.S. cities where remote workers can get their jobs done and enjoy a balanced life. We looked at:
- Internet quality & availability – consistent high-speed broadband or fiber.
- Coworking and third spaces – from dedicated coworking hubs to vibrant cafés.
- Cost of living vs. salary potential – stretching your dollar without giving up essentials.
- Lifestyle & amenities – parks, culture, and neighborhoods that make being home more enjoyable.
- Community & networking – cities with meetups, tech events, and peer support for remote workers.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a hybrid worker looking to settle, or someone planning a full relocation, these cities offer a great mix of work capability and life satisfaction.
Notable Cities for Remote Workers
Austin, TX
A national leader for tech and creative industries with robust coworking options and a culture that embraces flexible work.
What Works: Austin’s tech roots and independent spirit make it ideal for remote workers. Spaces like Capital Factory, The Refinery, and Industrious fill up with start-up teams and freelancers. Gigabit fiber is common, the cost of living remains reasonable for a major city, and Texas’s lack of state income tax adds appeal.
Boise, ID
Affordable housing, mountain views, and a growing number of coworking spaces make Boise appealing for remote professionals.
What Works: Boise’s mix of affordability and outdoor access is rare. Coworking hubs like Trailhead and The Switchboard attract a blend of tech talent and small-business owners. Broadband coverage is strong, and the walkable downtown gives remote life a community feel.
Boulder, CO
Fast internet, strong coffee culture, and endless outdoor options for midday breaks.
What Works: Google Fiber and other high-speed providers make connectivity effortless. Coworking spaces like Kiln and Galvanize mix remote tech workers with startups. With trails minutes from downtown, work-life balance isn’t a goal — it’s the default.
Burlington, VT
Charming downtown, fiber internet in many neighborhoods, and a strong independent business scene.
What Works: Burlington runs on local energy. The gig-speed network from Burlington Telecom powers both homes and coworking hubs like Hula Lakeside. It’s popular with creatives and remote professionals who want nature, culture, and walkability in one place.
Chattanooga, TN
Known for citywide gig-speed internet and a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs.
What Works: Chattanooga was one of the first U.S. cities to install citywide fiber, offering some of the fastest speeds in the country. It's Innovation District and coworking spaces like Society of Work built a real remote-work community long before it was trendy.
Denver, CO
A large tech workforce, reliable transit, and a mix of coworking spots across the metro.
What Works: Denver supports both startup pros and independent workers. Spaces like Enterprise Coworking and Green Spaces draw remote employees year-round. The airport connectivity and light-rail network make business travel easy, and the mountains keep downtime fresh.
Durham, NC
Part of the Research Triangle, with affordable living compared to many tech hubs.
What Works: Durham’s remote-work appeal lies in balance, access to innovation without big-city prices. Coworking communities like American Underground and Perch Coworking cater to tech and creative professionals. The area’s fiber coverage is excellent and expanding fast.
Fayetteville, AR
Low cost of living, outdoor recreation, and a small but growing remote-work network.
What Works: With a low median home price and access to the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville fits remote workers who value affordability and calm. The city’s broadband access has improved dramatically, and the University of Arkansas adds energy and culture.
Fort Collins, CO
Relaxed college-town energy with high connectivity and access to outdoor recreation.
What Works: Home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins combines good broadband with an educated workforce and a strong craft-beer scene. Remote workers gather at spaces like Cohere Coworking and in the cafés along College Avenue.
Madison, WI
Ranked high for quality of life, with strong broadband and walkable neighborhoods.
What Works: Madison’s digital infrastructure supports its growing tech base. Coworking options like 100state and Synergy Center keep freelancers and startups connected. Its progressive culture and short commutes make it an easy city to live and work in.
Minneapolis, MN
Dense coworking network, high-speed internet, and year-round cultural events.
What Works: The Twin Cities boast dozens of coworking spaces and reliable broadband coverage. Minneapolis supports both corporate remote workers and creatives with places like Fueled Collective. The cost of living stays moderate for a major metro, and the cultural scene keeps winters lively.
Nashville, TN
Great for creatives and entrepreneurs, with plenty of shared workspaces and an energetic community.
What Works: Nashville attracts remote musicians, designers, and small-business owners. Coworking spaces like The WELD and Industrious tap into that creative economy. The city’s cost advantage over other music hubs adds to its draw.
Portland, ME
Coastal scenery, strong local food scene, and more coworking options than most small cities.
What Works: Remote workers come for the lifestyle and stay for the fiber. Portland’s coworking scene, Think Tank, CloudPort, and LocalHost, supports startups and freelancers alike. You can step out of a Zoom call and be by the water in minutes.
Raleigh, NC
High quality of life, strong internet coverage, and a range of housing options for different budgets.
What Works: Raleigh’s strong tech base and reasonable home prices make it ideal for full-time remote employees. Gigabit internet is common, coworking is plentiful, and the overall vibe is both professional and family-friendly.
Salt Lake City, UT
Tech-friendly environment with easy access to mountains for quick escapes.
What Works: Salt Lake City’s “Silicon Slopes” tech ecosystem keeps remote opportunities flowing. Coworking spaces like Kiln and The Shop foster collaboration. The proximity to ski resorts and hiking trails makes off-hours rejuvenating.
San Diego, CA
Sunshine, beachside work spots, and a growing community of remote tech workers.
What Works: San Diego’s balance of lifestyle and productivity stands out. Coworking spaces like Downtown Works and Moniker Commons cater to freelancers and start-up pros. Reliable broadband, a mild climate, and coffee shops built for laptop work make it a natural fit.
Santa Fe, NM
Ideal for remote creatives, with slower-paced living and inspiring surroundings.
What Works: Santa Fe’s art culture, mountain light, and growing broadband capacity attract writers, designers, and remote therapists. Coworking spots like Co-Fe and The Center for Progress and Innovation bring structure to a city better known for solitude.
Seattle, WA
Major tech presence, reliable internet, and a deep pool of professional networks.
What Works: Seattle’s mix of global companies and remote freelancers creates strong community overlap. Coworking options like The Riveter and Works Progress cater to every industry. You get both career opportunity and access to the outdoors — a rare combo.
St. Petersburg, FL
Waterfront living, ample coworking, and a thriving arts community.
What Works: St. Pete’s downtown revival brought with it a new generation of remote professionals. The Station House and Rising Tide coworking hubs anchor a network of creatives and entrepreneurs. Sunshine and strong internet make it an appealing year-round base.
Tucson, AZ
Affordable living and sunny weather, with a growing tech and startup community.
What Works: Tucson’s affordability stands out for remote workers escaping higher-cost states. The broadband network is strong, and coworking options like Connect Coworking foster a tight-knit professional community. Outdoor recreation is built into daily life.
Is a Remote Work City Right for You?
A remote work-friendly city can improve your productivity, help you build a new community, and give you more control over your lifestyle. If you’re looking to relocate, think about what balance you want between affordability, climate, and access to amenities.
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FAQ for Remote Work Cities
Q: What makes a city great for remote work?
A: Fast internet, affordable living, reliable coworking or public workspaces, and a local culture that supports flexible schedules all play a role.
Q: Are smaller cities good for remote workers?
A: Many smaller cities now have fiber internet, coworking hubs, and lower costs, making them strong choices for remote workers.
Q: How do I choose the right city for my remote work lifestyle?
A: Think about your priorities, climate, housing costs, access to outdoor activities, and local networking opportunities, and use tools like the LookyLOO quiz to match them.
Q: Can I find remote work communities in these cities?
A: Yes. Many cities host regular networking events, tech meetups, and social gatherings for remote professionals. Go through the coworking spaces and you'll typically see they host or promote meetups.