Best U.S. Cities for Working Remotely

As our work continues to shift more toward cloud-based collaboration and digitized processes, the office is also evolving from a sedentary setting with conference rooms and whiteboards to wherever in the world we can check emails and send messages on Slack. With leading businesses like Adobe, Salesforce, and Twitter completely switching to hybrid or fully remote work models and the number of people working from home has risen by nearly 160% since in the last decade, now’s the time to start thinking about where you want to sit with your coffee and morning emails next quarter.

“While travel restrictions keep changing, many travelers are looking to stay domestic for the time being. But that doesn’t mean you’re restricted! Staying in the US still means having nearly four million square miles of country to choose from, with each state and city having its own benefits and charm to accompany you on your next Zoom meeting.” Says Abby Prince, ProSearch Director

But where to go? There are so many things to consider when choosing your next place to live: rent/living costs, things to do, internet connection, and ease of travel, just to name a few. Taking all of these different criteria into consideration, we’ve compiled a shortlist of destinations for your next WFH paradise:

Boulder, Colorado

Sitting at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder tops U.S. News & World Report’s “150 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2021-2022.” This college town is known for its breweries and hiking and climbing communities, but it’s quickly become a hub of travelers and digital nomads who come to enjoy the plethora of outdoor adventures and open space.

Portland, Maine

With its beautiful coastline, the highest count of craft breweries per capita in the country, and a state tax credit that offers student loan reimbursement for anyone who finished their undergraduate degree in the US after 2015, it’s no wonder why the Portland of the east (not to be confused with its name twin in Oregon) consistently ranks high on the best places to live in the US. Portland is still considered a smaller city with a population under 70,000, but its supportive business climate and high quality of life is calling more and more new residents every year.

Tucson, Arizona

Ranked by Livability among the Top 10 Remote-Ready Cities in the U.S., Tucson is a rising hub for freelancers and remote workers with a number of co-working spaces that have survived lockdown and offer a place to network and mingle while getting your work done. The city’s southwestern climate allows year-round outdoor activity for those who shake out their work jitters on hiking trails or climbing walls, and the arts and culture scene provides top-tier venues and galleries to inspire you.

Irvine, California

For anyone who wants to enjoy the California sunshine without the California traffic and hustle, Irvine ranks on CommercialCafe’s “Best Cities for Working Remotely in the U.S.” As the state’s top city for remote work, Irvine is still a relatively expensive city when comparing apartment rent prices against the national average, although still below cities like San Francisco, Santa Monica, and San Jose. For those looking for beach weather to go with their Slack notifications, the city boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine per year and an annual low-temperature average of 52 degrees.

Washington DC

It’s no surprise that the nation’s capital sits in the top 10 cities for remote workers. Home to hundreds of corporate headquarters and 177 national embassies, Washington DC is the place to be for networking and connecting with history and culture, especially if you want a bustling nightlife and restaurant scene for after-work festivities.

Where to go from here

The culture of work is changing, and more and more companies are switching to fully remote models, so why not go with the tide and take your next conference call while having lobstah in Bah Habah or while looking at a beautiful Arizona sunset? While you pack your bags and check Zillow listings, we’re here to help you find a great position and company that will fit your goals and lifestyle. Check out our blog to read more on news and trends, or reach out to us to learn how we can help with your next placement.