The professional landscape has undergone a significant change over the past ten years due to advancements in technology. This has enabled people to move away from traditional office spaces and embrace remote working. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend, causing individuals to reconsider not just their work approach, but also their preferred location of residence.
At the height of the pandemic, approximately 71% of the American workforce engaged in remote work from home. According to a 2020 survey conducted by Upwork, it was predicted that by 2025, the percentage of remote workers in the American workforce would increase by 87% from the pre-pandemic period, reaching a total of 22%.
The global phenomenon of remote work is evident, as research shows that almost half of all employed EU citizens wish to work from home after the pandemic, representing a significant rise compared to the period before the pandemic.
In the US alone, the number of digital nomads, who opt for a location-independent lifestyle that combines travel and remote work, rose from 10.2 million in 2021 to 11.1 million in 2022. This demonstrates that remote workers are actively seeking better quality of life by selecting their preferred locations.
As the possibility of remote work becoming the norm increases, the choices for selecting a place to live are growing exponentially. People have diverse preferences when it comes to their ideal location, whether they are attracted to the excitement of a bustling city, the peacefulness of a coastal town, or the quaintness of a rural village.
Benefits of being a digital nomad
A chance to see the world
The most probable reason for becoming an online nomad is the ability to incorporate travel into your life on a regular basis instead of just taking two weeks off a year. By temporarily immersing yourself in new environments, you can find inspiration, acquire knowledge of a new language, and familiarize yourself with other cultures.
You have the flexibility to work from any place where you feel most productive, whether it is a trendy cafe, a digital nomad community hub, or a funky coworking space.
Better work-life balance
Being a digital nomad grants you a higher degree of control over your schedule, normally. You have the flexibility to begin earlier or end later, and during the day, you can arrange meet-ups with friends for lunch, engage in physical activity, explore attractions, or simply indulge in activities that bring you joy.
Digital nomads can choose to work during their most productive hours and take breaks when they feel the need. Many online wanderers express improved mental well-being, reduced stress levels, and a stronger sense of connection to their surroundings.
Be part of a global community
The global nomad community is highly diverse in its international composition. Besides interacting with locals, you will also have the opportunity to meet digital nomads from various parts of the globe, whom you might not have encountered otherwise. Apart from enhancing your ability to communicate across cultures, establishing friendships with individuals from diverse backgrounds always provides new perspectives.
Save money and pay off debts
As housing and living expenses continue to escalate globally, individuals are increasingly opting for minimalistic living arrangements and exploring alternative ways of life. Engaging in digital nomading enables individuals to dwell in regions with lower living expenses.
Living overseas can lead to financial savings due to reduced obligations such as rent, mortgage, and energy expenses. By strategizing wisely, it may even be possible to pay off student loans earlier than initially anticipated.
Best places for digital nomads
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis offers a combination of a friendly community, a growing tech industry, and a low cost of living. With a fast median internet speed of approximately 200.14 Mbps and over 1,200 free Wi-Fi hotspots available, it becomes an appealing destination for remote workers.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The report labeled Pittsburgh as a prime location for hiring remote software engineers. With a median monthly rent below $1,300 for a 1-bedroom apartment, it is considered one of the most cost-effective places to reside in the United States. Moreover, the city provides numerous coffee shops and bars where digital nomads can work away from their residences.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is renowned for its tech industry and research institutions, providing both a high quality of life and a reasonably affordable monthly cost of living for individuals below $2,200. Additionally, the city holds the top position on Wi-Fi Map, boasting a median internet download speed of 279.59 Mbps.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, recognized as a tech hub, provides an excellent standard of living and access to breathtaking natural landscapes, despite having a higher cost of living compared to numerous other cities mentioned. The city boasts a desirable walkability score of 74.4, ensuring an abundance of workspaces and availability of over 1,300 free Wi-Fi hotspots.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
With a median internet speed of approximately 237.91 Mbps and over 500 free Wi-Fi hotspots, Oklahoma City is deemed as one of the most affordable locations in the United States to work remotely, considering its median monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment being $877.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is renowned for its music scene and additionally provides an affordable cost of living and a welcoming community. Forbes has noted that Tennessee has comparatively lower tax rates nationwide, and 82.4% of homes in the state have access to broadband.
Austin, Texas
According to CNBC, around 38% of residents in the tech-centric city of Austin were working remotely in 2021, while also enjoying its vibrant cultural atmosphere and lower cost of living compared to other tech hubs.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, with a liveability score of 91, a walkability score of 61.5, and a low cost of living, is considered one of the top choices for individuals working remotely. Moreover, the city boasts affordable rentals, with the average monthly median rent for a studio apartment being approximately $1,145.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, renowned for its entertainment industry, provides a living cost that is less than $2,300 and a tax climate that is advantageous. With over 2,500 free Wi-Fi hotspots, the city is placed fifth on Wi-Fi Map.
Jacksonville, Florida
With a cost of living below $2,200, a favorable climate, and a thriving arts and culture scene, Jacksonville offers an ideal environment for remote working. The city provides over 1,200 free Wi-Fi hotspots, boasting a decent internet speed of approximately 237.12 Mbps, making it one of the top choices for remote living.
Honolulu, Hawaii
For those digital nomads who are not worried about the expensive cost of living, Honolulu provides an excellent option due to its close proximity to nature. Despite having a higher cost of living compared to the rest of the country, the city offers a stunning tropical environment and a relaxed way of life, along with reliable internet speed.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is renowned for its outdoor amenities and recreational opportunities, making it a perfect choice for remote workers. According to a study, Madison ranks as one of the top cities in the United States for remote workers, accounting for 23% of the remote workforce.
Portland, Oregon
Known for its environmental friendliness, cultural amenities, and creative, laid-back vibe, Portland achieves a liveability score of 90 on the Best Cities to Live in the USA index, ranking 28th. Additionally, the city is home to more than 1,600 free Wi-Fi hotspots.
Leave a Reply