The Best Cities to Work Remotely in the USA
Still working from home? Move to one of these inspiring US cities
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If the pandemic brought one positive, it was the fact we could attend a meeting in our pyjamas. So why continue to live close to the office if you're no longer going in to work? This is your chance to leave a dead-end town or oppressive city for pastures new. The best thing about this adventure is you can take your pay cheque with you. We experts here at Plum Guide have scoured the USA for the cities that offer you the best quality of life (and consistent WiFi) - now your commute time will be replaced by outdoor activities, museum visits, and dinner dates. Take the leap and become a digital nomad in one of the best cities to work remotely in the USA.
Boulder, Colorado
A view of large cliffs at the Flatirons at sunset, Boulder, Colorado, USA
If what you're looking for is a change of scenery, then head straight to Boulder. This effortlessly cool city is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and offers breathtaking vistas at every turn. Boulder is a gateway to the outdoors, and is home to hipsters, hikers, and college intellectuals alike. In the vibrant downtown, you'll find a collection of coffee shops perfect for laptop work, and craft breweries for evening mingling. This city is regularly named one of the happiest in America - with unrivalled access to green space and bicycle lanes, it's easy to see why. If getting into an extreme sport has been at the top of your bucket list, then tick it off here. Kayak, rock climb, cycle, paddle-board, hike, ski, or ride in the surrounding parks.
Music To Your Ears, Plum Guide home in Colorado, USA
Seattle, Washington
The city skyline with skyscrapers at sunset, Seattle, Washington, USA
Seattle is for those of you looking for a big city with easy access to an even greater outdoors. This city is the largest in northwest America, and is a popular tech and startup hub - its popularity means you'll find fast internet speed, co-working spaces, and cafes. In fact, the first-ever Starbucks opened its doors here, so you're never far away from an iced frappuccino. Get inspired for your next entrepreneurial adventure on a walk in one of the many parks - we love Discovery Park for its proximity to the shores of Puget Sound. If you want to get away for the weekend, you'll have plenty of choices. Opt for a ferry trip to the San Juan Islands, go hiking in Mount Rainer National Park, ski in North Cascades National Park, or even hop across the border to Vancouver, Canada.
Nashville, Tennessee
A view of the downtown skyline by the Cumberland River, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Digital nomads tend to set up camp where the internet speed is good, co-working spaces are rife, and good coffee shops lie around every corner. But most of all, remote workers are hankering after a good time. Music City brings that and more, making it one of the best cities to work remotely in the USA. This iconic city has been drawing wayward travellers, big dreamers, and country musicians since the early 20th century. Most people there have floated in on the wind, which means you'll find a transient community with open arms, always happy to say hello at the bar. The best time you'll have in Nashville is when work has just finished. Join the crowds in Lower Broadway, and listen to the next rising star in one of the city's many Honky-Tonks. With this much creative spirit, neighbourhoods are flourishing - you'll find indie coffeehouses, innovative bakeries, breweries, and distilleries.
The Honky Tonk, Plum Guide home in Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Missoula, Montana
An aerial view of the city from atop a hill at sunset, Missoula, Montana, USA
Welcome to Big Sky County - this city offers a small-town vibe, and laidback living. There's not so much to do that you'll get distracted from your copywriting, but there are enough brewpubs, galleries, and food trucks to keep you occupied. If you're an artist, you will easily find inspiration here - Missoula is the gateway to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the USA. You'll be situated between Montana's crown jewels - Glacier, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone National Park. These open landscapes lead to progressive thinking, and Missoula hosts a thriving art scene - you'll find theatre groups, outdoor cinemas, and even an open amphitheatre. KettleHouse Amphitheater is situated on the river bank, and offers concerts with a spectacular view.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
A view of Fort Lauderdale Beach at sunset, Florida, USA
If you're looking to escape some miserable winters, head to Fort Lauderdale, Florida - this city offers sun almost year round. While Miami is The Sunshine State's beating heart, Fort Lauderdale offers a more affordable cost of living - so for life that's a little cheaper, we recommend coming here. It isn't just about Spring Break in these parts. Sure, you can still party in the pool at DAER Dayclub, but there's more to Fort Lauderdale than that - this city also has one of the best park systems of any Florida city. In seconds, you can go from the concrete jungle into a decidedly greener one. Kayak to a freshwater lagoon at Birch State Park, or take a boat into the Everglades to find alligators. The best thing about this city isn't only that it feels more like the tropics than the USA - it's also incredibly well connected. The train can get you to Miami and West Palm Beach, and two major airports connect you to Latin America.
Six Leaves Left, Plum Guide home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Portland, Maine
A white lighthouse by the sea in Portland, Maine, USA
No, we are not talking about Portland, Oregon. Sure that city is a good one, but Portland, Maine, has been listed as one of the most noteworthy cities in the USA. This unassuming coastal city may appear sleepy, but it's something of a startup and tech mecca. Portland packs a punch when it comes to eating out, and it has more craft breweries per capita than most other cities in the whole US. You will find more hipsters than fishmongers along the waterfront, and the redbrick warehouses boast galleries, cafes, shops, and bars. The perks of this small city don't stop there either - you'll also have access to spectacular nature in Maine's rugged coastline, deciduous forests, and marshland.
San Antonio, Texas
An aerial view of people at a cafe with colourful umbrellas by a river, San Antonio, Texas, USA
The discerning amongst you will realise that San Antonio, not Austin, is the city to visit in Texas - but why? It's one of the fastest growing in the USA. If you're looking to put down roots somewhere new, you'll be happy to know this city ranks in the top ten safest large cities in the US, and is more affordable than other Texan hotspots. This city is over 300 years old, so is full of history and Latin flare. Visit The Alamo, Market Square, and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to let your hair down after a day of meetings - San Antonio is great for walkability, and you'll find a network of waterside pathways. River Walk is a pedestrian street that winds around the river - a unique feature in petrol-guzzling America. Instead of having to get a car, you can take a stroll to your favourite working hub. Enjoy the warm temperatures and buzzing nightlife down by the water. And at the weekend, why not venture into Mexico?
Designs on You, Plum Guide home in Texas, USA
Sante Fe, New Mexico
Colourful pillars in a town square, Sante Fe, New Mexico, USA
Sante Fe is the closest you'll get to feeling like you're working in another country - the capital city of New Mexico is otherworldly. Due to the unique architecture and desert landscapes, it's drawn artists and artisans worldwide. You'll find boutique galleries, centuries-old churches, and high-quality museums at every turn. The only downside is you need slightly deeper pockets to live here. If you're lost for inspiration for that chapter you're writing, head to Sante Fe Plaza, and just people-watch - it's here that visitors and residents congregate for live music, outdoor dining, and markets. Many of the city's main attractions spool out from this hot spot. But Sante Fe doesn't just excel when it comes to culture - it also has high-desert charm. Use this city as a base to explore the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, as well as the Chihuahuan Desert, which stretches into Mexico.
Asheville, North Carolina
A small brick tunnel in a road surrounded by trees in Fall, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Asheville is the coolest small city you've never heard of. This picture-perfect spot is nestled right in the heart of North Carolina's mountains, and offers unrivalled access to green space. Due to its picturesque location, Asheville is home to a community of artists and hippies, making it a liberal bolthole in a conservative state. With mild weather all year round, it's easy to venture outside - digital nomads should visit in the fall when the trees are transformed into vivid hues. On weekends, take a digital detox in Chimney Rock State Park or Great Smoky Mountains National Park - and during the week, explore the waterfront River Arts District and historic art-deco downtown. Make new friends in one of the many microbreweries, and swap a microwave dinner for a feast in a New Southern restaurant.
Chestnut Bricks, Plum Guide home in Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Burlington, Vermont
A church at the end of a street lined with shops at night, Burlington, Vermont, USA
One of the best cities to work remotely in the USA is Burlington, and this isn't just because of its proximity to the ski slopes. Since 2020, this laidback state has been offering incentives to lucky workers looking to relocate. Eclectic Burlington is small by America's standards, but just the right size for turning your fast lifestyle down a notch. With a walkable downtown, bike paths, farmers' markets, green spaces, and a great food scene, it's a digital nomad's dream. Burlington is one of America's most sustainable and liveable cities - and will undoubtedly enable you to increase your quality of life. Replace your commute time with walks by the shores of Lake Champlain, and at the weekends, hike through the Green Mountain National Forest.
