The Top 7 Best Cities in the US for Remote Workers in 2023
Working RemotelyDigital Nomads
The 7 best cities in the US for remote workers have lots of perks going for them — some even pay you to move there! Check out our fave remote-friendly cities now:
What are the best cities in the US for remote workers in 2023?
You’ve come to the right place to find out!
As the planet’s largest remote work community, the We Work Remotely tribe has a first-hand perspective of what makes a city great for people working from anywhere.
So we’ve narrowed down their fave cities to share our top seven picks for 2023. We based our rankings on a few factors, such as:
- What cities pay you to move there as a remote worker (it’s true!)
- The perks of living there, such as what you’ll be able to do in your free time, whether it’s easy to find a WFH community, access to affordable, fast WiFi, etc.
- The cost of living and government incentives that may help drive these costs down.
- COVID-19 considerations for residents’ health, safety, and return to “normalcy.”
Not being confined to a cubicle in a set zip code is one of the biggest perks of remote work. The world is truly your oyster! Be sure to check out our guide to relocating within the US.
So grab a coffee or tea and see if you can imagine yourself living in one of these top cities for remote workers in the near future.
The Top 7 Best Cities for Remote Workers to Live in 2023 (US Edition)
In today’s guide, our suggestions for where to move if you work remotely are all based in the US. But if you’re looking for international options, check out our guide on The 7 Best Cities to Work Remotely When You’re a Digital Nomad.
Maybe you’ll spend 2032 traveling through all 14 cities on both lists. Or maybe you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in:
1. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Can you imagine getting paid $10,000 in cash to move somewhere?
It’s true — and 100% possible — in Tulsa.
The Tulsa Remote program gives remote workers a $10,000 grant that when you relocate to Tulsa and stay for 12 months.
Roughly 2,500 people have already moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to take advantage of this insanely generous offer, and you could be next.
You’ll have access to an outstanding coworking space in the heart of downtown and a remote community that’s already established, connected, and ready to welcome newcomers who move there.
Plus, the overall cost of living in Tulsa is 8% lower than the national average [*]. Housing is 35% lower, healthcare is 9% lower, and groceries are 5% lower than national averages too.
Since Covid sadly isn’t an afterthought yet, you’ll be happy to know that Tulsa strikes the perfect balance between fostering community togetherness and keeping everyone safe.
All those reasons (and more!) are why we think Tulsa may be the best city for remote workers in 2023. But it’s not the only city that caught our eye…
2. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, is also one of the best cities to work remotely in the US.
That’s because you’ll score a slightly lower cost of living — 8.4% below the national average — and find inspiration from the incredible views and natural scenery daily.
Getting out to hike, meditate, or even eat your meals al fresco in this unique setting is a huge perk for remote workers’ mental health, especially if you spend most of your day inside behind a screen.
So grab your laptop, and join Tucson’s growing freelance community. The city’s packed with plenty of coworking spaces to choose from.
And despite Covid concerns, Tucson’s economy is in great shape and thriving, making it an excellent choice if this virus continues to be a thorn in our sides.
3. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll also find stunning views and hiking trails in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The city boasts a 3% lower cost of living than the national average. And you can eat all the delicious Moon Pies you want, which, fun fact, were invented there.
You’ll also never be plagued by slow WiFi if you decide to move to Chattanooga.
Thanks to their 10-gigabit broadband network, you can say sayonara to connection issues when working from home or at one of their many coworking spaces.
But here’s the icing on the cake:
Tennessee is one of eight states without an income tax (the others include Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming). That’s why it’s often considered the best state for remote workers.
Live here, and you’ll get to pocket more of your hard-earned cash to save up for a new WFH office setup or your dream vacation sooner.
Speaking of that, the city is so convinced that you’ll fall in love with Chattanooga in just one visit, they encourage people considering a move there to try a workation — aka a work vacation.
Try working remotely there for a week, and take in everything that makes this town rank high on our list for yourself.
Or use this template to ask for time off from work and give in to your wanderlust!
4. Lincoln, Kansas
Lincoln is also attracting attention with its new initiative:
It’s giving away 21 lots of land in a newly created subdivision as part of their Free Home Sites Initiative for remote workers.
This beautiful locale offers picturesque rolling hills that overlook the Saline River. Lincoln also touts a fantastic school system, plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, and a rich history that dates back to the 1870s.
So if you’re looking for an affordable small town with character, add Lincoln to your list.
5. Topeka, Kansas
If you’ve ever wondered what cities pay you to move there, Topeka is one of them.
They’ll give you $5,000 if you rent in the city while working remotely for the first year. Then they’ll offer remote workers up to $10,000 toward the purchase of a home there.
As for the city itself, Topeka’s known for a 10% lower cost of living, its massive and beautiful Lake Shawnee, and its crown jewel: the 160-acre Gage Park.
You’ll also have access to top-rated zoos, aquatic centers, and more enriching activities. So Topeka truly is the perfect location for the whole family.
6. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina, consistently ranks as one of the best places to work remotely.
That could be due to its comfortably perfect year-round weather, its rich and diverse food scene, its endless music festival options, or all its gorgeous parks and hiking trails.
Whatever draws you there will be just the beginning of what’s in store when you relocate to Raleigh. You won’t want to leave this overall safe and welcoming environment on the East coast.
Another unique fact about Raleigh?
The locals say the town is divided into 11 unique areas, each beaming with its own personality, quirks, and attractions. So you can quickly find the one that’s right for you and settle in like it’s always been home.
7. Cincinnati, Ohio
Rounding out our list of the best places to work remotely in the US is Cincinnati, Ohio.
One of the biggest reasons remote workers give Cincinnati high praise is its affordability. The cost of living is 8% lower than the national average, housing is a staggering 24% lower, and groceries are 9% lower here [*].
So you can really get the most value for your dollar. And that’s a good thing because there’s so much you’ll want to do when you’re off the clock.
Besides the awesome sports teams, you’ll find over 40 unique breweries — some on rooftops and others in old churches — and a massive park system featuring hiking trails, dog parks, nature centers, and serene lakes.
Wander Cincinnati also mentions its growing food scene, incredible architecture, and cozy neighborhoods as some other reasons to consider moving there.
There are also plenty of coworking spaces to choose from. And their internet? Lightning-fast.
That’s why so many remote teams say Cincinnati is the best place for remote workers to live, work, and play.
So Which Of The Best Cities for Remote Workers Made Your Potential Relocation List?
After reading this guide on the best cities for remote workers, you may be thinking a move is in your near future — fantastic news!
Spend some time researching your top picks. Then plan a visit to your favorites, see how you feel once you’re there, and narrow down the best city for you and your family.
Not the planning type? Take an extended workcation and try working remotely in a few cities before you call one your perfect fit.
That’s the beauty of working remotely — you can work wherever you want or settle down into a new forever (or for now) home when somewhere just feels right.
Psst! Scouting international locales too? Check out The 7 Best Cities to Work Remotely When You’re a Digital Nomad to broaden your search across the globe.
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