According to research by MBO Partners, as of 2020, around 11 million Americans are working as digital nomads, and this number is expected to grow further in the coming years. When it comes to age demographics, millennials lead the way followed by an almost equal split between Gen Z, Gen X, and Baby Boomers.
For digital nomads looking for their next destination to live and work, this article by Bad Coffee Club‘s guest author Naomi Johnson (Life-Based Business) has curated a list of the best cities to choose from across the United States.
Jacksonville, Florida
As reported by WJCT News, Jacksonville is the number one city for digital nomads. This comes as no surprise owing to the city’s picturesque sandy beaches, in addition to year-round warm weather, almost giving you the impression that you’re on a holiday. Additionally, there is an abundance of co-working spaces spread across the city, allowing you to telecommute with ease.
When it comes to housing, Jacksonville is one of the most affordable cities with monthly rent ranging between $960-$1,100.
Austin, Texas
Austin is a city that has a bit of everything. If you love music, there are more than a few bands playing each week. For foodies, the city is a culinary paradise with numerous iconic restaurants that serve the famous Tex-Mex cuisine. Additionally, with museums spread across the city, art lovers can expect to have their plates full each weekend.
If you happen to find an amazing remote position in Austin, you’ll enjoy the benefit of paying no state income tax.
As for accommodation, expect your monthly cost to be around $1,700.
Asheville, North Carolina
The city of Asheville can be considered a hidden gem for digital nomads. Being located at the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, few places can match the ambiance Asheville provides. Additionally, the city has a modest population of around 100,000 allowing you to become a part of a close-knit community and be away from the usual bustle of major cities.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll never run out of options in Asheville, which include hiking trails, mountain biking, picnic grounds, rafting, canoeing, and more.
Depending on the area you choose to live in, your monthly rent will vary between $1,400 – $1,600.
Las Vegas, Nevada
When looking for the perfect balance between convenience, affordability, and work opportunities, look no further than Las Vegas. Finding housing in Sin City is easier than in others. You can choose to live in a home on a per night basis, find shared accommodation, or even a hotel that provides affordable long-term packages.
Individuals who love to socialize will have no problem assimilating into their new home, but even if you like to enjoy your own company, the sheer convenience of the city is guaranteed to win you over. Whether it’s food, medicines, or other necessities, you can be confident of having it delivered at any time of the day.
The average rent in the city ranges between $1,100 – $1,300.
Regardless of the city you choose, here is a simple three-step process to find a place to stay:
- Research the local housing market and understand average rent and cost of living.
- Use rental websites such as Zillow, Rent.com, etc. to shortlist homes.
- Consider a short-term rental at first and then transition into a longer lease.
In addition to choosing a great location, here are a few other considerations to keep in mind when working as a digital nomad:
- Protect yourself from work-related liabilities by establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC). As LLC requirements differ by state, use a formation service to help you get registered.
- Always enter into a signed contract before starting projects which highlight the compensation, deliverables, and timeline.
- Prioritize your health by having a fixed work routine balanced by daily self-care activities.
- Work towards establishing a long-term relationship with clients which translates into a reliable income stream. You can achieve this by providing constant high-quality work, maintaining good communication, and adhering to deadlines.
There has never been a better time to be a digital nomad than the present. So choose your city, pack your bags and embark on the next chapter on your professional journey.
