Since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Americans working remotely has decreased; however, remote work is here to stay. According to WFH Research, nearly 30% of paid workdays for American employees in December 2023 were conducted from home.
Millions of U.S. workers now have the flexibility to choose where they live, prompting many to consider relocating to cities or states that offer lower living costs or are more conducive to remote working. So, where should remote workers think about moving?
By analyzing data from 100 U.S. cities, we identified the top ten destinations where remote workers might want to relocate. These cities excel in affordability, quality of life, and internet connectivity—criteria crucial for effective remote work.
A Note on Methodology
We assessed three primary factors to determine the best U.S. cities for remote work:
- Affordability: MarketWatch’s affordability rankings were employed, which account for income, unemployment rates, housing costs, and transportation expenditures, with each city’s overall index serving as a representation of its affordability.
- Quality of Life: U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings consider education quality, crime rates, well-being metrics, and air quality to score over 150 cities.
- Internet Speed: Speedtest data provided insight into each city’s internet connectivity, with median download speeds (in Mbps) used to assess performance.
Top U.S. Cities for Remote Workers to Relocate in 2024
1. Green Bay, WI
With a median home sale price of $245,000, Green Bay ranks first for affordability. It also scores well in quality of life (6.9) and internet speed (288.01 Mbps), making it an excellent choice for remote workers.
2. Raleigh, NC
While slightly more expensive with a median home sale price of $388,000, Raleigh boasts the fastest internet speeds on our list at 342.86 Mbps and maintains a solid quality of life score of 7.2.
3. Madison, WI
Madison, with a median home price of $371,000, offers a balanced environment with an affordability rating of 74.13 and quality of life (7.2), along with solid internet speeds (277.04 Mbps).
4. South Bend, IN
South Bend stands out with a low median home sale price of $145,000 while also achieving a quality of life rating of 6.9 and internet speed of 274.81 Mbps, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious remote workers.
5. Fayetteville, AR
Fayetteville’s median home price is $380,000, but it offers a high quality of life rating (7.0) and decent internet connectivity (255.64 Mbps), ensuring a conducive remote work environment.
6. Greenville, SC
While Greenville has an affordability rating of 71.25 and a median home price of $340,000, its quality of life (7.0) and internet speed (289.21 Mbps) make it a strong contender for remote workers.
Honorable Mentions
Besides the top ten, other cities scoring well in our analysis include:
- Montgomery, AL
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Winston-Salem, NC
- Jacksonville, FL
- Omaha, NE
- San Antonio, TX
- Spartanburg, SC
- Charlotte, NC
- Rockford, IL
- Tampa, FL
Top Cities in the U.S. for Remote Workers in 2024
The trend of remote work continues to reshape the job landscape, with nearly 30% of paid workdays in the U.S. still benefiting from remote flexibility as of December 2023. This opens up diverse opportunities for professionals seeking a better work-life balance, prompting many to contemplate relocating to more affordable or conducive environments. Here are some of the best U.S. cities for remote workers contemplating a move.
How We Determined the Best Cities
To evaluate the most suitable cities for remote work, we considered three essential criteria: affordability, quality of life, and internet speed. These factors are crucial for remote employees looking to maintain both comfort and productivity.
Affordability: The cost of living can significantly influence the choice of a new city. We used affordability indices based on housing costs, transportation, and local income levels to assess various locations.
Quality of Life: We sourced quality of life metrics from reliable reports that include education, well-being, crime rates, and more, ensuring that our recommendations reflect the overall living experience in each city.
Internet Speed: Fast and reliable internet is vital for remote work. Our data collection involved download speeds from Speedtest, which allowed us to rank cities according to their connectivity ease.
Top U.S. Cities for Remote Work Relocation in 2024
1. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay stands out for its affordability with a median home price of $245,000. It boasts a quality of life rating of 6.9 and a median internet speed of 288.01 Mbps, making it an ideal spot for remote work.
2. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh offers a compelling mix of a quality life index of 7.2 and the fastest internet speeds on the list, clocking in at 342.86 Mbps. Despite a median home price of $388,000, its rankings make it an attractive remote work destination.
3. Madison, Wisconsin
With a median home sale price of $371,000 and a solid quality of life score, Madison is a wise choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. The city offers a median internet speed of 277.04 Mbps, making it conducive for remote professionals.
4. South Bend, Indiana
South Bend boasts one of the lowest average home prices at $145,000, coupled with a reasonable quality of life rating of 6.9. With a median download speed of 274.81 Mbps, it is a great option for remote workers.
5. Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville offers a combination of a high quality of life rating (7.0) and internet speed of 255.64 Mbps, despite a higher median home sale price of $380,000. Its mix of affordability and livability makes it noteworthy.
Honorable Mentions for Remote Workers
While the top five cities shine for remote work, several others also deserve recognition for their favorable conditions. Cities like Montgomery in Alabama, Grand Rapids in Michigan, and Winston-Salem in North Carolina offer solid supportive environments for remote employees, proving that opportunities for remote work are ample across the country.
As the remote work trend continues to evolve, exploring these cities could offer you the opportunity for a better work-life balance while maintaining a fulfilling professional career. Whether you prioritize affordability, quality of life, or internet accessibility, these cities stand out as friendly destinations for remote workers.
