Find a Job You Really Want In
As we navigate the evolving landscapes of work and life in 2026, certain cities stand out as the most conducive environments for remote living. With many people continuing to embrace flexibility in their work arrangements, the importance of location has transformed from nightlife and dining options to factors like spacious living, reliable internet, and access to outdoor spaces. This article explores which U.S. cities offer the best conditions for those working remotely.
So, what makes a city ideal for remote workers? Factors such as apartment size, internet speed, availability of takeout, and green space become essential in determining the best places for remote living.
Top Cities for Remote Living
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Irvine, CA
- Las Vegas, NV
- San Diego, CA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Chandler, AZ
- San Jose, CA
- Raleigh, NC
- Orlando, FL
- Austin, TX
Scottsdale, Arizona is recognized as the top city for remote living. While residents may not be enjoying the same vibrant social scene, they benefit from larger apartments and faster internet speeds, making remote work and leisure activities more enjoyable. Ample green spaces provide an excellent opportunity for outdoor relaxation while maintaining social distancing.
Continue reading to discover why these ten cities are top-rated for remote workers, or scroll down to see how your city compares.
How We Determined the Best (And Worst) Cities for Remote Living
We evaluated each city based on four key criteria:
- Average apartment size
- Parkland per person
- Percentage of residents with broadband internet
- Number of takeout options available
Average apartment sizes were sourced from RENTCafe. Larger apartments enhance the work-from-home experience, allowing for better productivity and comfort. This analysis focuses on rental units and does not consider homeownership.
The amount of parkland was obtained from the Trust For Public Land. More public green space per 1,000 residents significantly boosts a city’s ranking. We assessed the number of restaurants available for delivery in each city via Doordash to gauge food options without requiring residents to leave their homes.
Lastly, data from the US Census provided insights into the percentage of residents with broadband internet—cable, fiber, or DSL. Fast internet access is essential for remote work, video calls, online gaming, and streaming services.
1. Scottsdale, AZ
Park Land Per 1k People: 124.3
Broadband Internet: 81.8%
Apartment Size: 946 sq ft
Take-out Options: 1060
Scottsdale shines as the best city for remote living due to its spacious apartments averaging 946 square feet, nearly double the size of apartments in Honolulu. With over a thousand restaurants offering delivery and abundant public parks, life at home can be quite pleasant.
2. Irvine, CA
Park Land Per 1k People: 39.1
Broadband Internet: 86.1%
Apartment Size: 912 sq ft
Take-out Options: 1695
Irvine ranks second, with 86% of its residents enjoying high-speed internet. This robust connectivity allows for seamless streaming and easy access to a plethora of culinary options nearby.
3. Las Vegas, NV
Park Land Per 1k People: 70.5
Broadband Internet: 71.6%
Apartment Size: 884 sq ft
Take-out Options: 1755
Las Vegas, renowned for its nightlife, also offers a great environment for remote workers due to its extensive outdoor spaces and numerous dining options.
4. San Diego, CA
Park Land Per 1k People: 34.9
Broadband Internet: 80.7%
Apartment Size: 848 sq ft
Take-out Options: 2463
Despite smaller apartments, San Diego benefits from excellent internet connectivity and a wide range of takeout options that make staying indoors more enjoyable.
5. Virginia Beach, VA
Park Land Per 1k People: 54.9
Broadband Internet: 81%
Apartment Size: 973 sq ft
Take-out Options: 540
Virginia Beach offers a significant amount of public land and spacious apartments, enhancing the quality of life for residents working from home.
6. Chandler, AZ
Park Land Per 1k People: 23.4
Broadband Internet: 82.4%
Apartment Size: 922 sq ft
Take-out Options: 910
Chandler provides a comfortable living situation with ample space and a high percentage of residents enjoying good internet access, making remote work convenient.
7. San Jose, CA
Park Land Per 1k People: 15.8
Broadband Internet: 81.6%
Apartment Size: 879 sq ft
Take-out Options: 1458
In the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose offers excellent internet connectivity, allowing tech workers to navigate remote work smoothly.
8. Raleigh, NC
Park Land Per 1k People: 29.6
Broadband Internet: 79.2%
Apartment Size: 962 sq ft
Take-out Options: 550
Raleigh stands out with spacious apartments and good internet access, making it an appealing choice for remote workers.
9. Orlando, FL
Park Land Per 1k People: 10.8
Broadband Internet: 73.5%
Apartment Size: 949 sq ft
Take-out Options: 1596
Orlando’s spacious housing and numerous takeout options provide a comfortable setting for remote workers, despite the city’s economic shifts.
10. Austin, TX
Park Land Per 1k People: 22.9
Broadband Internet: 80.9%
Apartment Size: 859 sq ft
Take-out Options: 1564
Austin’s creative energy and tech scene make it a vibrant place for remote work, complemented by fast internet and decent outdoor options.
Summary of the Best Cities for Remote Living
In 2026, the remote work landscape continues to evolve, and while everyone faces challenges, residents in these top-rated cities enjoy distinct advantages. Access to fast internet, spacious apartments, diverse takeout options, and beautiful parklands significantly enhance their quality of life. Although the absence of social interaction can be tough, the conditions in these cities make remote living more manageable.
Imagine the alternative: living in a cramped studio with slow internet, minimal parks, and limited dining choices. These cities show that remote living can be quite pleasant.
Where do remote workers have it the hardest?
- Newark, NJ
- Hialeah, FL
- Paterson, NJ
- Buffalo, NY
- Laredo, TX
- Tucson, AZ
- Cleveland, OH
- Arlington, TX
- McAllen, TX
- Boston, MA
The Best Cities for Remote Living, Ranked from Best to Worst
| Rank | City |
|---|---|
| 1 | Scottsdale, AZ |
| 2 | Irvine, CA |
| 3 | Las Vegas, NV |
| 4 | San Diego, CA |
| 5 | Virginia Beach, VA |
| 6 | Chandler, AZ |
| 7 | San Jose, CA |
| 8 | Raleigh, NC |
| 9 | Orlando, FL |
| 10 | Austin, TX |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
