Find a Job You Really Want In
The evolution of work has transformed the landscape for many professionals. Remote work has become a viable and preferred option for a significant number of employees, offering the flexibility and freedom to choose where they live and work.
In fact, studies show that a majority of remote workers—approximately 63%—express a desire to continue in remote roles long-term. This shift prompts an important question: In a world where geographical ties to employers are loosening, where should remote workers consider relocating?
With the high costs associated with urban living, particularly in places like the Bay Area, many are looking for cities that offer not only affordability but also the necessary infrastructure to support remote work.
Top Cities for Remote Workers
- Fishers, Indiana
- Gahanna, Ohio
- Urbandale, Iowa
- Kennesaw, Georgia
- Marana, Arizona
- Wake Forest, North Carolina
- Lee’s Summit, Missouri
- Wesley Chapel, Florida
- Spring Hill, Tennessee
- Shawnee, Kansas
Notably, major cities like San Francisco, New York City, Austin, and Denver did not make this list. Read on to discover how we identified these cities and which locations top the list for remote workers in every state.
How We Determined This
We evaluated over 1,300 cities across five critical areas to identify the best locations for remote workers:
- Rent costs
- Home prices
- Availability of laptops/desktops per household
- Broadband Internet access
- Existing remote worker population
Our analysis focused on two primary dimensions: affordability and feasibility.
For affordability, we assessed median rent and home costs, recognizing that cities with high-paying job opportunities often come with a cost of living that outstrips income levels. Cities with reasonable housing prices are attractive to remote workers seeking to minimize expenses.
Regarding feasibility, we examined the percentage of homes equipped with broadband internet and at least one laptop or desktop per household. When companies claim their employees can work from anywhere, they mean anywhere with dependable internet access. Locations with robust technological infrastructure are better suited for remote work success.
Lastly, we considered the current number of remote workers in each area. A higher concentration of remote employees indicates a city’s increasing appeal for those looking to establish a remote work environment.
All data were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.
Below, we highlight the top 10 cities for remote workers, and you can navigate to the end for the complete list of the best remote cities in each state.
1. Fishers, Indiana
Rent: $1,222
Remote Workers: 8.8%
High-Speed Internet (%): 95.4%
Located just a short drive from Indianapolis, Fishers, Indiana emerges as the top city for remote workers. With 8.8% of the workforce engaged in remote work, Fishers boasts affordable housing and a robust technological infrastructure, providing all the necessary support for successful remote employment.
2. Gahanna, Ohio
Rent: $1,052
Remote Workers: 7.2%
High-Speed Internet (%): 93.7%
Gahanna, Ohio ranks as the second-best city for remote workers in the nation. With an average rent price of $1,052, remote workers relocating here may experience a pleasant financial surprise, allowing them to enjoy the charming local shops in Gahanna or nearby Columbus.
3. Urbandale, Iowa
Rent: $895
Remote Workers: 6.5%
High-Speed Internet (%): 90.0%
Urbandale emerges as a hidden gem in Iowa for remote workers. With 90% of households equipped with high-speed internet, this Midwestern city stands out for its affordability and technological readiness, making remote work seamless and effective.
4. Kennesaw, Georgia
Rent: $1,233
Remote Workers: 6.1%
High-Speed Internet (%): 92.9%
Kennesaw, Georgia ranks fourth for remote workers, offering a warm climate and affordable living. With an average home price significantly lower than major cities, it’s an attractive option for those seeking a change.
5. Marana, Arizona
Rent: $1,222
Remote Workers: 8.1%
High-Speed Internet (%): 93.0%
Marana stands out in the Southwest as a prime location for remote workers. With 8.1% of the workforce engaged in remote work, the area attracts residents with its affordable living and strong internet connectivity.
6. Wake Forest, North Carolina
Rent: $1,083
Remote Workers: 11.5%
High-Speed Internet (%): 92.3%
With 12% of its workforce working remotely, Wake Forest offers an ideal location for remote professionals. Its proximity to Raleigh and affordable living costs create a compelling environment for remote workers.
7. Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Rent: $1,015
Remote Workers: 7.2%
High-Speed Internet (%): 89.8%
Lee’s Summit ranks as the seventh-best city for remote workers, featuring affordable rent and a strong technological infrastructure, making it a great choice for those looking to work remotely.
8. Wesley Chapel, Florida
Rent: $1,425
Remote Workers: 9.8%
High-Speed Internet (%): 92.0%
For those looking to escape high coastal rents while still enjoying beach proximity, Wesley Chapel is a fantastic option. Located near Tampa, it boasts a strong remote worker community and reliable internet access.
9. Spring Hill, Tennessee
Rent: $1,357
Remote Workers: 8.9%
High-Speed Internet (%): 93.0%
Spring Hill, situated just outside Nashville, is an emerging hub for remote workers, with nearly 9% of its workforce already working from home. Its tech-friendly environment and strong internet connectivity make it an attractive choice.
10. Shawnee, Kansas
Rent: $966
Remote Workers: 6.1%
High-Speed Internet (%): 90.0%
Shawnee, Kansas is a thriving suburb of Kansas City, offering remote workers access to essential technology, affordable housing, and excellent schools, making it an ideal remote work destination.
The Future Is Flexible
As remote work becomes increasingly integral to the workforce, flexibility remains a key benefit for many employees. With fewer ties to specific locations, workers can choose where they want to establish their home office.
Many may opt for smaller, less expensive cities over popular metropolitan areas, while others might gravitate toward places with personal significance, such as proximity to friends and family. Regardless of their choices, remote workers now have more options than ever before.
Below is the most desirable city for remote workers in each state.
Best City For Remote Workers In Each State
| State | City | Rent | Remote Workers | High Speed Internet (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabaster | $1,029 | 5% | 87% |
| Alaska | Juneau | $1,226 | 4% | 88% |
| Arizona | Marana | $1,222 | 8% | 93% |
| Arkansas | Fayetteville | $770 | 5% | 83% |
| California | Antelope | $1,535 | 6% | 91% |
| Colorado | Ken Caryl | $1,437 | 8% | 94% |
| Connecticut | West Hartford | $1,297 | 5% | 87% |
| Delaware | Dover | $1,095 | 4% | 85% |
| Florida | Wesley Chapel | $1,425 | 9% | 92% |
| Georgia | Kennesaw | $1,233 | 6% | 92% |
| Hawaii | East Honolulu | $2,661 | 7% | 91% |
| Idaho | Pocatello | $651 | 4% | 82% |
| Illinois | Algonquin | $1,694 | 7% | 94% |
| Indiana | Fishers | $1,222 | 8% | 95% |
| Iowa | Urbandale | $895 | 6% | 90% |
| Kansas | Shawnee | $966 | 6% | 90% |
| Kentucky | Jeffersontown | $953 | 6% | 85% |
| Louisiana | Prairieville | $1,152 | 4% | 89% |
| Maine | Portland | $1,187 | 8% | 86% |
| Maryland | Bel Air North | $1,544 | 6% | 92% |
| Massachusetts | Franklin Town | $1,250 | 7% | 92% |
| Michigan | Ann Arbor | $1,213 | 7% | 89% |
| Minnesota | Maple Grove | $1,487 | 7% | 93% |
| Mississippi | Olive Branch | $1,129 | 2% | 86% |
| Missouri | Lee’s Summit | $1,015 | 7% | 89% |
| Montana | Bozeman | $1,016 | 6% | 89% |
| Nebraska | Lincoln | $822 | 3% | 85% |
| Nevada | Enterprise | $1,385 | 5% | 91% |
| New Hampshire | Concord | $880 | 5% | 86% |
| New Jersey | Fair Lawn | $1,629 | 4% | 91% |
| New Mexico | Rio Rancho | $1,106 | 3% | 87% |
| New York | Brighton | $1,005 | 5% | 85% |
| North Carolina | Wake Forest | $1,083 | 11% | 92% |
| North Dakota | West Fargo | $859 | 3% | 89% |
| Ohio | Gahanna | $1,052 | 7% | 93% |
| Oklahoma | Edmond | $1,028 | 5% | 90% |
| Oregon | Corvallis | $1,020 | 5% | 88% |
| Pennsylvania | Bethel Park | $959 | 6% | 86% |
| Rhode Island | Providence | $972 | 5% | 75% |
| South Carolina | Mount Pleasant | $1,533 | 1.5% | 91% |
| South Dakota | Sioux Falls | $791 | 3% | 82% |
| Tennessee | Spring Hill | $1,357 | 8% | 93% |
| Texas | Cedar Park | $1,350 | 9% | 94% |
| Utah | Lehi | $1,459 | 10% | 93% |
| Vermont | Burlington | $1,177 | 5% | 83% |
| Virginia | Blacksburg | $1,067 | 6% | 93% |
| Washington | Mount Vernon | $988 | 6% | 87% |
| West Virginia | Charleston | $727 | 3% | 76% |
| Wisconsin | Eau Claire | $815 | 5% | 83% |
| Wyoming | Laramie | $763 | 4% | 83% |
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.
