5 Best US Cities for Digital Nomad Entrepreneurs
Being a digital nomad is synonymous with freedom – you’re no longer tied to a desk, office, or even a city. You could potentially live in any town in the country (or even the world). With so many options to pick from, however, comes decision paralysis. Most places offer a comparable lifestyle and quality of living, and going with just one is hard.
To help you make an informed decision, Hightened Path for RV Rentals has handpicked five of what we believe are the best cities for digital nomads in the US (highlighting the main reasons to go with them):
- San Francisco, California – Beautiful and has plenty to do
San Francisco, CA, is a digital nomad’s paradise – not only is it America’s start-up capital and, thereby, a business hub, but it’s also one of the most flat-out gorgeous places on the planet. It’s home to countless beautiful parks, beaches, wineries, hills, and scenic vistas in general. Trinity offers a full list of reasons that make SF great.
You don’t need a car to move around here – you can bike (there are many lanes) or take the tram. Finding working (or co-working) places is extremely easy: The city is teeming with cafes, bars, and other networking hubs. The weather is mild and easygoing. The only drawback of SF is the comparatively high costs of living – be prepared to pay through your nose for rent. Finding affordable housing will take time and effort.
- Charleston, South Carolina – Historic tourism hotspot
If big cities aren’t your thing, you may enjoy Charleston, South Carolina. It’s one of the friendliest towns on the planet, has perfect weather, and a rich history besides. Being a tourist town, there are plenty of fun activities you can engage in when you’re not working. You can move around on a bike, by car, or by boat.
Charleston is above average when it comes to cost of living. Finding accommodations here is comparatively easy. You can expect to pay approximately $1000 for a 1-bedroom apartment in a cheap neighborhood. Overall, it’s a good place to raise a family. The biggest drawback is that it’s not exactly a business hotspot – networking or career advancement are not as plentiful as in big cities.
- Huntsville, Alabama – Ranked the #1 US best city for living
The U.S. News has ranked Alabama as the #1 best city to live in the US. This city has everything digital nomads (and everyone else) could ask for – a very strong job market, low costs of living, and excellent connectivity. This is one of the best places in the country if you’re looking for work (or clients) in technology.
Houses (and places to rent) are significantly cheaper in Huntsville, Alabama, than in other places in the country – a 1-bedroom apartment costs only about $700 here. Other prices, from groceries to essentials, are similarly low. The drawback of being in Hunstville is that it’s not as “happening” or culture-rich as other places (although that’s slowly changing).
- Colorado Springs – Outdoor fun and affordable housing
Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a stone’s throw away from Denver. It’s best known for its stunning landscapes, mountain-living outdoorsy lifestyle, and surprisingly rich nightlife. The people are warm and friendly besides. Digital nomads who value their health and enjoy outdoor activities will love it here.
Housing is affordable and plentiful in Colorado Springs. Many people choose to rent a place here and then commute to Denver for their day jobs. You can expect average prices for everything else. The biggest downside to living here might be the weather – it can get blazing hot in summer, cold in winter, and cloudy the rest of the year.
- Seattle –A prominent business hub
Seattle is best known for its coffee culture, happening nightlife, and being home to giant corporations like Microsoft and Amazon. It’s a massive business hub and well-connected by rail, road, sea, and air. Digital nomads can expect top-tier infrastructure, connectivity, blazing-fast internet speeds, and plenty of co-working spaces. In fact, Think Remote ranks Seattle as the best city for remote workers in the country.
You’ll have to pay top dollar for everything in Seattle – it’s consistently ranked amongst the most expensive cities in the US. While finding a home for rent isn’t hard, you’ll have to pay twice as much as the national average rent (at the very least). House prices are skyrocketing, too.
Find housing online with virtual tours
Your best bet to find affordable housing in Colorado Springs, Charleston, or any of the other cities mentioned above is through a property listing site. You can conveniently filter by price, home type, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. More importantly, some rentals come with virtual tours – you can get a feel for the property without having to visit it in person.
Why live in one place if you can live in many at once?
Instead of settling in one city, you can truly embrace your inner nomad by having a workation in an RV. There are plenty of virtual nomads who work from their RVs and access the internet through their cell phones and WiFi hotspots along the way. Working from an RV is surprisingly fun and productive, besides, and you never get bored, thanks to the constantly-changing scenery.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you should go with a city that you feel best aligns with your personality, preferences, and – possibly most importantly – budget. It’s a good idea to research the costs of living, including rental prices, using a site like Numbeo. You can always try out a few cities before settling on one. And when in doubt about a particular city, a conversation with a resident may be enlightening and help you make up your mind.
Image via Unsplash
