The Absolute Best Cities for Digital Nomads in The US [2025 Update]

Even though Asia, South America, and parts of Europe are very popular among digital nomads, the US has plenty of amazing cities – both large and small – for the digital nomad community and location-independent workers.

In this article, I will share my top picks for the absolute best cities for digital nomads in the U.S., based on the beauty of the place, its affordability, safety, and community. I have updated the data in the article, removed some cities and added a few new ones (the cost of living is skyrocketing everywhere).

If you’re just curious about the cities, here they are:

• Wilmington, NC
• Providence, RI
• Asheville, NC
• Austin, TX
• Boise, ID
• Chattanooga, TN
• Cincinnati, OH
• Fort Collins, CO
• Miami, FL
• Pensacola, FL
• Salt Lake City, UT
• San Francisco, CA
• San Jose, CA
• St. Petersburg, FL
• Arlington, VA

Probably the list above is not enough for you, so let’s get a bit more in-depth below and see exactly what makes each of these great cities so special.

1. Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, located on the North Carolina coast, offers digital nomads in the US affordability, plenty of co-working spaces, and a solid enough scene to spend your free time and connect with like-minded people.

It has plenty of co-working spaces, from modern hubs to cozy cafes and is overall an emerging hub for creatives and tech professionals.

While it’s not the most popular destination for digital nomads, for me, the charming balance between city life and beachside relaxation is all that matters. So pick this one if you agree.

Related reading: The cheapest but nicest cities in the US.

2. Providence, Rhode Island

Providence combines the intellectual vibe of a college town with the cultural richness of a larger city.

Being a small city, it’s very easy to navigate – which is something I really appreciate, especially in the US where you always seem to have to drive a few hours to get from one place to another.

Although small and definitely off the radar for most nomads, it has a lower cost of living compared to other Northeast cities, but plenty of nice offers for location independent workers.

Efficient public transport, picturesque parks and a nice community, while also being close to good universities and tech startups. A great place to be in this year.

3. Asheville, NC

If you like your mornings with mountain mist and your afternoons in an indie café surrounded by musicians and writers, Asheville is your city.

It’s a haven for creatives, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who crave community and inspiration. The coworking scene includes Focal Point and Thrive [VERIFY: confirm names], and you’ll find no shortage of yoga studios, art markets, and craft breweries.

Winters can be chilly, but the city’s character more than compensates. Asheville has that rare mix of peace and stimulation — the kind that makes work feel meaningful.

4. Austin, TX

Yes, it’s true: the city is crazy expensive, so this is not really the best place for bootstrapping, but if you already have a more established business, it’s a great choice. The city’s creative and entrepreneurial energy is infectious and it will keep you motivated to keep grinding and get the most out of yourself.

From Impact Hub Austin to WeWork Downtown, you’ll find co-working options everywhere. There’s live music almost every night, festivals like SXSW, and a welcoming community of creators and remote workers.

Rent for a one-bedroom averages around $2,500 (yup, I told you it’s not cheap!), and summers can be scorching. But few cities manage to mix energy, opportunity, and friendliness the way Austin does.

If you thrive in a community that loves good food, live bands, and open collaboration, you’ll love it here. Speaking of which, make sure you read my guide to Texas women to make sure you’re prepared.

5. Boise, ID

Boise is the quiet achiever of this list. It’s clean, friendly, and affordable – which is a mix you can rarely find in the US nowadays. Rent for a one-bedroom hovers around $1,400, the internet is fast, and you’ve got co-working hubs like Trailhead Boise if you need some company.

What I like most about Boise is how easy it is to unplug. You can finish work at 5 and be biking along the Boise River fifteen minutes later. Winters get cold, but if you enjoy a slower pace with access to nature, it’s a gem.

6.Chattanooga, TN

This one’s a personal favorite. Chattanooga was the first city in America to roll out citywide gigabit internet (now upgraded to multi-gig fiber), making it perfect for anyone who works online.

It’s also North America’s first National Park City, which means it’s committed to blending nature with urban life. Hiking trails, kayaking spots, and outdoor workspaces are everywhere – and these come in handy after spending most of your day at a desk.

Add in the low cost of living, great local food, and a growing creative community, and Chattanooga might just be THE best small U.S. city for digital nomads right now.

7. Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati has that classic Midwestern charm: friendly people, good food, and a strong sense of community.

It’s big enough to have culture – museums, parks, festivals – but small enough to feel approachable. Union Hall is a great coworking spot, and rent hovers around $1,500 for a one-bedroom.

If you’re the type who enjoys artsy neighborhoods, historic streets, and craft beer, this one’s for you.

Also read: The 15 Most Romantic Cities in the US

8. Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins is one of those places where life just feels balanced. It’s green, progressive, and full of fresh air.

There’s a strong eco-conscious vibe here, and coworking spots like Cohere and Innosphere Ventures give you that sense of professional community. Rent is around $1,800, which feels fair for the quality of life you get. The bike paths, breweries, and mountain views make it easy to forget you worked 8-10 hours before taking a break.

9. Miami, FL

Miami is all heat and color – literally and figuratively. And yes, it’s expensive (one-bedroom rents start around $2,800) and humid, but its energy is unmatched and, if you can afford it, it’s a great city for digital nomads.

The tech and startup scene here has exploded over the past few years, especially after 2020. Co-working spaces like The LAB Miami and Mindspace are buzzing with founders, freelancers, and expats from everywhere. Plus, it has so much sunshine that even gloomier work days will feel fun.

10. Pensacola, FL

Pensacola is Miami’s relaxed cousin – still beachy, still sunny, but way more laid-back.

The community is friendly, internet speeds are solid, and coworking spaces like Cowork @nnex offer an easy setup for remote workers.

It’s a fantastic choice if you want coastal life without the price tag or traffic. The vibe here is more “walk on the beach after work” than “party till 2 AM,” and I personally prefer that (hey, not all DNs are young to be able to work AND party constantly!)

11. Salt Lake City, UT

If you’re into hiking, skiing, and reliable internet, Salt Lake City deserves a top spot on your shortlist.

Internet speeds here are among the fastest in the U.S., rent is reasonable (~$1,500), and the surrounding nature is spectacular (while the city itself isn’t bad at all, especially the downtown area that you can see above).

Work-life balance feels natural here (no pun intended). You can take a client call at 9 and be snowboarding by 2. Just be aware that it’s becoming more popular, so costs are creeping up. Still, it remains one of the best mountain cities for remote professionals.

12. San Francisco, CA

You might be surprised to see it listed here because it’s truly expensive, but it DOES deserve a spot on this list – even if you make it a “bucket list” kind of thing for when your own business takes of.

But it’s iconic, magnetic, and amazing. For tech workers and creatives, it’s still the place where things happen. The mix of innovation, diversity, and scenic beauty is hard to match.

You’ll find endless co-working options, from Canopy to WeWork Mission, plus that unmistakable California atmosphere that makes you want to start something new.

If you can afford it – or even if you can only spend a few months here – San Francisco is worth it. You can even find a mentor during your stay, which will make the ROI infinite.

For another classic, I recommend reading Nomad in Contemporary Chicago.

13. San Jose, CA

San Jose is the practical side of Silicon Valley: cleaner, safer, and a little less chaotic than its famous neighbor – plus, a lot cheaper by Silicon Valley standards.

It’s home to big names like Adobe and PayPal, and there’s no shortage of modern co-working spots and tech meetups. The weather is warm, the parks are beautiful, and it’s a great place to base yourself if your work ties into the tech world.

Yes, it’s still pricey (around $2,800+ for a one-bedroom), but the professional ecosystem you gain access to makes it worthwhile.

14. St. Petersburg, FL

Yup, there’s one in the US – I’m not sending you to Russia by any means. St. Petersburg, Florida is like Miami after a meditation retreat – calm, creative, and full of sunshine.

The downtown area is walkable and packed with art galleries, coffee shops, and co-working spots like Industrious, COhatch, and Rising Tide. Rent averages around $1,900, which feels reasonable for how livable it is.

You get that beach lifestyle without the chaos, plus a real community that’s easy to connect with. It’s the kind of place where you actually get things done and still make it to the beach for sunset.

15. Arlington, VA

Arlington sits right across the river from Washington, D.C., offering the perfect blend of suburban calm and big-city access.

You can work in quiet cafés, hop on the metro, and be downtown in 10 minutes. The coworking options like Carr Workplaces and Spaces cater to professionals who value structure and convenience.

Rent is higher (around $2,200+), but the safety, amenities, and location make it a smart pick if your remote work involves government, consulting, or international clients.

Interested in more cities? Read my Philadelphia city guide if you want even more alternatives.

Wrapping up

These are my top picks for the best US cities for digital nomads – I made sure to include some hidden gems too, and I highly recommend starting with them, actually. Each of these locations offers something different, but they’re all amazing.

And if you’re not sure where to start, I highly recommend checking out some of the great co-working spaces and coffee shops that these cities have to offer. You won’t be disappointed.

Make sure to check out my previous article about countries where you can live on $500 per month to see what options are available outside of the US and on a much tighter budget.

And if you’ve enjoyed working remotely from a different US city not mentioned on this list, don’t hesitate to let us all know: I’m sure I’m not the only one who would like to have as many options as possible.