Digital Nomads – 5 Best Places in
United States
The 5 Best Places for Digital Nomads in United States
Finding the perfect spot to work remotely can be a game-changer. Even though some would expect it to be expensive, the United States should not be forgotten as a place to be included as a space for you to be a digital nomad. We will take a look at the 5 best places for digital nomads in the United States for you to get your nomad life off the ground.
Imagine going on a road trip, setting up camp and clicking away while earning an income. This article will dive into showing you the spots that we think will be the most affordable and have the strongest connectivity while exploring the beautiful cities and great outdoors that the US has to offer.
I have been travelling now for nearly three years. I left my 9-5 job in the UK and have never looked back. The one thing I would always advise anybody considering a nomad lifestyle is to just go for it! It will change you for the better. Music is my passion and I love to attend concerts of any variety but I do have a sweet spot for rock music.
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Key Takeaways
- San Francisco offers a tech scene and numerous coworking spaces
- Denver’s outdoor activities make it a great spot for work-life balance
- Portland is known for its creative culture and strong coffee shop community
- Miami’s warm climate and nightlife make it appealing for digital nomads
- Austin’s Southern charm, country music and close community
What is a Digital Nomad?
A digital nomad is someone uses technology to work remotely while travelling. Allowing them the freedom to explore the world while maintaining their career and earning them an income. This lifestyle has become popular, there has been more online work available and many different skills that are needed in the space. The days are over of being tied to a desk with no life or adventure. Now, digital nomads often look out for places that offer a balance of affordable living, coworking spaces, and a community. For instance, you might find yourself intrigued by Vietnams nomad hotspots, which provide cultural experiences and practical amenities. It’s all about finding that special place where balance can be found online and offline.
The 5 Best Places for Digital Nomads in United States
| Destination | Best for | Best Time to Visit | Average Wifi Speeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, Texas | Tech Startups | March to May | 150 Mbps |
| San Francisco, California | Networking Opportunities | September to November | 200 Mbps |
| Denver, Colorado | Outdoor Activities | April to October | 120 Mbps |
| Portland, Oregon | Creative Scene | June to September | 130 Mbps |
| Miami, Florida | Beach Lifestyle | December to May | 100 Mbps |
1. Austin, Texas – Best for Live Music and Culture
Austin, Texas is for music lovers and digital nomads alike. if you love yourself some country music and a cold beer. Then Austin is the spot. Its beautiful scenery, southern charm and cosmopolitan feel. Austin has become a top place for digital nomads while travelling the United states.
Top Attractions
Austin’s long and interesting history has provided a large amount of attractions. The Texas State Capitol offers free guided tours. You can walk around and check out it’s world renowned buildings in between your deadlines. For anyone like me, who travels for the nature then Zilker Park is perfect for picnics, kayaking, and even a little dip in Barton Springs Pool. Art nerds will enjoy the Blanton Museum of Art, which is home to a collection of European and Latin American art.
The live music scene on Sixth Street is the place to be! You can find a wide range of bars and venues showcasing local talent.After your long day typing away or taking calls, take the edge off with a cold beer and a boogie. You might even make some new friends! Lastly, South Congress Avenue is known for its quirky shops, eateries, and murals. Perfect for a little souvenir shopping for your mom or even grabbing some yummy soul food.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Austin is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is neither too hot or cold and outdoor activities are easier then in the sweltering Summer heat. Winter is not too bad, an occasional cold-front but no winter woollies are required.
Local Cuisines
Austin’s food scene is a melting pot of flavours, with a strong emphasis on Tex-Mex and barbecue. That southern food is calling you and you won’t be able to stop once you get started.
Here are some must-try dishes:
– Breakfast Tacos: Soft tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and a variety of meats or veggies.
– Brisket: Slow-cooked beef that’s a staple in Texas BBQ, often served with pickles, onions, and white bread.
– Queso: A warm, melted cheese dip often spiced with jalapeños, perfect for dipping tortilla chips.
– Kolaches: Czech-inspired pastries filled with fruit, sausage, or cheese, commonly enjoyed for breakfast.
Budgeting for Austin, Texas
Austin offers a range of options for different budgets. In comparison to other cities around the US, Austin is surprising. Expect to spend around $100-$200 per night for above average accommodation. A meal at a mid-tier restaurant will generally cost between $15-$30 per person. It’s an affordable city that offers plenty of bang for your buck. My rule of thumb, is that I generally try and get long term rentals, or AirBnb a place with a kitchen to cut down on meals.
2. San Francisco, California – Best for Scenic Views and Culture
San Francisco, California, the trendy city. Known for its landmark bridge and underground scene. San Fran is a city to make your thrift shopping and coffee dreams come true. San Fran is also home to Silicon Valley, the mecca for tech. Meaning you can network and maybe even get more business opportunities while being based there.
Top Attractions
San Francisco’s most popular landmark is the Golden gate bridge. This iconic spot can offer the most beautiful sunset or be the best setting for the perfect Instagram pic. If you are a little dark and twisty then Alcatraz Island offers a glimpse into the city’s sinister history with its infamous prison tours. If in need of a breath of fresh air in between meetings then you can take a stroll through Golden Gate Park, which has the California Academy of Sciences and the Japanese Tea Garden. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) or the murals in the Mission District can throw some culture in the mix or could even be nice for a date. Fisherman’s Wharf is ideal for family fun, featuring sea lion sightings and fresh seafood. San Fran has it all, you will never get bored in your moments off.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit San Francisco is during the fall months, from September to November. The weather is often warm with fewer tourists crowding the streets. However, be prepared for fog, famously known as “Karl the Fog.” When it does come, you wont even be able to see your hand in front of your face, never-mind seeing the Golden gate bridge or the view of the harbour.
Local Cuisines
San Francisco is a food lover’s paradise.It has an array of street food and farmers markets to check out that offer artisan breads, fresh veggies and preserves. Being on the coast also offers some of the best fresh seafood. Here are some must-try dishes:
– Cioppino: A hearty seafood stew made with a medley of fish, shellfish, and a tomato broth.
– Sourdough Bread: San Francisco’s sourdough is legendary, with a tangy taste that pairs perfectly with clam chowder.
– Mission Burrito: A large, stuffed burrito that originated in the Mission District, filled with rice, beans, meat, and various toppings.
– Dungeness Crab: Freshly caught from the Pacific, this crab is a local delicacy, often served steamed or in crab cakes.
Budgeting for San Francisco, California
San Francisco can be pricey, but it’s possible to enjoy the city without breaking the bank. Mid range accommodation can be about $150-$250 per night. When finding accommodation, I would look into share houses or AirBnb’s to cut down those costs. Dining at a mid-tier restaurant will typically cost around $20-$40 per person, but keep an eye out for street food and accommodation with cooking facilities. For a good comparison on prices from another country, check out digital nomads in Thailand.
3. Denver, Colorado – Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts
If you are an adventurer like me, then look no further than Denver. Denver, Colorado is known for its cafes, music scene, craft beer and artisan shops. All wedged between the Rocky mountains.
Top Attractions
Imagine waking up in the morning, heading downtown, grabbing a coffee, piling your friends into a car and spend the day adventuring. This is what Denver has to offer, making it a popular spot for digital nomads. Not only does it have the incredible Rocky mountains for a great hike but history buffs will appreciate the Denver Art Museum to check out in between work or If you’re into sports, catching a game at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, is a must.
The Red rocks amphitheatre is the place to be, as one of the most famous music venues in the world. I absolutely love live music and you can see one of your favourite artists amongst the rocky mountains, strumming away. Don’t forget to explore the trendy neighbourhoods of LoDo (Lower Downtown) and RiNo (River North Art District), with its art galleries, breweries, and eclectic shops for a dance and a tasty craft beer. All of these spots in Denver make it super popular for digital nomads and I know personally, it would be one of my first choices when choosing my digital nomad lifestyle.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Denver is between April and October. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, perfect for hiking and exploring the city’s outdoors. Winter is great for skiing in nearby resorts but expect colder weather and snowfall. The snowboarding and ski culture in the Rocky mountains is some of the best in the world, so even though its extremely cold, you might be able to find your community and hit the slopes.
Local Cuisines
Denver’s food scene is hearty for those colder months but also offer some international foods that can be bought at markets and street food vendors. Here are some must-try dishes:
– Rocky Mountain Oysters: Not your typical seafood, these are deep-fried bull testicles, a local delicacy.
– Green Chili: A hearty stew made with pork, green chilies, and tomatoes, perfect for a snowy day.
– Bison Burger: Leaner than beef, bison meat offers a gamey taste. Try it at one of the city’s many burger joints.
– Colorado Lamb: Known for its flavour, often served in upscale restaurants with a side of seasonal veggies.
Budgeting for Denver, Colorado
If you plan well, Denver can be affordable for a digital nomad. You will find a lot of the digital nomads rent a camper, take a portable wifi hotspot and set up in the national park. An above average hotel room will cost around $150 per night, but decide if you want to be there for a longer time, so you can organise long term accommodation first. Dining at a nice restaurant can set you back about $25-$40 per person, but always looking into cooking facilities and buying food from the local farmers markets or street vendors. Overall, it’s possible to enjoy Denver without breaking the bank, especially if you take advantage of the free outdoor activities.
When budgeting to travel the USA, always budget in your travel insurance in case of emergencies. Safetywing offers great coverage for those digital nomads out there.
4. Portland, Oregon – Best for Eco-Friendly Living
If you are into flannel, coffee and beards then Portland, Oregon is for you. Digital Nomads are flocking there for its easy going and outdoor lifestyle. To be able work a little in a cute cafe and then take a stroll through one of its beautiful forests, sounds like a dream.
Top Attractions
Start your trip at Washington Park, home to the Oregon Zoo and the beautiful International Rose Test Garden. This would be nice for typing away while sipping on a coffee while looking over the beautiful rolling hills, animals and gardens. For a taste of local culture, visit Powell’s City of Books, a bookstore that claims to be the largest independent bookstore in the world. Portland is known for its artists and is generally a place that artists flock to so If you’re a fan of quirky art, the Portland Art Museum features a mix of contemporary and classic pieces.
Don’t miss out on a stroll through the Pearl District, where you’ll find galleries, boutiques, and trendy little cafes for you to work in and meet people. For those who love the outdoors, the Forest Park offers over 70 miles of trails perfect for hiking and biking. You can also camp there if you want to work online from the middle of a beautiful forest. All of these attractions lend to why we have put Portland as one of the perfect places in the United States for digital nomads.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Portland is during the late spring and early fall. These months offer mild temperatures and relatively low rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Summer is also great, though it can get crowded with tourists. Winter brings heavy rain but fewer crowds and lower prices. So get out your flannel jacket and off you go!
Local Cuisines
Portland’s food scene is as diverse as its population. Renowned for its farm-to-table way of cooking, Portland is the place to be for healthy, organic foods.
– Voodoo Doughnut: Famous for its yummy and colorful doughnuts, this place is a must-visit.
– Food Carts: Portland has a food cart culture with everything from tacos to Thai food.
– Stumptown Coffee: Known for its high-quality coffee, perfect for a morning pick-me-up.
– Pok Pok: Offers authentic Thai street food, with the chicken wings being a standout dish.
Budgeting for Portland, Oregon
Compared to other West Coast cities, Portland is pretty affordable which is also why is become one of the best places in the United States for Digital Nomads. You can stay at hotel and spend about 150$ per night or you can find cheaper long term accommodation. One of my suggestions would be actually to rent a camper van and work out of a mobile home. It will give you more freedom and be half the price. Eating at a mid-range restaurant will cost you about $25-$35 per person. For those on a tighter budget, food carts offer delicious meals for under $10 or find a place or camper van with kitchen facilities to cut down costs.
For those looking to explore further afield and cheaper then consider Hungary. It is an up and coming European destination for remote workers. You might find Hungary’s nomadic hotspots just as appealing, offering another fantastic worldwide destination for digital nomads.
5. Miami, Florida – Best for Beach Lovers and Nightlife
Miami, Florida is a great option for digital nomads who crave beach side living paired with a nightlife. So get on those roller skates and lets see why Miami is on our list of best places in the United States for digital nomads.
Top Attractions
If you are into 70’s architecture, bold colours and a vibey atmosphere, then look no further than South Beach. Fitness fanatics working out on the beach, people rollerskating up and down the promenade or watching some old Cuban men playing dominoes, South beach has it all. If you’re into arts and culture, the Wynwood Walls present an outdoor museum showcasing large-scale works by some of the world’s best-known street artists.
For a touch of nature, the Everglades National Park is nearby, an interesting ecosystem teeming with wildlife, swamps and gators. If you’re a history buff, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens will show you Miami’s early 20th-century wealth. Don’t miss out on Little Havana, where you can experience Cuban culture through its food, music, and street life. Little Havanna is bursting at the seams with music and culture. You can learn how to salsa and drink a Cuba libre after a long day’s work online.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Miami is during the winter months, from November to March. The weather is cooler, making it ideal for outdoor activities as Summer is sweltering hot and you would most likely be uncomfortable the entire time. However, keep in mind that winter is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and bigger crowds.
Local Cuisines
Miami’s cuisine American meals with a Cuban twist. The food and drink is highly influenced by Cuba with still some southern charm. Here are some must-try dishes:
– Cuban Sandwich: A pressed sandwich with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.
– Stone Crab: Freshly caught crab claws served with a mustard dipping sauce, typically in season from October to May.
– Arepas: Cornmeal cakes filled with cheese, meat, or avocado, popular in Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine.
– Key Lime Pie: A tangy and sweet dessert made from Key limes, condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
Budgeting for Miami, Florida
Known as a rich man’s playground, Miami can be pricey, but with some planning, it’s manageable. Find long term accommodation in more affordable areas in order to manage your finances better in a city like Miami. Dining at a mid-tier restaurant will cost about $25-$40 per person, but with all the Cuban food you could imagine around you from street vendors. I would stick to that for the most affordable meals. Keep some extra cash for nightlife and attractions.
Packing Guides and Tips
When preparing for your trip as a digital nomad in the United States, pack everything you can for not only abrupt weather changes, but also for tech requirements. . Start with a high-quality backpack or rolling carry-on that meets airline restrictions, as this will be your most important item. It will be basically be your best friend during this time. Cities like San Francisco and Seattle have microclimates, so layering is key—between the rain and fog- raincoats are needed. For warmer spots like Miami, breathable fabrics and sun protection are a must and don’t forget to bring that cute polka-dot- bikini. A portable charger and universal adapter to keep your devices powered up are really important when travelling as a digital nomad. Always remember t bring your camera to capture your great adventure! The insta360 will capture it all in 360 and is small and compact for easy travel.
You’ll want to be prepared for both work meetings and social outings when choosing what clothes you want to bring.Always remember to be yourself and pack what makes you comfy, while being professional when needed. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is a must, especially if you plan to explore the outdoors and hiking trails that some our destinations have.. Also, consider a reliable VPN to secure your internet connectivity United States-wide, given the varying levels of public Wi-Fi security.
Lastly, if you’re planning an extended stay, packing some comforts from home can make a world of difference. No matter if it’s your favourite coffee mix or a beloved book, these small items can provide a sense of home amidst your travels. And while you’re at it, check out these top Thailand nomad spots for more inspiration on digital nomad destinations in a country that doesn’t break the bank!
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Digital Nomad Concluding Thoughts
Choosing the best places for digital nomads in the United States can be thrilling yet challenging to plan. San Francisco, with its tech-savvy atmosphere and endless networking opportunities, is a top contender for anyone working on the online space, but it does need to be planned as it is an expensive city to be. Denver offers a balance of city life and outdoor activities. Perfect for those who want to work in a cute cafe and then end the day with a hike. Whereas Portland offers hiking and where the coffee culture is almost a religion, providing endless cozy spots to set up your laptop, but rain needs to be taken into account. Austin provides that city life, country music and community but lacks in outdoor activities. These cities each offer benefits that cater to various lifestyles.
Find the place that aligns with what you want out of this life and where you will be the happiest and most productive as a digital nomad.
The 5 Best Places for Digital Nomads in the USA FAQ
Austin is known for its tech scene and coworking spaces. You’ll find plenty of networking events and a friendly digital community. Plus, the city offers a mix of cultural activities and great food.
San Francisco is expensive, but the opportunities in the tech industry make it worthwhile. There are numerous coworking spaces and tech meetups. If budget is a concern, consider staying in nearby cities like Oakland and commuting.
Portland is famous for its laid-back vibe, excellent coffee shops, and outdoor activities. It’s easy to find coworking spaces and community events. Plus, the city’s public transportation makes getting around simple.
Denver offers a balance of urban and outdoor life. With a strong tech scene, many coworking spaces, and easy access to nature, you can work and play without much hassle.
Miami boasts a diverse culture, nightlife, and beachside coworking spots. The sunny weather and tropical vibe make it simply amazing.
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