Want to Digital Nomad in The U.S.? Here are 7 Cities to Consider
I lived without a lease for two years. During that time, I bounced from city to city, country to country, Amtrak station to Amtrak station. I experienced the life of the “digital nomad,” living out of a backpack without a home base.
While digital nomading is often associated with Medellín or Mexico City, Bangkok or Bali, I spent months traveling around the United States.
I’ve taken trains from the East Coast to Chicago, spent extended periods in California, and hit on some less-known U.S. cities, working from each of them on my laptop.
If you’re interested in nomading from the U.S., here are my top recommendations.
Even if none of these jump out at you, I hope I can provide a framework for you to find the right city for you.
I’ve traveled a lot, but I haven’t seen it all. I haven’t made it up the Pacific Northwest, nor have I made it down to New Orleans or across to Hawaii.
First, let’s talk a bit about the state of digital nomading in the U.S.
Why Digital Nomading In The U.S. Isn’t That Popular
While Americans talk about digital nomading in other countries, the forums and YouTube videos rarely talk about doing it in the U.S. itself. Here are my theories as to why.
The U.S. Is Expensive
A huge draw of digital nomading is that you get to make a salary from one place and have the living expenses of somewhere much cheaper. People with jobs based in San Francisco, Austin, or New York, have headed to South America and Asia with the rise of remote work.
While many cities are much cheaper than New York or SF, nowhere in the U.S. will match, for example, Thailand.
With that said, you can still choose somewhere that has a lower cost of living. There are lots of cities that provide great value and are underrated.
It Doesn’t Sound as Cool
To North Americans, being on a beach in Europe sounds a lot nicer than being on one in the United States.
The U.S. Is Bad at Designing Cities
Unlike European cities, which mostly preserved their historic cities, we decided to bulldoze vibrant, multicultural neighborhoods and build highways through them. Since then, we’ve decided to prioritize drive-thrus and big parking lots instead of walkability.
What were once charming smaller cities like Hartford, Connecticut, as well as big cities like Los Angeles, are a mess of sprawl and car dependency.
For more on this history, you can read more in this article on how the highways tried to kill Hartford. (After all, nobody is bragging about being a digital nomad in Hartfrord.)
The good news is twofold: Even in cities known for car dependency, there are usually a few areas where that are walkable. Second, we’re heading in a better direction, so I expect the U.S. to get more appealing for nomads (at least wealthy ones) over the coming decades, besides those that will be riddled with extreme flooding, like Miami.
The U.S… Isn’t That Safe
Of course, this is very relative and dependent on the location, but a few elements that are indisputable here.
Car violence kills more people in cars and pedestrians in the United States than in other countries. We love our fast roads and big cars, to the detriment of our fellow citizens.
Second, inequality and poverty breeds violence. The U.S., compared to many digital nomad destinations in Europe and Asia, has worse inequality. In fact, in some international measures, the U.S. ranks pretty damn low for safety. The Global Peace Index has us at 132nd.
As someone who takes transit everywhere, I know what it’s like to be at a Greyhound Bus station, and not feel like it’s a safe place to be, to know I have to keep my wits about me.
Every U.S. City Has a Trade-Off
No matter where you go in the U.S., there’s a trade-off. Sometimes in Europe, I think “What’s the catch?” and it turns out there isn’t one. Spain has good weather, fair prices, great culture, great food, and kind locals. But in the U.S. there’s always a catch.
It might be cost, in the case of New York. It might be the weather, in the case of Pittsburgh, which sees 200+ days without the sun per year.
The Benefits of Digital Nomading In The U.S for Americans
I was born in the U.S. and I’ve always loved traveling. Yet, it wasn’t until after college that I had the thought that I should go see more of my home country.
After spending a summer in Spain, I booked a trip that brought me from New York down to Miami, across to San Diego, up to San Francisco, and back to the East Coast. It would be the first of over half a dozen trips to different regions. Here are a few things I’ve loved about nomading in the U.S.
Close to Home
When in the U.S., I don’t have to worry about time zones, extra phone charges, or language barriers. I’m often just a direct flight or Amtrak ride away from home, and that’s nice.
There’s a Beauty to Discovering My Home Country
The more I travel around the U.S., the more I realize just how freaking huge it is and just how much there is to see.
I’ve taken the opportunity to take trips to learn more about this country too. Last year, I went with two friends from Atlanta, through the deep south, up to Memphis on a Civil Rights tour. In those places, I felt less at home and in a more foreign place than I ever have in Europe or South America.
One summer in Spain, and I took a trip to Bilbao. One of the Basque city’s main attractions is the Guggenheim Museum. “Oh, well you’ve probably been to the other Guggenheim in New York!” My friend said to me. I lived in New York for three years and never went.
I Feel Like I Understand This Insane Place a Bit More
I’ve taken public buses in Florida, Kentucky, and California. I’ve talked to all kinds of people in all different cities. Through it all, I feel like I understand this strange country just a bit more.
Benefits of Digital Nomading In The U.S. For Foreigner
While I’m targeting this for Americans, if you’re not American, here are a few reasons why it could be worth it. Although honestly, it doesn’t make a lot of sense, unless you have a specific reason to be in one of these U.S. cities. The cost-to-quality ratio just isn’t there.
First, I think everybody who loves city life should spend at least a few weeks in New York. It’s so iconic, you have to do it. Don’t go to Times Square or see The Statue of Liberty though. Go to shows, bars, diners, comedy clubs, and weird niche stores.
Second, the nature in the U.S. is stunning. Our national parks like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and more are absolutely jaw-dropping. If you love hiking, skiing, and exploring nature, some of these spots are 100% worth it, with cities not too far away.
Third, there’s a big virtual work culture in the U.S. It’s the center of tech and finance. If you want to network and grow in these industries, some U.S. cities are the best place for it.
You’ll have no problem finding coffee shops with wifi, co-working spots, and other essentials for work that can sometimes be question marks in other parts of the world.
Other Factors to Consider When Digital Nomading In The U.S.
I’ve made this list with cost and value in mind.
If you want to surf and soak up the sun year-round, then San Diego might be the choice for you (although it’s expensive). If you’re a ski bum, then give Salt Lake City or Denver a closer look. If you want a true city experience, of course, New York is the quintessential choice. Unless you have somewhere to stay, it’ll cost a lot.
Taking into account all sorts of factors, here are my picks.
1) Chicago, Illinois
Even though New York has my allegiance, I love Chicago too. While New York can spit you out until you get the hang of it, Chicago is an approachable city but still has that big city feel. There are lots of neighborhoods where you can easily live car-free and work from coffee shops or co-working spaces.
It’s expensive, don’t get me wrong. The median rent is over $2k per month. However, there are lots of cool areas where you can find something at least reasonable.
The weather is hit or miss. That will be a theme here. If you want a lower cost of living in walkable U.S. areas, bring your umbrella.
2) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I don’t think there’s any city in the U.S. that gets as slept-on as Philadelphia. Nestled between New York and Washington D.C., it’s one of the view U.S. cities spared by highway construction.
It has a ton of culture and U.S. history to explore, well beyond the Liberty Bell, and is generally walkable with good transit. It’s also nicely located to visit other U.S. cities, with regular train service to Boston via New York, and D.C. If you wanted to spend a month in the U.S., Philly is a good “home base” with weekend visits to other cities.
If I had no friends anywhere and were choosing a U.S. city to live in just based on the city itself, I might choose Philadelphia.
3) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
When I visited Pittsburgh, a local told me the people there are either from there, or they’re there for a job. (Duolingo, for example, is headquartered in Pittsburgh.) It’s not known for being a nomad hotspot.
However, keep in mind that many of the most popular digital nomad recommendations in Europe or South America aren’t as high-regarded as they used to be. The influx of expats in Lisbon or Medellín has changed the place, often for the worse. This means the best digital nomad places aren’t the ones people are talking about. They’re the ones people will be talking about in 2-5 years.
I’d bet on Pittsburgh.
It has a lot of cute neighborhoods, great local character, a criminally underrated food scene, and is probably the most affordable city on this list.
The downside… it doesn’t see a ton of sun. It gets only around 150 days per year.
4) Louisville, Kentucky
Again, with Louisville, I’m entering the spirit of the digital nomad community. What will be more popular in 2-5 years? I see Louisville as that type of city.
There seems to be a forcefield around the region that keeps both Louisville and Lexington firmly grounded in the 21st century.
The weather is fair. People have cars, but I got around with the buses and the bicycle share without a problem. There are lots of coffee shops and the most bourbon you’ll find anywhere, given that this region is the bourbon capital of the world. If you want a bourbon coffee at 9am to start your workday, Louisville is the place. Lexington is cute too, but too small for me.
I liked Louisville, and if you’re looking for a lower cost of living in the United States, don’t sleep on it.
5) Queens, New York
Okay sure, Queens is part of New York City. But Queen itself could be its own city. (It was until 1898.)
These days, I tend to prefer many parts of the boroughs over Manhattan anyway, for these reasons.
- More affordable
- Better food
- More multicultural
- Less hectic
- More parks and green space
- Still just a subway ride away to anything
If you’re a foodie, Queens is your spot. Queens is the spot, perhaps in the whole continent. If you love exploring different cultures and seeing the “melting pot” that they talk about when they talk about the United States, it’s in Queens.
Neighborhoods like Jackson Heights are among the most diverse in the world. Walking through it, you see for yourself based on all the different types of restaurants there are.
Without the burdens of a commute to Manhattan that’s typical of those in the boroughs, you can check out places towards the end of the subway line. Check out Jamaica, which is criminally underrated by New Yorkers, Astoria if you want to be closer to Manhattan, or Flushing if you want to see the multicultural beauty of New York. Queens is huge.
It’s still New York, so housing won’t be that cheap, but you can find some good deals if you look.
Another downside is that with the new laws restricting Airbnbs, you’ll have to look at other options. I explore all of this in depth in my article on New York for digital nomads.
6) Denver, Colorado (Ski Bums)
Denver is relatively sprawled, and the transit isn’t that great, but their leadership is heading in the right direction, so I expect this to improve. Like most U.S. cities, if you’re savvy with the buses and have a bike, it’s manageable.
If you love the outdoors, it’s tough to beat Denver. Also, look into nearby Boulder.
7) San Diego, California
Great weather, beaches, lots of excellent neighborhoods, the city infrastructure is good enough to live car-free.
San Diego is expensive, but it’s not as tough to stomach as LA or SF.
If you love surfing and want to be in the U.S., you can’t beat San Diego.
Other Places I Just Can’t Add To This List
I’d like to, but I can’t because I either haven’t been or because I have reservations.
Salt Lake City
I haven’t been, but if you love skiing also check out Salt Lake City. One of my best friends John Stawinski who also blogs about traveling spent a whole winter there as a nomad ski bum. He also got housing for cheap with a short-term lease and roommates. If you’re interested in Salt Lake City, ask him.
Portland, Oregan
I also haven’t been to Portland, so I can’t add it either. It has good weather, it’s expensive but not to the extreme, lively culture with good transit and infrastructure, and lots of nature nearby.
It’s not the hellscape the conservative media makes it out to be.
Hawaii
I can’t in good faith put it on this list for a few reasons. First, I haven’t been. Second, it’s crazy expensive, and third, they’re already suffering from unsustainable amounts of tourism.
Perhaps it’s a place best left to the locals unless there’s something specific you’re searching for there.
Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas is where a lot of nomads you’ll find in Bali or Lisbon used to live before they became nomads.
It’s a hub for digital creators and tech jobs, without the price tag of SF. It’s not the small city it was ten years ago.Its traffic has gotten progressively more horrendous, and its housing costs have risen a lot. It’s also Texas, so it’s super hot.
I think the peak of Austin has passed. But it’s still a decent option.
It’s worth it if you have certain business connections or opportunities you want to pursue, but aside from that there are better options.
It’s not cheap, the weather is blistering hot, and its city infrastructure is good but not great. That’s why it doesn’t make the list.
Honorable Mention: Montreal
Of course, I can’t put Montreal on this list because it’s in Canada. But I grew up in Vermont, just a two-hour drive from Montreal, and it’s a gorgeous city. It’s the city in North America with the most European feel to it. Easy to get around, great culture (they speak French), great food, it’s quite affordable. It’s worth mentioning because, well, if you’re going to come to the U.S., Canada isn’t so far.
If it were in the U.S., it’d be the #1 option on this list.
In the spring and summer, the weather is beautiful. But don’t go in winter, it’s dark and freezing.
You Can “Taste Test”
I’ve done this throughout the world, I went to several cities close to each other for about a week, then came back for a longer period. In 2023, I went to three cities in Colombia, and in 2024 I went back to Medellín as a nomad for a full month.
(You can check out my guide to digital nomading in Medellín for more on that.)
How to Find Housing As a Digital Nomad in The U.S.
Airbnb may seem like the most obvious option. This will be the easiest in most U.S. cities, but you’ll pay a premium. So I generally don’t recommend it. Here are a few other options.
Furnished Finder
Furnished Finder was originally designed for travel nurses. These nurses are looking for roughly 3 months leases, and it opened up a whole suite of possibilities for short-term leases. You’ll find Furnished Finder options everywhere in the U.S. They’ll be a better deal than Airbnb.
Facebook Groups and Reddit
These take more work, but you’ll get better places and better prices. In cities all around the U.S., you’ll find people looking for subleases (where you rent someone else’s place for a few months), lease takeovers, or offering furnished, short-term apartments.
Here are some random screenshots from the NYC apartment subreddit from just the past 24 hours.
Often the prices will be the same, or close to the same as if you had a proper lease. It will require some research, but I believe it’s the best option. Check if the city you want to go to has dedicated Facebook groups and subreddits dedicated to subleases.
Other Options
Look into websites like Couchsurfing. If you love pet-sitting, look into Trusted Housesitters, a site where you can look for pet parents looking for someone to watch their home and their pets. (I was a member for a year, it’s good if you’re open to going anywhere, not good if you’re set on a specific place.
If the budget is tight, look into various workaway programs.
This is where you spend time volunteering somewhere in exchange for housing and food. Often, they’re designed as cultural exchanges.
Let Me Know How It Goes!
If you decide to nomad around the U.S., I’d love to hear where you chose to go, why, and how it went.
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