Remote work is already as great as it is, but it can be even better if you’re working from the right place.
That’s because the right place can give you the best of both worlds. It can make your job easier, lead to better employment opportunities, and even allow you to pursue different types of personal activities or interests, creating the ideal work-life balance.
To help you get there, I’m going to share some of your best options for working remotely. I’ve assessed these places based on their digital infrastructure, cost of living, and facilities.
Let’s explore.
Austin, Texas
I’m living here for a reason. The city has a thriving digital infrastructure that supports both remote workers like us and startups, creating never-ending opportunities. It’s quite tech-friendly and has a lot of cafes and coworking spaces to make working both easier and sociable.
Yes, there are many other remote workers in Austin. Wouldn’t hurt to make a few friends, would it?
There is also a wide range of internet providers in the city. But to spare you the hassle of going through all of them, I’d suggest just taking a look at Spectrum WiFi plans, as I found the provider quite fast and reliable. Its plans don’t have any data caps or contracts, and the best part is that you can get access to Spectrum’s out-of-home WiFi network.
Beyond making remote work easier, Austin also has a lot of ways to make it fun. The people are quite friendly, and if you’re more of a summer person, the weather is warm year-round.
Plus, the music, amazing food, and variety of events should keep you pretty occupied with their vibrance. While the city can be a bit expensive, it’s still your best bet when you consider other major cities.
Denver, Colorado
Like Austin, Denver also has a pretty robust digital infrastructure thanks to a significant boom in the city’s tech industry. You can expect fast and reliable internet services throughout, and there are also a lot of cafes and coworking spaces to work and find many others like you.
One of the plus points this city has over Austin is that the cost of living is lower. You can choose to rent out an Airbnb or a hotel. While an Airbnb can be a more cost-effective choice, especially if you’re sharing a room, hotels shouldn’t cost you a lot either.
When it comes to recreation, this city can be a perfect spot for you if you love nature and the outdoors. It has a ton of landscapes, such as parks and mountains, that show how naturally beautiful America really is.
You can also enjoy many different activities, such as hiking, skiing, or wildlife viewing, to name a few. When you get tired of doing those, you might want to get a taste of the city’s food. I’ve heard it’s literally to die for.
Portland, Oregon
If you’re looking to enjoy the facilities of urban life, but in a calm and cool environment and lifestyle, Portland might do the trick for you. You can use digital facilities such as fast and reliable internet, either through WiFi or e-SIMs, and coworking spaces, while being only a stone’s throw away from green spaces, natural parks, and trails.
When we talk about the cost of living in the city, I’d say it’s moderate. While it’s affordable compared to cities like San Francisco or Seattle, most things still fall in the rather higher-priced end of the spectrum. But this can be balanced out with the city’s widely available public transport, walkability, and best of all, zero sales tax.
Beyond soothing natural recreation, the city also has a lot of adrenaline-fuelled outdoor activities for you, if you’re into them.
You can bike across the entire city or go for a hike at destinations like Mount Rush. There’s also a huge community of creative and progressive people, so you might find friends beyond just the coworking spaces you use, if you plan on using them.
Remote Work – Creating the Ideal Work Life Balance
Remote work is here to stay as more and more companies have started following a remote-first model, thanks to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility for all involved.
Identifying the right places to live can make transitioning to this lifestyle easier, flexible, and more well-balanced for you. If chosen carefully, the right place can also significantly boost your productivity. The cities I’ve shared here are a good start, with their bustling digital infrastructures, wide range of remote work facilities, and attractions.
Whether you prefer the year-round warm weather of Austin, the stunning natural landscapes of Denver, or the cool, calm greens of Portland, each city offers everything you need to achieve the efficiency, productivity, and work-life balance that can make remote work one of your best decisions yet.