A New Report Breaks Down the Best U.S. Cities For Digital Nomads

published May 2, 2021
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The rise of technology has created a workforce that would seem quite strange to office workers of yesteryear: digital nomadism. It’s safe to state that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the rapid rise of this phenomenon, too — one that allows employees to use telecommunications technologies to be able to work remotely from anywhere around the country. Digital nomadism is here to stay; and for that reason, the folks at Yelp and Zillow teamed up to determine the top U.S. destinations for digital nomads. 

To determine the results, Yelp and Zillow created something called a Digital Nomad Index. The report ranked the cities across various criteria, including available and affordable housing, flexibility of housing, and a mix of community amenities, too, such as outdoor adventures and city perks. The results? Jacksonville, Florida came in as the No. 1 destination for digital nomads, followed by Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; Las Vegas, Nevada; and more. 

“These destinations boast a mix of outdoor adventure and city perks that are appealing to the many young professionals who have transitioned to the nomadic lifestyle due to their newfound ability to work from anywhere,” says Tara Lewis, Yelp’s trend expert. “They’re great for digital nomads and offer a variety of highly-rated local businesses and activities, like shared office spaces, furniture rental, hiking, RV repairs, paddle boarding, and more.” 

Read on below for more insights from Yelp and Zillow’s joint report on the best cities for digital nomads.

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Jacksonville, Florida: with a typical rent rate of $960/month, Jacksonville, Florida takes the top spot in the report, offering scenic beach views, agreeable weather, and perks that include shared office spaces aplenty. Local Yelp favorites include Black Sheep Restaurant, Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, and Secret Tiki Temple, and vacation getaways Amelia Island, Ponte Vedra, and Jacksonville Beach. 

Austin, Texas: with a typical rent rate of $1,323/month, Austin, Texas is the second best city for digital nomads. The city is home to countless cultural, musical, and artistic amenities, as well as iconic food trucks and boutiques. Local Yelp favorites include Torchy’s Tacos, Allens Boots, Elephant Room, Elite Austin, and Createscape Coworking

Boise, Idaho: with a typical rent rate of $1,495/month, Boise, Idaho comes in third, offering outdoor wonders like the Rocky Mountains and the rivers, lakes, and trails nearby. Local Yelp favorites include Diablo & Sons Saloon, Bitter Creek Alehouse, Fork, Wandervans, and Leisureland RV Center,

Nashville, Tennessee: with a typical rent rate of $1,369/month, Nashville, Tennessee comes in fourth, known for its incomparable country music, hot chicken, and shopping scene. Local Yelp favorites from Music City include Hattie B’s, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, Robert’s Western World, and White’s Mercantile

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Charleston, South Carolina: with a typical rent rate of $1,645/month, Charleston, South Carolina comes in fifth, mainly because of its large amount of available rentals. Local Yelp favorites include Leon’s Fine Poultry and Oysters, Husk, Xiao Bao Biscuit, and nearby vacation getaways Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach. 

Fort Collins, Colorado: with a typical rent rate of $1,795/month, Fort Collins, Colorado also makes the list with its stunning nature reserves, biking culture, and craft breweries aplenty. Local Yelp favorites include New Belgium Brewing CompanyHorsetooth Reservoir, and Noosa Yoghurt.

Asheville, North Carolina: with a typical rent rate of $1,782/month, Asheville, North Carolina also makes the list, offering scenic natural wonders like the Blue Ridge Mountains. Local Yelp favorites include The Orange Peel, Tupelo Honey, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Las Vegas, Nevada: with a typical rent rate of $1,275/month, Las Vegas, Nevada rounds out the list, ranking as the second most affordable city behind Jacksonville, Florida. The city is more than the bright lights of the casino-lined Strip, indeed, offering hiking trails and shopping experiences. Local Yelp favorites include Red Rock Canyon and Downtown Summerlin.