The world as we know it has gone through some rapid changes in the past few years, and the pandemic accelerated a massive shift toward remote work. As we head further into 2023, the trend of virtual work is set to continue, and many employees are choosing to work from home or other remote locations.
Remote working trends are freeing up more and more people to relocate, with data analysts from Ladders predicting that remote opportunities will continue to grow throughout 2023. Due to the flexibility it affords workers, remote working can lead to odd working hours; if this is you, it might pay to consider relocating to a place that has plenty of 24 hour convenience options. Here are 8 of our top picks for virtual work in 2023.
1. San Diego, California
For anyone wanting a sea change and to get outside more, the coastal city of San Diego, with its mild climate, beautiful beaches, parks, and abundance of outdoor activities, could be just the ticket.
San Diego is great for remote workers as it boasts a thriving tech industry, with job opportunities in many different fields. The city’s range of excellent schools and its low crime rate make it an even more desirable location for families.
2. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is home to some of the biggest global companies, including eCommerce giant Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks. While the city may be best known for its music scene, its tech industry is also flourishing, which is great for digital nomads. Seattle is also surrounded by a breathtaking landscape for nature lovers to enjoy in their downtime. The city’s mild climate and laid-back lifestyle make it a perfect spot for remote workers to consider.
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3. Austin, Texas
Capital of the Lone Star state of Texas, Austin is arguably one of the most desirable cities in the country to work remotely from. The city has a booming economy featuring a diverse range of job opportunities, attracting relocators from a variety of professional backgrounds. The city is also famous for its vibrant music and art scene. With a relatively low cost of living when compared to other major cities with both cheap and luxury apartments available for rent, Austin is a sweet spot for many virtual workers.
4. Miami, Florida
Miami might be best known for its idyllic Florida beaches and year-round sunshine, but it’s oh so much more than that. The dynamic city is home to a diverse population, making it an attractive destination for professionals of varied backgrounds. Miami residents and visitors also enjoy many festivals and events that Miami holds throughout the year, as part of the city’s lively arts and cultural scene. Miami is another city with a fairly low cost of living, and the fact that it doesn’t uphold any state income tax rules is a big drawcard for remote workers.
Photo by Cristofer Maximilian on Unsplash
5. Portland, Oregon
Known for its progressive, eco-friendly culture, Portland makes for an ideal location for professionals who value sustainability. It’s also a city with a keen focus on food and drink, featuring many food carts and microbreweries. Portland’s mild climate is attractive to many, and its proximity to the coast makes it even more desirable for remote workers who want to enjoy the beach before, after, or during work!
6. Boulder, Colorado
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city of Boulder is a stunning location for anyone lucky enough to pick and choose wherever they want to work from. Residents are typically keen hikers, skiers, or the like, with endless, beautiful terrain to explore. The city is home to many tech companies, startups, and excellent schools. Boulder is low on crime and promotes a healthy, outdoor lifestyle, making it a great choice for anyone looking to complement their virtual work time with plenty of healthy pursuits.
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a small city full of charm located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making for another ideal location for those who love to get outside. The city is known for its arts and culture scene, with many art galleries and music venues dotted throughout. Asheville features a diverse economy with job opportunities across many different fields. It’s a relaxed pace city with a low cost of living that remote-working relocators shouldn’t overlook.
8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is a city rich in history and with a diverse, thriving economy. The city has a prominent tech industry, and there are also many job opportunities in the healthcare and education sectors. Pittsburgh residents benefit from its sprawling collection of beautiful parks and green spaces, its low cost of living, and its excellent education system, making it a hit with families.
Opportunities abound in the new normal
As we head further into 2023, we see that the remote working trend has become the new normal for many companies, leaving some employees with the luxury of being able to choose an entirely new location to live and work without disrupting their careers.
There don’t seem to be any signs of remote and virtual working trends disappearing any time soon, so it might just be a great time to pick a new destination that will give you a better quality of life as you work.
