Remote work, telecommuting, or working from home is now a fast-growing sector of the working population. The concept of having remote jobs has changed over the last two years, thanks to new developments in software and larger corporations allowing their employees the flexibility and freedom to work from home rather than physically coming into an office. Experts predict that remote work will increase to approximately 25% of the North American population by the end of 2022, and that number will grow even higher in 2023. If you’re interested in working remotely, this guide has insight into the best U.S. cities for your new career path.

Do people prefer to work remotely?

While working remotely isn’t for everyone, there are several pros and cons to choosing freelance or remote work.

Pros

• Remote work allows most people to choose their schedules — which means they also have more free time.
• Many who work from home save money on gas, clothing, and food since they don’t need to go into an office.
• Choosing a remote job allows people to spend more time at home with their families.

Cons

• It can be difficult for some people to stay on-task when they work from home due to the number of distractions.
• Some people prefer the camaraderie of having co-workers and the collaboration associated with working in an office.
• Many freelance workers miss out on perks like health insurance and paid time off.

As you weigh the pros and cons, keep in mind that the number of remote workers in the United States is currently at 26%. This number will grow to a total of approximately 36.2 million Americans by 2026.

The top six US cities for remote work

Before you decide whether remote work is right for you, it’s crucial to decide where you plan to live. This list features the top six cities for remote work in 2023 based on a few factors, including income, wages, cost of living, and amenities.

#6: Durham, North Carolina

This charming city in North Carolina is part of the state’s “research triangle” which includes Chapel Hill and Raleigh. With a modest population of just under 300,000, Durham provides plenty of Southern charm and affordable housing. Not only is Durham a great place for remote work, but it’s also one of the best places to live in North Carolina, with one of the best mid-sized cities in the entire United States. With record-low unemployment and an excellent education system, it’s a great place to find a well-paid remote job while raising children. Its youthful vibe and beautiful historic downtown area make it an attractive place for millennials to work and live. Some typical remote jobs include customer service representatives, remote healthcare opportunities, and software testing.

#5: Seattle, Washington

It’s probably no surprise that Seattle is on the list as one of the best U.S. cities for remote work due to its tech-centric population. This major city in the Pacific Northwest is home to Amazon, Microsoft, and a booming medical industry. While the cost of living is high in Seattle, it also has some of the highest income brackets. Seattle, WA is an excellent place to freelance or work from home if you enjoy nature, art, and great food. Not only is Seattle great for tech jobs, but it’s also the home of Starbucks Coffee if you enjoy a delicious cup of joe. As for remote work, you’ll find everything from software development and healthcare to sales rep jobs here.

#4: Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is a growing Southern city with plenty to see and do. Once home to the 1996 Summer Olympics, this city is bustling with artists, fantastic food, and a booming housing market. If you prefer to work around other people, Atlanta has some of the best access to coworking spaces for remote workers per 100,000 residents. The city also features many housing options, from modern apartment complexes to single-family homes with tons of Southern charm. Some of the most common remote jobs here include mental health counselors, sales reps, business development professionals, and medical transcription and coding.

#3: Tampa, Florida

If warm and sunny weather is what you’re after, Tampa, Florida is the third-best city for remote work in 2023. This bustling metropolitan area is part of Airbnb’s Live and Work Anywhere program. The program’s goal is to provide a long-term, sustainable infrastructure centered around remote workers — probably why Tampa is so high on the list. This region of Florida is nestled along the state’s Gulf Coast and features a wide range of unique museums, nightlife, dining, and cultural offerings. Tampa is also home to Bush Gardens — a popular African-themed amusement park. A few popular remote jobs in Tampa include virtual customer service agents, systems administration, and community engagement.

#2: Frisco, Texas

Frisco, Texas is a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro and earned the number-two spot in the best cities for remote work in 2023. This city has the second-best ranking in terms of affordability and the third-best workspace ranking. Frisco is considered a wealthy suburb and is currently home to many professionals working for Dallas and Forth Worth companies. It’s also a popular shopping destination focusing on local sports, including soccer, indoor football, and minor league baseball. Home to the Texas Sculpture Garden & International Art Museum and a public skating venue, it’s also got a community theater to enjoy. Some popular remote jobs include software developer, language pathologist, and project administrator.

#1: Plano, Texas

At number one, Plano, Texas is the best city for remote work in 2023, thanks to its variety of spacious and affordable homes, broadband coverage, and low crime rate. The city also has the 10^th most affordable rent and no state income tax (which applies to every city in Texas). It also has the 10^th-highest average household income. Plano is home to food manufacturer Frito-Lay and the popular Heritage Farmstead Museum. It’s also considered the “Balloon Capital of Texas” and hosts a fun hot-air balloon festival every September. As for remote work careers, some of the most common options in Plano include a remote clinical licensed social worker, Airbnb customer service representative, and remote pharmacy technician.

Top remote jobs/professions

As remote work continues to become more popular, it’s essential to know which industries and positions are hiring. Here are some of the best remote jobs for 2022, with a positive growth outlook for 2023.

1. Accountant: This job involves maintaining accurate financial records, tax returns, and business statements. As a remote accountant, you can work for yourself or a company. Most virtual accountants earn an average of $38.23 per hour or $79,520 per year.
2. Customer service representative: This remote job is always in demand as more companies hire remote customer service workers. You can do this job via Internet chat or over the phone, and the average earnings are $17.94 per hour or $37,320 per year.
3. Data entry: A remote data entry job could be an excellent option if you’re good at typing accurately and quickly. Many businesses need data entry workers to track inventory, sales numbers, and more information. This job earns about $17.52 per hour or about $36,440 per year.
4. Medical coder: This healthcare job requires you to take notes from doctors and track patient appointments. You’ll also assign each item a billing code that helps medical practices submit the information to insurance companies for payment. Remote medical coders typically make around $19.53 per hour or $40,6520 per year.

If you’re interested in remote work, consider these top six cities when you’re ready to make a career change. With affordable housing prices, plenty of things to see and do, and great job opportunities, you can join the ever-growing remote worker population. Keep these cities and positions in mind, and you’ll be part of the remote career workforce before you know it.