Moving Guide for Remote Workers in North America
The rise of remote work has transformed how and where people live. Freed from the constraints of a traditional office, professionals now have the opportunity to choose a location that maximizes quality of life, affordability, and access to resources—all while continuing to work for companies anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, freelancer, or part of a fully remote team, moving strategically can have a huge impact on your lifestyle, productivity, and overall happiness. This guide explores the best cities, towns, and regions in North America for remote workers, along with key considerations, relocation strategies, and tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Why Remote Workers Are Moving
Remote work offers flexibility, but location still matters. Here’s why people are moving for remote work:
1. Cost of Living
High rents and expensive housing in major cities have prompted remote workers to seek affordable alternatives. Lower-cost regions allow for higher savings or investment in lifestyle improvements.
2. Access to Nature and Leisure
Remote work enables a better work-life balance when you can live near beaches, mountains, lakes, or forests. Outdoor activities improve mental health and productivity.
3. Quality of Life
Small towns or mid-size cities often offer less congestion, safer neighborhoods, and a more relaxed pace of life.
4. Tax Incentives and Relocation Grants
Several U.S. and Canadian regions provide incentives to attract remote workers, including cash grants, tax reductions, or subsidized coworking memberships.
5. Community and Networking
Remote work can be isolating. Many workers relocate to cities with strong digital nomad or remote work communities, networking events, and coworking spaces to build connections.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Location
1. Internet and Connectivity
Reliable high-speed internet is essential. Target areas with fiber-optic availability, low latency, and backup options for uninterrupted productivity.
2. Cost of Living
Balance housing affordability with amenities. Some remote workers choose smaller towns or suburbs to stretch their budget.
3. Time Zone Compatibility
If your job involves real-time collaboration, consider proximity to your team’s primary time zones to avoid late-night or early-morning work hours.
4. Healthcare Access
Remote workers should ensure access to quality healthcare services, especially if relocating to a rural area.
5. Community
Look for areas with coworking spaces, networking events, or online communities for remote professionals.
6. Lifestyle and Recreation
Choose a location that aligns with personal interests, whether it’s hiking, surfing, skiing, or cultural amenities.
Top Cities in the U.S. for Remote Workers
1. Austin, Texas
Why It’s Great: Vibrant tech hub, strong remote work culture, no state income tax
Cost of Living: Lower than San Francisco or NYC but rising
Lifestyle: Outdoor recreation, music scene, coworking hubs
2. Denver, Colorado
Why It’s Great: Active lifestyle, outdoor access, growing tech sector
Cost of Living: Moderate, though urban housing prices are increasing
Lifestyle: Hiking, skiing, and mountain activities within reach
3. Raleigh, North Carolina
Why It’s Great: Part of the Research Triangle, strong internet infrastructure
Cost of Living: Affordable compared to coastal cities
Lifestyle: Family-friendly, tech-friendly, southern charm
4. Miami, Florida
Why It’s Great: International connectivity, tropical climate, startup-friendly
Cost of Living: Higher than the U.S. average, but offset by lifestyle perks
Lifestyle: Beaches, nightlife, outdoor sports, cultural diversity
5. Boise, Idaho
Why It’s Great: Affordable, outdoor-oriented, fast-growing remote work community
Cost of Living: Low to moderate
Lifestyle: Hiking, skiing, river activities, small-town charm
6. Nashville, Tennessee
Why It’s Great: Music, creative industry hub, low state taxes
Cost of Living: Moderate
Lifestyle: Vibrant cultural scene, coworking spaces, community events
7. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Why It’s Great: Strong infrastructure, high quality of life, thriving remote work network
Cost of Living: Moderate
Lifestyle: Lakes, biking, arts, and cultural attractions
Top Canadian Cities for Remote Workers
1. Vancouver, British Columbia
Why It’s Great: Coastal, mild winters, outdoor and tech-oriented lifestyle
Cost of Living: High, especially housing
Lifestyle: Hiking, skiing, surfing, coworking hubs
2. Montreal, Quebec
Why It’s Great: Vibrant arts and tech scene, bilingual opportunities
Cost of Living: Affordable compared to Toronto
Lifestyle: Cafes, cultural festivals, coworking spaces
3. Toronto, Ontario
Why It’s Great: Business and startup hub, strong internet infrastructure
Cost of Living: High
Lifestyle: Diverse, urban amenities, coworking network
4. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Why It’s Great: Affordable, coastal lifestyle, growing remote work incentives
Cost of Living: Moderate
Lifestyle: Oceanfront, community events, small city convenience
5. Ottawa, Ontario
Why It’s Great: Strong tech and government sector, high-quality internet
Cost of Living: Moderate
Lifestyle: Parks, cycling, cultural events
6. Kelowna, British Columbia
Why It’s Great: Wine region, lakes, and mountain access
Cost of Living: Moderate
Lifestyle: Outdoor recreation, slower pace of life, small-city charm
Small Towns and Rural Options
Remote workers seeking peace and lower costs often move to smaller towns. Some top examples include:
Nelson, BC: Lakefront, arts-focused, outdoor sports
Canmore, AB: Mountains, hiking, skiing, adventure lifestyle
Wolfville, NS: University town, vineyard region, riverside living
Magog, QC: Eastern Townships, bilingual, lakes, and mountains
Kenora, ON: Lake of the Woods, fishing, canoeing, forested landscapes
Small towns offer:
Lower cost of living
Strong sense of community
Access to nature and outdoor recreation
Reduced traffic and urban stress
Incentives for Remote Workers
Some regions actively attract remote workers through financial or lifestyle incentives:
1. Vermont, USA
Tax credits and relocation grants for remote workers
Designed to attract out-of-state professionals
2. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa Remote Program offers cash stipends and coworking memberships to new residents
3. Nova Scotia, Canada
Remote work pilot programs offering support and networking
4. Oklahoma City & Kansas City
Programs include relocation stipends and coworking memberships
5. Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
Offers incentives to attract skilled workers, including remote professionals
Remote worker incentives often include:
One-time cash grants
Subsidized coworking memberships
Networking events and mentorship programs
Community integration support
Housing Considerations
When relocating as a remote worker:
Rent vs Buy: Evaluate long-term plans, local real estate trends, and affordability
Internet Access: Essential—check fiber availability and backup options
Work Space: Ensure space for a home office or choose a community with coworking spaces
Neighborhoods: Consider safety, amenities, and commute if hybrid work is required
Work-Life Balance Tips for Remote Workers
1. Create a Dedicated Workspace
Even in small apartments or shared homes, having a designated office space increases productivity.
2. Establish a Routine
Structure your day to balance work with physical activity, breaks, and leisure.
3. Explore Your Environment
Take advantage of local nature, cultural events, and recreational opportunities.
4. Engage with Community
Networking, coworking spaces, and community events help reduce isolation.
5. Prioritize Health
Access healthcare, mental health resources, and physical activity should be integrated into your lifestyle.
Steps to Move as a Remote Worker
Step 1: Evaluate Your Needs
Consider budget, climate, internet access, lifestyle preferences, and proximity to family or clients.
Step 2: Shortlist Locations
Choose cities or towns that align with your lifestyle, affordability, and professional requirements.
Step 3: Test the Location
Consider short-term rentals or extended visits to assess work environment, amenities, and community.
Step 4: Plan the Move
Budget for moving costs, utilities, internet setup, and local registration.
Step 5: Integrate Locally
Join coworking spaces, local networking events, and community groups for a smoother transition.
Challenges Remote Workers Face
Isolation: Working alone can be lonely; community engagement is key
Distractions at Home: Dedicated office space is critical
Time Zone Conflicts: Especially for teams spread across regions
Limited Local Services: Small towns may lack specialized healthcare or entertainment
Despite these challenges, the flexibility and lifestyle benefits often outweigh drawbacks.
Conclusion
Remote work offers unparalleled freedom to choose where you live. North America has countless cities, towns, and rural areas suitable for remote professionals—from bustling tech hubs like Austin and Toronto to peaceful lakefront towns like Nelson and Kenora.
Key takeaways for a successful relocation:
Prioritize internet reliability and infrastructure
Balance cost of living with lifestyle preferences
Research local incentives, communities, and amenities
Plan thoroughly using a relocation checklist
Engage with local networks and coworking spaces for community
Moving for remote work is more than a logistical decision—it’s an opportunity to design a life aligned with your professional goals and personal values. With careful planning and the right location, remote work can be both productive and fulfilling.
