Digital nomads, or individuals who work remotely from anywhere in the world, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many dream of converting an Airstream trailer or an old school bus into a mobile workspace and traveling around the world. However, there are numerous amazing cities for digital nomads to work and live in within the United States itself. A recent study by Zumper and Remote Works author Tamara Sanderson has found the worst cities for digital nomads in America, based on key metrics such as free Wi-Fi availability, air quality, cost of living, transportation options, restaurant and entertainment options, distance to major airports, and average price of short-term rentals.
Methodology of the Study
To determine the cities in America with the least desirable conditions for digital nomads, the study used the following metrics:
-Free Wi-Fi availability
-Average air quality
-Cost of living
-Transportation options
-Restaurant options
-Entertainment options
-Distance to major airport
-Average price of short-term rentals
The study then assigned letter grades to each metric to rank the cities.
Worst Cities for Digital Nomads
1. Detroit, Michigan – F
Detroit received F grades for all metrics except for its low cost of living and short-term rental prices. Free Wi-Fi availability was low at only 8%, and air quality was poor with a grade of F.
2. Jackson, Mississippi – D-
Jackson’s highest grades were for its low cost of living and cheap short-term rental prices. However, free Wi-Fi availability was low at only 9%, and air quality was poor with a grade of D.
3. Birmingham, Alabama – D-
Birmingham’s highest grades were for low cost of living and cheap short-term rental prices. However, free Wi-Fi availability was low at only 13%, and air quality again received a poor grade of D.
4. Wichita, Kansas – D-
Wichita received a D- grade for air quality, as well as low grades for free Wi-Fi availability and entertainment options. Its highest grade was for cheap short-term rental prices.
5. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – D-
Oklahoma City’s highest grade was for its cost of living, but it received poor grades for free Wi-Fi availability and air quality. Its entertainment options were also lacking, resulting in a low overall ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a digital nomad?
– A digital nomad is an individual who works remotely from anywhere in the world, using technology to perform their job duties and communicate with clients and coworkers.
2. What metrics were used in the study to determine the worst cities for digital nomads?
– The study used metrics such as free Wi-Fi availability, air quality, cost of living, transportation options, restaurant and entertainment options, distance to major airports, and average price of short-term rentals.
3. Can digital nomads work from anywhere in the world?
– Yes, digital nomads have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world as long as they have access to the internet and necessary technology.
4. How can digital nomads afford to travel and work remotely?
– Digital nomads may be employed by a company that allows remote work, own their own business, or work as a freelancer. They may also budget carefully and choose more affordable destinations to live and work in.
5. What are some popular cities for digital nomads?
– Popular cities for digital nomads include Chiang Mai, Thailand; Lisbon, Portugal; Medellin, Colombia; and Bali, Indonesia. Within the United States, cities such as Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon are popular among digital nomads.
