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Zillow predicts an increase in a digital nomadic lifestyle thanks to the influx of permanently remote workers. Digital nomads are those who move from location to location in search of new destinations and adventure, and they can do so because of remote work. There are nearly 11 million Americans who describe themselves as digital nomads, according to MBO Partners’ 2020 State of Independence research study. To find the top U.S. metros best fitted for digital nomads, Zillow and Yelp teamed up to analyze affordability, business categories, outdoor activities, and more. The duo wanted to focus on smaller metros, so the top 30 metros are excluded. Here are the top 10 best metros for digital nomads:
1.) Jacksonville, Florida
Typical rental rates: $960 per month
Taking the top spot is the largest city (by land area) in the continental United States – Jacksonville. With the chance to work and play in the midst of a plethora of beautiful outdoor scenic views in every direction and year-round weather that make almost every day a beach day, Jacksonville could be one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads. Page views to Jacksonville rental listings increased 120% over the same time last year.
Jacksonville is the most affordable metro in Florida for the typical digital nomad. It’s also one of the top metros for consumer interest in business categories that a digital nomad might need or enjoy: Furniture assembly, shared office spaces, TV mounting, golf lessons, brewery tours, and more. And vacation getaways like Amelia Island, Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville Beach are a short drive away.
2.) Austin, Texas
Typical rental rates: $1,323 per month
Austin is home to countless cultural, musical, and artistic amenities making it an ideal place for remote-work nomads looking for a wide variety of options for entertainment.
A panel of economists and real estate experts recently surveyed by Zillow expect Austin to be one of the nation’s hottest housing markets in 2021. Page views to rental listings in Austin are the second highest out of all metros analyzed, up 93% from the first quarter of last year.
