[ad_1]
Not all locations are designed for the work-from-home lifestyle, but 10 states in particular fit the bill for those who travel on the clock.
Ten states offer digital nomads—those who make a living while traveling—things that improve their work lives away from an office setting, according to the vacation rental search platform Bluepillow’s Digital Nomad Index ranking.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital nomads became more prominent, and many companies’ flexible work-from-home policies have seen the trend continue three years after the virus first hit the U.S.
“The pandemic accelerated remote working and the shift to this kind of lifestyle,” Andy Kolodgie, owner of PropertyLeads and a digital nomad, told Newsweek. “People have got to learn that they can enjoy flexibility and balance between their job and personal life, as well as do other things while at it.”
CLAUDIO CRUZ/AFP via Getty Images
But when it comes to where you should make your home base for a time as a remote worker, 10 states came in at the top in vacation rental search platform Bluepillow’s Digital Nomad Index ranking.
The index looked at several factors, including quality-of-life metrics like the average daily temperature, the average off-premises food and beverage consumption and average gasoline consumption.
Safety was also considered in the index scores, including violent crime rates and annual road fatalities per billion vehicle miles.
Massachusetts
In the top spot for digital nomads was Massachusetts. With a score of 64.7 out of 100, Massachusetts boasts plenty of infrastructure for remote workers to take advantage of. This included 113 computer repair firms, 176 co-working spaces and more than 12,000 free WiFi hotspots.
“The Digital Nomad Index provides valuable insights for individuals seeking the perfect destination to live and work remotely,” a spokesperson for Bluepillow said. “Massachusetts’ top ranking is a testament to its exceptional living standards, opportunities and infrastructure for digital nomads. It’s a state that combines urban amenities with natural beauty, making it a unique and highly attractive destination.”
New Jersey
Those in the Garden State were living in the second-best spot for digital nomads with 63.89 points. New Jersey had 192 computer repair firms and 161 co-working spaces for those working remotely. It’s also one of the safest states on the list, with a violent crime rate of 206.7 per 100,000 residents.
Connecticut
In third place with 61.97 points, Connecticut had 7,264 free WiFi hotspots and 67 co-working spaces available to remote workers.
Maryland
Maryland also stood out on the digital nomad ranking, placing fourth at 61.71 points with 129 co-working spaces and 7,364 free WiFi hotspots. It also has a violent crime rate of 454.4 per 100,000 residents.
New York
New York was also a solid spot for digital nomads to camp out at fifth place at 61.66 points with 393 computer repair firms and 477 co-working spaces.
The rest of the top 10 list included Colorado (61.24), Utah (61.09), Virginia (60.25), Rhode Island (57.68) and Florida (57.4).
At the bottom of the list was Mississippi (30.84), with Wyoming (33.86), Arkansas (35.11) and New Mexico (35.61) also earning low scores.
Madhuram Prabhakar, a digital nomad and the founder of Eggless Cooking, wasn’t surprised to see states like Massachusetts and Maryland high on the list because of their large tech communities and ample amenities available.
“Good connectivity, safety, a supportive community and access to good health and wellness resources are primary considerations when choosing a place,” Prabhakar told Newsweek. “I think states like Utah and Colorado stood out in the list because they also offer a great work-life balance with access to outdoor activities.”
For another remote worker and digital nomad, Florida came in as the best place to stay.
“Florida is the top state for individuals like me,” Gene Caballero, co-founder of the lawn service platform GreenPal, told Newsweek. “Its constant sunny climate is a significant perk, enabling a work-life integration that thrives outdoors. Work never feels like a chore when the sun is your companion.”
Kolodgie said that no matter where you choose to stay as a digital nomad, you need to be on the lookout for a supportive environment, whatever that looks like to you.
“Such people thrive when they get to connect with like-minded individuals,” Kolodgie said. “The feeling of belonging while on the move is something even money doesn’t buy.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
[ad_2]
