Top 10 Best Towns for Remote Workers in 2027

1. Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon ranks first because it delivers the strongest overall balance of gigabit fiber internet, a genuine tech and startup community, and an unmatched outdoor lifestyle. With a population near 105,000 and a median household income around $85,000, the high-desert town offers 300-plus days of sun, skiing at Mount Bachelor, and the Deschutes River through downtown. Providers like BendBroadband and TDS supply gigabit fiber, and a dense web of coworking spaces keeps networking lively.

Bend is for remote professionals who prioritize lifestyle and community over pure affordability and are willing to pay a premium for it. It trades away the lower housing costs and tax advantages of towns like Chattanooga, where a median home is nearly half the price. Compared to Boise, Bend offers a more concentrated outdoor scene and a tighter-knit tech community, but Boise provides more urban amenities and a lower cost of entry.

2. Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho ranks second for remote workers who want city amenities, low taxes, and fast internet without West Coast prices. The metro population near 750,000 supports a walkable downtown, the Boise River Greenbelt, and the Boise Foothills for hiking minutes from home. Idaho's flat 5.8% income tax and a median home near $500,000 help out-of-state salaries stretch further than in Bend.

Boise is for remote workers who want a real urban environment with a friendly, low-key culture and access to nature, but who are willing to accept a less dramatic outdoor setting than Bend. It trades away the high-desert sun and river-through-town charm of Bend for more restaurants, breweries, and a larger job market for non-remote spouses.

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga, Tennessee ranks third as the best-value town for remote workers, pairing elite municipal fiber with a low cost of living. The EPB network offers residential speeds up to 25 Gbps, the fastest on this list, and Tennessee charges no state income tax. A median home near $330,000 and a median household income around $60,000 make it the most affordable base for dollar-for-dollar quality of life.

Chattanooga is for budget-minded remote workers who need top-tier internet and want to keep more of their paycheck, but it trades away the mountain-town culture and 300 sunny days of Bend. Summers are hot and humid, and public transit is limited outside the core. Compared to Boise, Chattanooga offers a dramatically lower median home price and no state income tax, but Boise has a larger metro and more urban amenities.

4. Bentonville, Arkansas

Bentonville, Arkansas ranks fourth for remote workers who want world-class mountain biking, big-city culture, and a low cost of living in a small town. With a population near 60,000 and a median home near $400,000, it offers gigabit fiber, a charming town square, and the free Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The town bills itself as the Mountain Biking Capital of the World with hundreds of miles of trails, fueled by Walmart's headquarters investment.

Bentonville is for remote workers who prioritize outdoor recreation and cultural amenities over nightlife and air service, which are limited given its small-town size. It trades away the urban energy of Boise and the riverfront of Chattanooga for a quieter, bike-first lifestyle. Compared to Asheville, Bentonville offers a lower median home price and a stronger corporate-backed economy, but Asheville has a more established arts scene and mountain climate.

5. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina ranks fifth for creative remote workers who want an artsy, walkable mountain town with gigabit fiber and the Blue Ridge Mountains at the doorstep. The population near 95,000 supports a famous breweries-and-arts scene in the River Arts District, plus the Blue Ridge Parkway for hiking. A median home near $450,000 is more affordable than Bend or Boulder, though local wages are low.

Asheville is for remote professionals who value culture and nature over a large job market, and it trades away the tech community of Bend or Boulder for a more bohemian vibe. Compared to Bentonville, Asheville has a more established arts scene and a cooler climate, but Bentonville offers a lower median home price and a stronger bike culture. Tourism crowds can swell on weekends, and housing has climbed as remote workers moved in.

6. Boulder, Colorado

Boulder, Colorado ranks sixth as the premium pick for high-earning remote pros who want elite networking and outdoor access. Anchored by the University of Colorado and a dense cluster of tech, aerospace, and biotech firms, it has one of the strongest startup and remote-work cultures anywhere. The population near 105,000 enjoys 300 days of sun and the iconic Flatirons with trails straight from town, plus gigabit fiber and abundant coworking.

Boulder is for remote workers with high salaries who prize networking and outdoor access and can absorb the steep housing costs. It trades away the affordability of Chattanooga or Greenville for a premium lifestyle and a highly educated, entrepreneurial population. Compared to Fort Collins, Boulder offers a more prestigious tech and research community, but Fort Collins has municipal fiber and a median home near $560,000, making it a more accessible alternative.

7. Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota, Florida ranks seventh for sun-seeking remote workers who want Gulf Coast beaches, no state income tax, and a strong arts scene. The city population near 57,000 (far more in the metro) offers gigabit fiber and a median home near $470,000, with Florida charging no state income tax. Siesta Key is regularly ranked among America's best beaches for its powder-soft sand, and downtown provides theater, opera, and dining.

Sarasota is for remote workers who prioritize beach access and warm weather over mountain recreation or a tech community, and it trades away the outdoor adventure of Boulder or Bozeman. Compared to Asheville, Sarasota offers a no-income-tax advantage and a warmer climate, but Asheville has a more walkable mountain-town core and lower housing costs. Summer heat, humidity, and hurricane-season risk are real downsides, and Florida home insurance costs have risen sharply.

8. Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville, South Carolina ranks eighth for remote workers who want an affordable, walkable downtown with gigabit fiber and a low cost of living. The population near 75,000 centers on Falls Park on the Reedy and its signature pedestrian bridge over a waterfall, with a charming Main Street packed with restaurants and breweries. A median home near $360,000 and South Carolina's low cost of living make it one of the most budget-friendly picks on this list.

Greenville is for remote workers who want a lively, walkable downtown without the premium prices of Boulder or Bend, and it trades away the mountain-town culture of Asheville for a more polished Southern city feel. Compared to Chattanooga, Greenville offers a similar price point but lacks the no-income-tax advantage and the 25 Gbps municipal fiber. Summers are hot and humid, and the job market is smaller for non-remote spouses.

9. Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins, Colorado ranks ninth for remote workers who want a college-town vibe, municipal gigabit fiber, and serious outdoor access at the gateway to the Rockies. The population near 170,000 benefits from the Connexion municipal fiber network, a celebrated craft-beer scene, and a historic Old Town that inspired Disney's Main Street USA. A median home near $560,000 is below Boulder's $850,000, and the town offers 300 sunny days a year.

Fort Collins is for remote workers who want a more affordable Colorado alternative to Boulder but still value a bike-first, college-town energy. It trades away the elite tech community of Boulder for a lower price point and a more laid-back atmosphere, though Colorado income tax still applies. Compared to Greenville, Fort Collins offers a cooler climate and better mountain access, but Greenville has a lower median home price and a more walkable downtown.

10. Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman, Montana ranks tenth as the ultimate outdoor-adventure base for remote workers chasing big-sky access, with gigabit fiber and no state sales tax. The population near 57,000 sits near Yellowstone National Park, Bridger Bowl, and Big Sky, offering world-class skiing, blue-ribbon trout rivers, and hiking out every door. A median home near $720,000 reflects a wave of remote-work migration, and Montana State University keeps a youthful energy downtown.

Bozeman is for outdoor obsessives who prioritize unmatched nature access over affordability and urban amenities, and it trades away the tech community of Bend or Boulder for pure wilderness. Compared to Fort Collins, Bozeman offers closer access to Yellowstone and bigger mountains, but Fort Collins has a lower median home price and more city services. Long winters and a remote location can be challenging, and housing has soared.

How we ranked these

We ranked towns by weighting affordability and home value (25%), internet speed and reliability (20%), lifestyle and amenities (20%), jobs, taxes, and cost of living (15%), safety (10%), and community and remote-work culture (10%). Data came from Niche, the U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, Realtor.com, BestPlaces, and broadband maps. Towns with cheap homes but slow internet, or great trails but punishing housing costs, dropped fast.

We deliberately ignored subjective factors like a town's "best places to live" badge, a single trendy coffee shop, or glossy relocation-incentive headlines. These marketing signals don't shape daily work life or finances. We also excluded towns without verifiable gigabit fiber or reliable public data on home prices, incomes, and taxes. The goal was to focus on measurable, reproducible criteria that remote workers actually optimize for.

What to look for

When choosing between these towns, verify internet speed at your exact address—don't trust marketing maps. Check for a backup option in case of outages. Factor in state income tax: no-income-tax states like Tennessee or Florida can add thousands to take-home pay versus Oregon or Colorado. Consider time-zone fit with your team, and look beyond home price to insurance, utilities, and groceries. For example, Florida insurance and Montana remoteness can erase apparent savings.

The most common mistake is prioritizing housing cost alone without accounting for total cost of living and taxes. A cheap home in a high-tax state or with poor internet can cost more over time. Another mistake is ignoring community and coworking options—working from home gets isolating. Towns with real coworking spaces and meetups, like Bend and Boulder, ease loneliness. Choose on internet, taxes, and total cost of living, not relocation hype.

Related questions

What are the best Midwest cities for remote workers in 2027?

Midwest cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Columbus offer strong fiber internet, lower housing costs than coastal metros, and vibrant downtowns. They also have no state income tax in some cases, like Texas cities, but Midwest states generally have moderate taxes. Look for cities with growing tech scenes and coworking spaces, such as Detroit or Cincinnati, which provide affordability and community.

What are the best European cities for remote workers and digital nomads in 2027?

European cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, and Tallinn are popular for remote workers due to digital nomad visas, high-speed internet, and lower cost of living than Northern Europe. Cities like Berlin and Amsterdam offer strong infrastructure but higher costs. Consider time zone overlap with your team and local tax implications, as some countries tax worldwide income.

What are the best US cities for remote workers in 2027?

Top US cities include Austin, Denver, and Raleigh, which offer a mix of tech jobs, outdoor access, and reasonable costs. Cities like Salt Lake City and Tampa provide no state income tax or low taxes. Look for cities with gigabit fiber, coworking spaces, and a community of remote workers. Balance housing costs with lifestyle and internet reliability.

What are the best US cities for outdoor-loving remote workers in 2027?

Outdoor-focused cities include Bend, Bozeman, and Boulder, which offer skiing, hiking, and biking within minutes. These towns often have higher housing costs but provide unmatched access to nature. Consider cities like Asheville or Fort Collins for a balance of outdoor recreation and affordability. Ensure reliable internet, as some remote areas may have limited connectivity.

How do I choose between a small town and a big city for remote work?

Small towns like Bentonville offer lower costs and tight-knit communities, but may lack nightlife and air service. Big cities like Boise provide more amenities and networking but often have higher housing costs. Consider your priorities: if you value outdoor access and quiet, a small town may be better; if you need urban conveniences, choose a city. Always verify internet speed.

What is the best way to test internet speed before moving?

Use online tools like Speedtest.net to check current speeds, but also contact local providers to confirm availability at your exact address. Ask about fiber vs. cable and any data caps. For remote work, you need at least 25 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload, but gigabit is ideal. Consider a backup option like a mobile hotspot in case of outages.

How does state income tax affect remote workers?

State income tax can significantly reduce take-home pay. For example, Oregon's income tax is up to 9.9%, while Tennessee and Florida have no state income tax. A remote worker earning $100,000 could save thousands annually by choosing a no-tax state. However, consider other costs like property taxes and insurance, which may be higher in some no-tax states.

FAQ

What is the best town for remote workers overall?

Bend, Oregon earns our top spot for combining gigabit fiber, a genuine tech and startup community, and an unbeatable outdoor lifestyle with 300-plus sunny days a year. The trade-off is a median home near $640,000 and Oregon's income tax, but for remote earners on out-of-state salaries, the quality of life often justifies the cost.

What is the most affordable town for remote workers?

Chattanooga, Tennessee is the value leader, pairing municipal fiber up to 25 Gbps, no state income tax, and a median home near $330,000. This combination delivers the best work-from-home quality of life per dollar. The city also offers riverfront parks, a revitalized downtown, and a startup scene, making it a budget-friendly yet connected base.

Which town has the fastest internet for remote work?

Chattanooga leads decisively—its municipal EPB network offers residential speeds up to 25 Gbps, far beyond the gigabit service available in the other towns here. This makes it ideal for heavy data users, video conferencing, and large file transfers. For most remote workers, gigabit is sufficient, but Chattanooga's speed is a standout advantage.

Which remote-work towns have no state income tax?

Chattanooga, Tennessee and Sarasota, Florida both sit in no-income-tax states, a major boost to take-home pay for remote earners on out-of-state salaries. This can add thousands of dollars annually compared to states like Oregon or Colorado. However, consider other costs like property taxes and insurance, which may be higher in these states.

Which town is best for outdoor-loving remote workers?

Bend, Bozeman, and Boulder all offer elite outdoor access—skiing, biking, and trails from town. Bozeman is closest to Yellowstone, while Bend offers the strongest tech community alongside outdoor recreation. Boulder provides premium lifestyle but at a higher cost. Choose based on your preferred activities and budget, and ensure reliable internet in these mountain towns.

Are these towns good for freelancers and founders?

Yes—Bend, Boulder, and Bentonville in particular have active coworking spaces, startup incubators, and networking events, making them strong bases for freelancers and location-independent founders. These communities provide opportunities for collaboration and growth. However, consider the local job market for any non-remote spouse, as some towns have limited employment options.

How important is time zone fit for remote work?

Time zone fit is crucial if your team clusters on one coast. A Mountain or Central town like Bend or Chattanooga keeps meeting hours sane for both coasts. For example, a 9 AM meeting in Bend is 12 PM on the East Coast, which works well. Check overlap before committing, especially if you collaborate synchronously.

What should I look for in a coworking space?

Look for reliable high-speed internet, comfortable workstations, and meeting rooms. Check for community events and networking opportunities, as these can help combat isolation. Consider location, parking, and 24/7 access. Many towns like Bend and Boulder have multiple coworking spaces, so visit a few to find the right vibe and amenities for your work style.

How does the cost of living vary among these towns?

Cost of living varies significantly. Chattanooga and Greenville are most affordable, with median homes around $330,000 and $360,000, respectively. Boulder is priciest at $850,000, followed by Bozeman at $720,000. Beyond housing, consider utilities, groceries, and insurance. For example, Florida's insurance costs are high, while Montana's remoteness can increase shipping and travel costs.

What are the hidden costs of moving to a remote-work town?

Hidden costs include higher home insurance in Florida due to hurricanes, higher property taxes in some states, and increased travel costs for remote towns like Bozeman. Also, consider the cost of backup internet, coworking memberships, and higher utility bills in extreme climates. Always calculate total cost of living, not just home price, to make an informed decision.

Sources

• https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-places-to-live/
• https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/
• https://www.zillow.com/home-values/
• https://www.realtor.com/local/
• https://bestplaces.net/
• https://www.epb.com/fiber/
• https://www.visitbend.com/

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