A small mountain town street at dusk, lined with brick buildings and cars, with people strolling the sidewalks—captures the charm and things to do in Idaho Springs, CO. Snow-capped peaks and autumn trees rise under a partly cloudy sky.

10 Best Places to Live for Digital Nomads in the U.S.

ByNatalie Rushing

If you’re looking to become a digital nomad without leaving your home country, or if you’re looking to nomad in the U.S. from another country, but you’re not sure where you should live, I’ve got you covered. I’ve been a digital nomad for 3 and a half years now (!) exclusively in the United States, and I’m pretty well-traveled here. Here is my list of the best places to live for digital nomads in the U.S.

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Key West ocean sunset in Mallory Square with 3 sailboats

1. Key West, Florida

Honestly, anywhere in the Florida Keys would be good for a digital nomad to live. You’ll get beaches, nightlife, and offbeat small city charm all throughout the Keys.

In Key West, there’s always something going on, including daily sunset celebrations, festivals, and partying on Duval Street. It’s easy to meet people there, and everyone seems to be in a good mood. And it’s not just the alcohol making everyone merry, it’s also the unique atmosphere. It’s hard to explain, but there’s really something different about the Florida Keys. I guess I’d say it’s where you go if you just want to have a good time, relax, and enjoy beautiful sunsets, all while not taking yourself too seriously. Key West is a small, laid-back city that’s welcoming to solo travelers, so you’ll never feel out of place.

Looking for something close by that’s a little quieter than Key West? Don’t sleep on Islamorada! It’s perfect if you’re introverted but still want the Florida Keys experience (including delicious key lime pie). Plus, you can visit Key West whenever you want!

famous balcony on Royal Street in New Orleans. Plants overhang on the balconies of a 3 story brick building.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

I’ve lived in New Orleans the longest as a digital nomad, and I still love it. New Orleans is a city like no other–for one thing, it has personality. You won’t find watered-down, corporate-y establishments here (or if there are, I’ve never been). The people are friendly, so it’s easy to make friends there–just go to a parade, of which there are many, and talk to someone new! Everyone talks about the French Quarter, but each neighborhood is lively and has something unique about it. You have to experience it!

Blue Ridge Mountains - why you should visit Asheville

3. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville consistently makes “top digital nomad city” lists, and it’s no wonder why. It’s one of the best cities for digital nomads thanks to its thriving music scene, beautiful nature, and charming downtown. There’s so much hiking to do there, and you’re right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is breathtaking in the autumn.

A city street features historic buildings with ornate facades, trees lining the sidewalk, and pink umbrellas shading outdoor seating in front of a restaurant on a sunny day.

4. Mobile, Alabama

This one surprised me! But Mobile is really a great spot – it’s close to the ocean, it has a cute downtown, and it’s very affordable. Plus, it’s kind of like a mini New Orleans. Don’t get me wrong–nothing compares to Nola, but Mobile does have the same general laid-back atmosphere, and many of the streets are named after New Orleans streets. Fun fact: the first Mardi Gras was in Mobile, and you can visit the Mobile Carnival Museum to learn all about it! If you’re looking for a city that’s near the beach without breaking the bank, go to Mobile!

Greetings from Austin mural

5. austin, Texas

Austin has my heart–it’s offbeat, quirky, and you’ll never run out of things to do there. Plus, almost everyone you meet is likely a transplant, so most people are open to meeting new people. It’s just a good time.

Bright electronic billboards light up Times Square at night, displaying colorful ads, including one for an Aerie sale. Crowds fill the busy streets below—a must-see spot for anyone enjoying SOLO FEMALE travel in NYC.

6. NYC

I know I said Austin had my heart, but…I also think about moving to New York every day. If you’re like me, and you know that you could never afford New York (at least without having 10 roommates), living there as a digital nomad is a great low-commitment way to explore it. You’ll be there long enough to see many of the sights you’ve always wanted to see, though not all, trust me on that one! You may daydream about moving there for years to come, and maybe you will one day, but if not, at least you can say you lived there for a little while.

A woman wearing sunglasses and a blue scrunchie smiles in front of the Hollywood sign on a sunny day, with trees and shrubs around her and hills in the background.

7. Los Angeles, California

LA. was the first spot I lived as a digital nomad, and I loved it. I was pleasantly surprised by how many hiking trails there were within the city! Similar to NYC, if you’ve dreamt of living in L.A., you could live there for a while as a digital nomad and explore. Plus, other great spots you may want to visit aren’t too far away and make for good weekend trips – for example, San Diego, the Redwoods, Joshua Tree, etc.

Mountain landscape with red, orange, and brown rocky slopes, partially covered in snow, under a clear blue sky with a few clouds. Distant mountain peaks are visible in the background.

8. Western Colorado

I was blown away by Western Colorado. I explored Telluride, Silverton, Durango, and Ouray, and man…it’s beautiful out there. If you’re looking to take in Colorado’s natural beauty outside of Denver, and maybe do some hiking, I’d recommend staying in Western Colorado.

A woman wearing sunglasses and casual clothes stands on a cobblestone street holding a leash attached to a small black and white dog sitting beside her. Trees and buildings line the street in the background.

9. Charleston, South Carolina

If you’re seeking a charming, historical town that’s close to beaches, Charleston is your spot. I could wander around those cobblestone streets all day, and have.

A small mountain lake surrounded by autumn foliage, evergreen trees, and rocky hills under a cloudy sky, with distant mountains visible on the horizon.

10. Idaho springs, Colorado

Idaho Springs is cute town about an hour west of Denver. It doesn’t have nearly as many tourists as Estes Park but has every bit of the charm, including some of the most beautiful hikes in the state. If you’re seeking mountain solitude that’s close to a charming downtown and isn’t too far removed from the big city amenities of Denver, this is your spot.

Final Thoughts: Best Places to Live for Digital Nomads in the United States

The U.S. has such a variety of places to live, and sometimes crossing state lines can feel like you’re stepping into another country. Digital nomads have no shortage of wonderful places to (temporarily) call home in the U.S.!

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A young woman with pink hair works on a laptop in a bright room, suitcase nearby. Text overlay reads, Best Places to Live for Digital Nomads—outsiderodyssey.com.

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