Several cities and midsize towns across the U.S. experienced a surge in remote workers seeking affordable housing and lifestyle. The so-called “Zoom towns” characterize this increase in popularity due to remote work and the use of platforms such as Zoom. The latest study led by SmartAsset revealed the top ten Zoom towns perfect for digital nomads.
SmartAsset analyzed over 300 cities and towns based on population characteristics, cost of living, internet, and electricity reliability to identify the top Zoom towns for remote workers.
Top 10 Zoom Towns in the US In 2023
1. St. George, Utah: Known for its stunning red rock landscapes and warm climate, St. George has a low cost of living and a growing tech industry.
2. Bozeman, Montana: Bozeman is home to Montana State University and has a strong outdoor recreation culture and a thriving tech sector.
3. Bend, Oregon: Located in the scenic high desert region of central Oregon, Bend offers a wide range of outdoor activities, craft breweries, and a growing tech industry.
4. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: Coeur d’Alene is a picturesque lake town with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities and a relatively low cost of living.
5. Asheville, North Carolina: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene, farm-to-table cuisine, and numerous craft breweries.
6. Durango, Colorado: Durango is a charming mountain town with a rich history, excellent skiing and hiking, and a growing tech industry.
7. Park City, Utah: Park City is a world-class ski destination with a strong economy and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities year-round.
8. Missoula, Montana: Missoula is a college town with a lively arts and culture scene, surrounded by stunning mountains and rivers.
9. Truckee, California: Located near Lake Tahoe, Truckee offers a wealth of outdoor activities and a growing tech industry, with a relatively low cost of living for California.
10. Fayetteville, Arkansas: Home to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville has a thriving arts and music scene, numerous parks and trails, and a low cost of living.
Additional Study Findings
- Remote work has seen its largest growth in the suburbs of California and Washington, with over 50% of workers in Redmond, WA and Mountain View, CA, operating remotely. This demographic has grown by approximately 50% between 2019 and 2021 in these cities.
- The Midwest region dominates the list of America’s top 10 “zoom towns,” with eight towns making the cut.
- The cost of living in the top 10 Zoom towns is approximately 5% cheaper than the national average.
