- Colorado’s got everything remote workers need: fast internet, a great community, and a high quality of life.
- Florida and New York round out the top 3, with beautiful nature, affordable living, and lots of cool stuff to do.
- Illinois and Washington are great choices too, with fast internet, supportive communities, and lots of amenities.
- On the other hand, Alaska, Hawaii, and Wyoming aren’t the best places for remote work, as they ranked at the bottom on the list.
As more Americans adopt remote work, they’re seeking states that offer the ideal conditions for a flexible lifestyle. With a reliable Wi-Fi connection and a preferred coffee shop, your office can be anywhere.
A recent study has named Colorado the top state for remote workers, surpassing other contenders in terms of overall suitability.
The study, conducted by the research team at 1 Click Marketing, analyzed download speeds, mobile download speeds, coworking space availability, work-from-home rates, electricity prices, cost of living, noise pollution, crime rates, cybercrime rates, access to pools, and the size of state parks to determine the best states for remote workers.
Colorado takes the top spot and has the perfect blend for remote workers. With lightning-fast internet speeds (171.53 Mbps), you can work without a hitch. Plus, it’s got a ton of remote workers (21.2%) and coworking spaces (over 130), so you’re in good company. And let’s not forget the peace and quiet – it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
Florida comes in second with a score of 74.04. With super-fast internet (185.24 Mbps download, 115.55 Mbps mobile), you’ll never miss a beat. Plus, there are tons of coworking spaces and a huge 16.4% of Floridians already work remotely. And let’s not forget the low crime rate, beautiful pools (149.43 per 100K people), and lush green spaces – it’s the perfect place to work and play.
New York is also a great place to work remotely, ranking third on the list. With more coworking spaces than anywhere else in the country, you can always find a new spot to work. And with 14.5% of New Yorkers working from home, you’re definitely in good company. Sure, the electricity costs might be a bit higher (ranking 42nd nationwide), but the low crime rates, cultural hubs, and natural parks make it a pretty sweet spot for remote workers.
Illinois ranks fourth with a 72.57 score. Its mobile internet is super fast (138.89 Mbps), and there are plenty of coworking spaces to choose from (ranking 5th nationally per 100K). Plus, 15.8% of Illinoisans work from home. While the electricity costs might be a bit higher, the overall cost of living and low crime rates make it a pretty attractive place to live and work.
Washington is fifth on the list with a 70.77 score. Its fast internet speeds (165.99 Mbps) and high percentage of remote workers (20.5%) make it a perfect fit. Plus, the low electricity costs and strong infrastructure for remote work, along with plenty of coworking spaces, create a great environment for getting things done.
Connecticut might be a small state, but it’s a big deal for remote workers, ranking sixth nationally. With super-fast internet, plenty of pools (ranking top ten nationally), and tons of parks, (fourth place) it’s the perfect place to live and work. It’s like having your own personal oasis.
Georgia comes next in seventh place with a 68.06 score. The state is a great option for remote workers who want a good balance of speed and affordability. Its internet is reliable, and the cost of living is pretty low, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
Georgia might have average noise pollution and crime rates, but it’s got plenty of parks and a pretty low cybercrime rate. That means you can enjoy a peaceful and safe work environment.
Arizona ranks eighth for remote work conditions with a score of 68. This state offers a compelling blend of affordability and high-speed internet. Its low cost of living makes it a budget-friendly option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Arizona’s impressive mobile download speeds, which reach 121.72 Mbps, mean you can work on the go without sacrificing productivity. With its stunning natural beauty and low crime rates, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of work.
New Jersey might not be the first place you think of for remote work, but it’s actually a pretty great spot, ranking in ninth place. With super-fast internet (third fastest for downloads at 202.2 Mbps), a big community of remote workers (|16.7%), and plenty of parks to explore, it’s the perfect place to live and work.
Rounding out the top 10 is Maryland with a 67.23. With fast internet (198.06Mbps) and a big community of remote workers (19.4%), it’s easy to find a good work-life balance. Plus, there are plenty of things to do outside of work, so you can relax and recharge.
A spokesperson from 1 Click Marketing commented on the findings:
“The pandemic really sped up the trend of remote work. Businesses realized they could do it, and it actually worked out pretty well.
Now, people are looking for places where they can work remotely and be happy. To make this work, we need to invest in things like fast internet, coworking spaces, and a culture that supports remote work.”
Full list of the best states for remote workers:
Rank | State | Download speed (Mbps) | Mobile Download Speed (Mbps) | Coworking Spaces per 100K | Working From Home (%) | Cost of Living Index | Noise Pollution | Crimes per 100K | Cybercrime per 100K | Properties with Pools per 100K | State Park Area % | Total Score |
1 | Colorado | 15 | 25 | 2 | 1 | 29 | 14 | 49 | 45 | 41 | 24 | 75.74 |
2 | Florida | 8 | 11 | 17 | 15 | 32 | 44 | 2 | 42 | 1 | 6 | 74.04 |
3 | New York | 18 | 8 | 1 | 22 | 44 | 43 | 1 | 28 | 8 | 23 | 73.22 |
4 | Illinois | 19 | 1 | 5 | 18 | 25 | 39 | 23 | 19 | 37 | 19 | 72.57 |
5 | Washington | 22 | 20 | 3 | 2 | 46 | 28 | 50 | 44 | 45 | 9 | 70.77 |
6 | Connecticut | 5 | 28 | 14 | 17 | 39 | 47 | 20 | 32 | 10 | 4 | 68.32 |
7 | Georgia | 14 | 26 | 12 | 16 | 16 | 34 | 24 | 18 | 12 | 40 | 68.06 |
8 | Arizona | 26 | 7 | 15 | 3 | 41 | 19 | 11 | 47 | 3 | 12 | 68.00 |
9 | New Jersey | 3 | 6 | 39 | 12 | 42 | 50 | 5 | 24 | 13 | 5 | 67.67 |
10 | Maryland | 4 | 24 | 18 | 4 | 43 | 46 | 17 | 38 | 33 | 21 | 67.23 |
11 | Virginia | 2 | 39 | 21 | 7 | 30 | 37 | 26 | 33 | 34 | 26 | 67.07 |
12 | Pennsylvania | 20 | 15 | 24 | 21 | 21 | 41 | 3 | 20 | 32 | 25 | 66.74 |
13 | Texas | 10 | 22 | 11 | 23 | 15 | 24 | 41 | 37 | 16 | 27 | 66.59 |
14 | Tennessee | 13 | 18 | 16 | 26 | 9 | 31 | 40 | 15 | 9 | 17 | 66.54 |
15 | Minnesota | 35 | 4 | 22 | 11 | 26 | 21 | 34 | 17 | 18 | 29 | 66.38 |
16 | New Hampshire | 7 | 44 | 8 | 9 | 34 | 30 | 8 | 14 | 31 | 20 | 66.32 |
17 | Massachusetts | 6 | 19 | 6 | 6 | 48 | 48 | 14 | 31 | 26 | 7 | 65.53 |
18 | Nevada | 21 | 5 | 4 | 32 | 35 | 9 | 45 | 49 | 4 | 39 | 65.06 |
19 | Utah | 12 | 9 | 40 | 8 | 36 | 11 | 31 | 35 | 6 | 14 | 65.03 |
20 | Rhode Island | 17 | 3 | 7 | 25 | 37 | 49 | 16 | 22 | 20 | 30 | 64.53 |
21 | Michigan | 27 | 10 | 36 | 24 | 7 | 33 | 25 | 34 | 21 | 11 | 63.32 |
22 | North Carolina | 29 | 34 | 19 | 13 | 27 | 36 | 36 | 13 | 25 | 18 | 61.76 |
23 | Oregon | 23 | 27 | 13 | 5 | 45 | 13 | 46 | 39 | 27 | 36 | 61.66 |
24 | Ohio | 32 | 14 | 20 | 28 | 19 | 42 | 28 | 36 | 35 | 33 | 61.09 |
25 | Delaware | 1 | 17 | 45 | 20 | 31 | 45 | 32 | 48 | 28 | 16 | 60.40 |
26 | Kansas | 30 | 21 | 30 | 33 | 6 | 10 | 30 | 2 | 39 | 50 | 60.25 |
27 | Indiana | 16 | 13 | 35 | 38 | 12 | 35 | 21 | 40 | 38 | 32 | 60.22 |
28 | Nebraska | 33 | 32 | 9 | 37 | 24 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 42 | 38 | 60.02 |
29 | California | 9 | 12 | 43 | 10 | 49 | 40 | 6 | 46 | 7 | 3 | 59.61 |
30 | South Carolina | 11 | 23 | 29 | 35 | 22 | 32 | 44 | 41 | 5 | 35 | 58.24 |
31 | North Dakota | 28 | 2 | 26 | 49 | 20 | 4 | 37 | 1 | 49 | 42 | 58.11 |
32 | Wisconsin | 38 | 38 | 33 | 29 | 17 | 27 | 18 | 21 | 47 | 13 | 57.53 |
33 | Kentucky | 31 | 29 | 34 | 39 | 18 | 29 | 22 | 4 | 30 | 15 | 57.13 |
34 | Missouri | 34 | 16 | 47 | 30 | 10 | 23 | 42 | 23 | 22 | 37 | 56.86 |
35 | Alabama | 25 | 30 | 32 | 46 | 1 | 25 | 27 | 9 | 14 | 46 | 56.51 |
36 | Oklahoma | 24 | 35 | 28 | 43 | 2 | 16 | 43 | 16 | 24 | 47 | 55.67 |
37 | Maine | 41 | 49 | 31 | 19 | 38 | 12 | 19 | 12 | 19 | 10 | 53.98 |
38 | Iowa | 44 | 36 | 48 | 36 | 11 | 17 | 15 | 11 | 44 | 41 | 53.76 |
39 | West Virginia | 45 | 43 | 27 | 44 | 5 | 22 | 13 | 25 | 43 | 28 | 52.55 |
40 | New Mexico | 43 | 45 | 25 | 34 | 13 | 6 | 48 | 29 | 29 | 44 | 52.40 |
41 | Idaho | 48 | 37 | 42 | 27 | 33 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 36 | 45 | 51.96 |
42 | South Dakota | 40 | 31 | 38 | 40 | 14 | 5 | 33 | 43 | 48 | 34 | 51.87 |
43 | Vermont | 42 | 50 | 41 | 14 | 40 | 20 | 29 | 7 | 23 | 31 | 51.15 |
44 | Louisiana | 37 | 33 | 49 | 48 | 8 | 26 | 39 | 6 | 11 | 48 | 50.57 |
45 | Arkansas | 39 | 40 | 44 | 47 | 3 | 15 | 47 | 5 | 15 | 43 | 49.93 |
46 | Montana | 50 | 42 | 37 | 31 | 28 | 3 | 38 | 27 | 40 | 22 | 48.78 |
47 | Mississippi | 36 | 46 | 46 | 50 | 4 | 18 | 10 | 3 | 17 | 49 | 47.03 |
48 | Wyoming | 47 | 47 | 50 | 45 | 23 | 2 | 12 | 30 | 46 | 8 | 46.27 |
49 | Hawaii | 46 | 41 | 10 | 42 | 50 | 38 | 35 | 26 | 2 | 1 | 41.03 |
50 | Alaska | 49 | 48 | 23 | 41 | 47 | 1 | 4 | 50 | 50 | 2 | 40.82 |