8 Best Midwest US Cities for Digital Nomads
By: Peter Cliff
Tags: United States, Remote Work, Remote Working, Midwest, Digital Nomads

With the advent of digital technology, e-commerce, instantaneous communication, and the proliferation of online jobs, many people are entertaining the idea of becoming digital nomads.

This is more evident in these times of pandemic, where many businesses were challenged to move the workforce from the office to home. As many companies have realized by now, working remotely is completely doable.

Perhaps the best thing about being a digital nomad is the ability to choose a place that will work for you — as you work. The beautiful ocean backdrop may lessen stress and provide inspiration.

The coffee shop’s relaxed atmosphere and the invigorating aroma of coffee give you the right balance of stimulation and calm you need to work. Indeed, the idea of working ‘wherever and whenever’ makes the digital nomad lifestyle as rewarding as it sounds.

8 Ideal Midwest Cities of Digital Nomads

You got the laptop, all the necessary tools, and the will to start a new work adventure.

Are you ready for productive yet stress-free work and play lifestyle? Check out these key Midwest US cities for digital nomads where the remote work culture is thriving.

● Chicago (Illinois)

The third most populous city in the United States is a melting pot of different interesting cultures. If we would rank the top Midwest cities for digital nomads, Chicago would definitely be our number one on the list.

There are many reasons why, but the most significant one is that Chicago has adapted remote work arrangement permanently. Even if you are from another state, you would still get a chance of landing a job in Chicago.

Chicago has a great Midwestern vibe, and the community is so receptive to digital nomads.

And with great internet service (and lots of free Wi-Fi spots in the city), manageable cost of living, efficient public transport, lots of co-working spaces, remarkable architecture, year-round festivals, active nightlife, parks, some beaches, and many more, it’s no wonder the Windy City is among the most popular cities for digital nomads to work and play in.

● Kansas City (Missouri)

Early this year, Travel and Leisure named Kansas City the best in the country for remote work.

Business Insider also ranked Kansas City as the number one city for remote workers. If you are the type who prefers working from home, the low cost of living and fast Wi-Fi (they already have Google Fiber internet, in case you don’t know yet) in Kansas City would be a big come-on.

Historic sites, parks, museums, bars, coffee shops, and co-working spaces also abound in the city. There is always something you can do here when you are not glued on your laptop!

On top of that, if you love steaks and barbecue, Kansas City is the place to be.

● Rochester (Minnesota)

The city of Rochester is almost always included in the list of best cities to live in the United States.

For digital nomads, what good is working remotely when you are in a crappy place, right? Rochester won’t be a sprawling metropolis like Chicago, but it’s extremely affordable and pretty easy to hit the road to an airport to explore.

Also, there are also a ton of day trips from Rochester to see the heartland and no shortage of great Minnesota lakes to explore.

If you fancy the idea of experiencing the four seasons, the natural charm of nature, and a high standard of living, then this city is a great option. Rochester offers lots of things to do and friendly people everywhere you go. It is also among the safest cities in the country.

Rochester has plenty of potential for digital nomads looking for remote jobs in the IT, medical, and customer service industries. If one of these is your niche, then you just might find your next job here.

● Naperville (Illinois)

Illinois ranked 5th among US states with the most remote jobs this year, with Naperville as one of the best Midwest cities for digital nomads. 10.1% of the population here is working remotely in different sectors such as financial, marketing, and IT.

The most significant selling point of Naperville is its numerous parks, forest preserves, lakes, and beaches. Of course, one of the most essential considerations when moving would be a fast and reliable internet connection. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-speed internet providers in the city, which makes working remotely a breeze.

● Grand Rapids (Michigan)

Fast internet connections and a great selection of companies to work from make Grand Rapids one of the prime cities for digital nomads. Remote jobs in IT are among the most in-demand. Many remote workers in Grand Rapids come together in one of the many co-working spaces in the city, though some prefer to kick start their morning grind in coffee houses.

When you aren’t working, you may explore the parks and museums and enjoy the relaxed city life. Go downtown and discover amazing restaurants and bars, and treat yourself to some retail therapy, too.

● Cincinnati (Ohio)

As a rising economic power in the Midwest, Cincinnati is a haven for those seeking remote jobs. The cost of living in the metropolis is quite affordable, and the Wi-Fi speed is also superb.

Many remote workers take their tasks as they explore nearby cities. For digital nomads who value the cultural, artistic, and historical aspect of the place, Cincinnati will never fail to satisfy that need.

The city is home to notable people in the field of politics, sports, and science. It has fantastic museums showcasing the city’s history like the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the quirky American Signs Museum.

There are more attractions downtown featuring street murals, century-old underground tunnels where you can taste local craft beer while taking in the charming historic building. Nightlife here is alive too, with many bars and restaurants lined up downtown.

● Milwaukee (Wisconsin)

Milwaukee is the latest city in the Midwest region to open its doors to more digital nomads. With the growing tech-related labor pool, the city is in increased demand for talented remote workers in the field. Milwaukee enjoys fast internet, fairly affordable rent, and an overall good remote working culture.

Milwaukee is also a great city for those who enjoy the outdoors and arts. Run, hike, or bike along the trails, or go around town and see the delightful street murals. There are also museums and other cultural and historical attractions to keep your free time occupied.

● Saint Louis (Missouri)

Another Missouri city touted as one of the best cities for digital nomads is Saint Louis. The key metrics for its selection includes super-fast internet, a variety of sectors to find work in, and a low cost of living.

Saint Louis is known for having plenty of soothing green spaces, parks, museums, and of course, the Six Flags theme park.

Foodies will especially love the gastronomic scene here, and if beer-making history interests you, the Anheuser Busch Brewery Tours conducts free tours where you can also sample a pint.

Keep Working Smart

This is the age where many people are ditching work hard for work smart, with strategy differentiating the two. In line with working smart, keep in mind that the variables making these cities ideal for digital nomads in the Midwest may change from time to time.

With the pandemic rendering the economic weather volatile, it is common sense to double-check the place before making your final move. Be sure to cover all bases, analyze the relocation expenses, and see if the available remote jobs will truly fit you.

Also, consider using different travel hacks on your journey to get there to save money on your relocation and journey of being a digital nomad.

These Midwest cities for digital nomads may inspire you to join the growing number of remote workers enjoying the work-life balance they have created for themselves. If you see yourself in still that place after at least a few months, factoring in all the potential challenges such as salary changes or unpredicted increase in costs, then pat your back. You are ready to take on this journey.