The Best States to Work Remotely: A Guide for Remote Workers

The remote work revolution is in full swing, and with it comes the opportunity to live and work in some of the most desirable locations across the United States. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best states to work remotely, taking into account factors such as work environment, internet connectivity, and living conditions. Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking your next adventure or a seasoned remote professional looking to optimize your work-life balance, these states offer the perfect blend of opportunity and quality of life.

• WalletHub’s research has identified the top 10 states for remote work, offering a balance of internet access, work environment and living conditions.
• To examining state taxes on remote workers, this article provides an overview of in-demand jobs across the US and strategies to help maintain a healthy work-life balance while working remotely.
• Remote professionals can stay connected with colleagues through virtual office platforms and team building activities. They can overcome isolation by engaging in social activities and joining online communities.

WalletHub’s research has identified the top 10 states for remote work:

1. Delaware
2. Utah
3. Maryland
4. Connecticut
5. New Jersey
6. Washington DC
7. Georgia
8. Arizona
9. Washington
10. Colorado

These states for remote workers offer a great balance of internet access, work environment, and living conditions, making them ideal for remote professionals.

As remote work gains popularity among more companies, understanding the benefits and difficulties of working in these areas becomes a key factor in making career decisions. This shift from the pre pandemic model has led to a reevaluation of traditional work environments.

Delaware, one of the NOMAD states, takes the top spot as the best state for remote work thanks to its exemplary company culture and excellent living conditions. The state has transitioned away from the traditional pre-pandemic office work model and embraced remote work, promoting popular hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions on its tourism website. In comparison, North Dakota also offers opportunities for remote work but may not provide the same level of amenities and attractions as Delaware.

Moreover, Delaware has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangement Policy that acknowledges the benefits of flexible work schedules. There is also a “convenience of the employer” rule for taxpayers who transition from commuting to Delaware to working remotely from another location.

Utah ranks second for remote work, with the fourth-highest rate of remote employment among its population. The state’s thriving remote work culture is evident in cities such as:

• Salt Lake City
• Heber City
• The Provo-Orem metropolitan area
• Kaysville

These cities offer various remote job opportunities, including course technicians, customer support representatives, and sales associates.

Given the large number of residents who work from home, Utah fosters a supportive environment that helps remote workers flourish.

Maryland, ranked third for remote work, boasts a strong work environment and internet access, with a median fixed broadband download speed of 225.01 Mbps. However, its living environment ranking falls short due to factors such as a higher cost of living, environmental hazards, and a less dynamic economy.

Despite these obstacles, remote and hybrid professionals can still leverage Maryland’s numerous living options and exploit its superior connectivity.

Connecticut, ranked fourth in the top 10 states for remote work, offers the following advantages for remote workers:

• The second-highest rate of internet access among households
• A strong working environment
• A comfortable living environment, ranking sixth in terms of livability.

Cities in Connecticut that enhance the state’s appeal for remote workers include:

• Bloomfield
• West Hartford
• Stamford
• Milford City
• East Windsor

These cities make Connecticut a great choice for those seeking a well-connected and pleasant living environment.

New Jersey ranks fifth for remote work, with the fourth-highest rate of internet access among households and a range of proposed tax benefits for remote workers. These tax incentives, currently being considered by state officials and lawmakers, aim to attract companies that allow remote work to the state, making New Jersey an even more appealing destination for remote professionals.

In Washington DC, approximately 48.3% of employees work remotely, making the District of Columbia a remote work-friendly location. While the living environment ranking is lower than other states in the top 10, Washington DC offers affordable internet access, with average internet cost starting at $20 per month for basic plans.

As a hub for remote workers, Washington DC presents a unique opportunity to balance work and personal life in a vibrant, cosmopolitan setting.

Ranked seventh for remote work, Georgia offers the best living environment and affordable internet costs. While WalletHub’s study didn’t provide specific details on Georgia’s work environment, it’s clear that the state’s commitment to promoting remote work opportunities and its excellent living conditions make it an attractive choice for remote professionals.

Arizona, ranked eighth, offers a pleasant work and living environment, with a burgeoning remote work culture. The state’s ideal climate and natural beauty make it a magnet for remote workers seeking a healthy work-life balance. While specific tax incentives for remote workers in Arizona could not be located, the state’s overall appeal makes it an attractive destination for remote professionals.

Washington ranks ninth for remote work, with a high percentage of remote workers, good internet access, and reasonable electricity costs. The state’s stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and thriving tech industry make it an appealing location for remote workers looking for a dynamic and scenic work environment.

Rounding out the top 10 is Colorado, with a strong work and living environment and the second-highest proportion of residents working from home. The state’s picturesque mountains and outdoor recreation opportunities make it an ideal choice for remote workers seeking to balance productivity with a love for the great outdoors.

State taxes can have a significant effect on remote workers, encompassing income tax issues, local taxes, and living costs. Grasping the tax consequences of living and working in diverse states is a key consideration for remote workers when selecting the optimal location for their career and personal life.

This section will detail income tax factors, local taxes, cost of living, and tax breaks and incentives for remote workers.

Remote workers should be aware that their income tax considerations may vary depending on the state in which they are working. Different tax rates, filing requirements, and deductions can affect remote workers, and reciprocity agreements between states can simplify income tax obligations for those living in one state and working in another.

Comprehending the tax laws, including income taxes, of the involved states is necessary to guarantee compliance and prevent double taxation, especially in regions with high taxes or low taxes.

Local taxes, such as sales tax and property tax rates, can also affect remote workers and their cost of living. NOMAD stands for New Hampshire, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, and Delaware. These states do not impose a state sales tax..

In deciding the most suitable state for remote work, one must consider the varying costs of living in each state, influenced by factors such as housing expenses, transportation, and access to amenities.

Certain states provide tax breaks and incentives for remote workers, such as the NOMAD states that do not impose a state sales tax. Additionally, some states offer tax credits or deductions for remote workers, making it even more attractive for remote professionals to choose their ideal work location.

Grasping the tax benefits available in each state can aid remote workers in making a wise decision when choosing the most suitable state for their career and personal life.

With the ongoing growth of remote work opportunities, various in-demand remote jobs have emerged across the US, including marketing managers, developers, translators, and journalists.

This section will concentrate on three prevalent remote job profiles: data entry clerks, customer support specialists, and digital designers, offering insights into the duties and prerequisites of each role.

A data entry clerk is responsible for:

• Inputting data from paper records into a database
• Requiring strong written and verbal communication skills
• Fast and accurate typing speed
• Basic software knowledge
• Excellent attention to detail

Remote data entry clerks typically earn an average salary of $42,396 per year in the United States.

With minimal qualifications necessary, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, this role offers a great entry point for those looking to start a career in remote work.

Customer support specialists working remotely are responsible for providing timely and accurate responses to customer inquiries via phone, email, or chat, and assisting them in addressing their individual needs. Qualifications for a remote customer support specialist typically include strong verbal and written communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a college degree, while online courses and training programs can help professionals advance in this field.

Digital designers working remotely are responsible for:

• Creating designs for various digital projects, including websites, promotional materials, and campaign elements
• Collaborating with digital marketing teams
• Developing website layouts and functions
• Coordinating the review and approval of designed assets.

The job outlook for digital designers in the US is estimated to increase by an approximate 3% from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 22,800 job openings during that period. Digital designers can find opportunities across various industries, making it a versatile and in-demand remote career choice.

Transitioning to the remote work lifestyle might be difficult, yet with the appropriate strategies and mindset, remote workers can achieve a balanced and satisfying work-life experience. This section will examine techniques for maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium, maintaining connections with colleagues, and addressing feelings of isolation and loneliness in remote work.

Upholding a healthy work-life equilibrium is fundamental for remote workers, and several key strategies can assist in attaining this balance. These include:

• Establishing a routine
• Setting boundaries
• Creating a designated workspace
• Taking regular breaks
• Practicing time management

By implementing these strategies, remote workers, including any remote worker, can ensure their wellbeing and productivity remains high while enjoying the benefits of fully remote work.

Maintaining connections with colleagues is fundamental for remote workers as it promotes teamwork and communication and reduces feelings of isolation. Virtual office platforms, like Kumospace, offer an interactive and engaging way for remote teams to connect and collaborate, enabling natural communication and promoting creativity, happiness, and collaboration.

By utilizing such platforms and participating in virtual team-building activities, remote workers can maintain strong relationships with their colleagues and enhance their overall remote work experience, as these activities can bring employees closer together.

In conclusion, the top 10 states for remote work offer a variety of benefits and advantages, from excellent work environments and internet connectivity to tax breaks and incentives. By understanding the impact of state taxes, exploring in-demand remote job opportunities, and adapting to the remote work lifestyle, remote professionals can thrive in their chosen location and enjoy the flexibility and freedom that remote work offers. So, whether you’re an experienced remote worker or just starting your remote work journey, consider these top states as you embark on the path to remote work success.

For remote workers looking for financial freedom, states with no state income tax such as Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming offer the best opportunity. Furthermore, Delaware, Utah, Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, District of Columbia, Georgia, and Arizona all feature listings of remote jobs on The Muse.

If you work remotely, you must pay tax on all your income to the state in which you reside. This is regardless of where your employer is based and applies even if your state has personal income tax.

Denmark is the best country to work remotely from, according to The Global Remote Work Index 2023. It is followed by Spain, Italy, Norway, and Sweden, making sure to have a good internet connection with excellent speed for staying updated on your work.

Factors such as work environment, internet connectivity, living conditions, and tax incentives make a state an ideal location for remote work.

Establishing a routine, setting boundaries, creating a designated workspace, taking regular breaks, and practicing time management are key for remote workers to maintain a healthy work-life balance.