5 of the Best Freelancer Cities in the US
The barriers to entry for many gigs these days are minimal, which is great news if you're someone who likes the freedom and flexibility that comes with being your own boss. Whether you freelance full-time or are self-employed, there are plenty of places in the United States that are ideal for those who work for themselves. Here are five of the best cities to live in the U.S., if you're a freelancer or self-employed.
1. Austin, Texas
It's hard to beat Austin if you're looking for a freelancer-friendly city with a great quality of life. In addition to being home to a vibrant music and arts scene, Austin is also packed with coworking spaces, which makes it easy to find a place to set up shop when you need to get out of the house and get some work done. And when you need a break from work, there's no shortage of things to do, whether you want to take a hike in one of the nearby parks or check out one of the city's many food truck parks.
Alt to Austin: McAllen, TX is another city in the Lone Star State worth considering. Along with being business-friendly, McAllen provides plenty of culture and extraordinary cuisine!
2. Denver, Colorado
Like Austin, Denver is an extremely freelancer-friendly city thanks in part to its large number of coworking spaces. Denver is also a great place to live if you're a freelancer or self-employed individual because it boasts a lower cost of living than many other major cities in the U.S., making it easier to save money or reinvest your earnings back into your business. And you can enjoy all that nature has to offer by taking advantage of the city's proximity to both the Rocky Mountains and numerous hiking trails.
3. Seattle, Washington
If you don't mind dealing with a little bit of rain, Seattle is another excellent option for freelancers and self-employed individuals. The Emerald City is home to numerous coworking spaces as well as a thriving tech scene, which can make it easy to find collaborators or clients for your business venture. And whether you want to explore one of Seattle's many neighborhoods or take in the breathtaking views from the Space Needle, you’ll have a wealth of activities to help you recharge.
4. Portland, Oregon
Portland has long been known as a haven for creative types, so it should come as no surprise that it's also an extremely freelancer-friendly city. In addition to offering countless coworking spaces and cafes, Portland boasts an affordable cost of living and easy access to nature. When you need a break from work (or the rain), you can explore any one of Portland's dozens of one-of-a-kind neighborhoods or take a short drive out of town to take in the beauty of the nearby Columbia River Gorge.
5. Miami, Florida
Miami might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of freelancing, but hear us out — it could be an ideal place for self-employed individuals looking for an escape from cold weather climates (or just wanting an excuse to live near the beach).
Like many other cities on this list, Miami has a wealth of coworking spaces and cafes that make it easy to find a place to work outside of your home office. And there are countless things to do in this vibrant city, from exploring South Beach to checking out the art scene in Wynwood.
Wrapping Up
If you're considering making the jump into freelancing or self-employment, know that there are plenty of ideal cities across the U.S. for those who work for themselves. From Austin and Denver to Portland and Miami, there's sure to be a city on this list that meets your needs — and then some!
A few years ago, burned out and miserable from his job in corporate marketing, Lance Cody-Valdez decided it was time to invest in himself. He quit his job the following day and used his meager savings to stay afloat as he built a career as a freelance writer and content marketer. He created free-lance-now.com to help others use freelancing to escape the 9 to 5 daily grind.
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