Where do you live right now? Is it good for the so-called 'digital nomad?'
A new list sheds light on where you should live... if you do the digital nomad thing...
As of the start of 2024, Maryland ranks as the fourth best state in the U.S. for digital nomads, based on a comprehensive digital nomad index score. This high ranking is attributed to Maryland's abundant resources that facilitate remote work, including 7,264 free WiFi hotspots, 67 co-working spaces, and 61 computer repair shops. While New York and Colorado are closely behind in fifth and sixth place, respectively, Mississippi finds itself at the bottom of the list, making it the least favorable state for digital nomads.
The Digital Nomad Index, created by Bluepillow, assesses states on a variety of factors crucial for those who work while traveling. These factors include:
Average Daily High Temperature Deviation from Ideal (72°F).
Average Off-Premises Food & Beverage Consumption.
Average Gasoline & Energy Goods Consumption.
Violent Crime Rate Per 100,000.
Property Crime Rate Per 100,000.
Number of Computer Repair Firms.
Number of Computer Repair Employment Opportunities.
Number of Coworking Spaces.
Number of Free WiFi Hotspots.
Annual Road Fatalities Per Billion Vehicle Miles (2017-2021).
Percentage of Workforce Working From Home.
Air Quality Index (Higher = Worse).
State & National Park Coverage (sq. mi.).
The top ten states according to the Digital Nomad Index are:
Massachusetts: Digital nomad score of 64.70/100.
New Jersey: Digital nomad score of 63.89/100.
Connecticut: Digital nomad score of 61.97/100.
Maryland: Digital nomad score of 61.71/100.
New York: Digital nomad score of 61.66/100.
Colorado: Digital nomad score of 61.24/100.
Utah: Digital nomad score of 61.09/100.
Virginia: Digital nomad score of 60.25/100.
Rhode Island: Digital nomad score of 57.68/100.
Florida: Digital nomad score of 57.40/100.
Massachusetts leads with a score of 64.70, highlighted by its 113 computer repair firms, 590 computer repair employment opportunities, 176 coworking spaces, and 12,080 free WiFi hotspots. New Jersey follows with a score of 63.89, thanks to its 192 computer repair firms, 1,480 computer repair jobs, 161 coworking spaces, and 11,658 free WiFi hotspots. Connecticut ranks third with a score of 61.97, offering 61 computer repair firms, 272 computer repair shops, 67 coworking spaces, and 7,264 free WiFi hotspots.
Maryland, in fourth place, has an index score of 61.71. The state boasts 112 computer repair firms, 670 computer repair jobs, 129 coworking spaces, and 7,364 free WiFi hotspots. New York, ranking fifth with a score of 61.66, offers 393 computer repair firms, 2,592 computer repair jobs, 477 coworking spaces, and 25,514 free WiFi hotspots.
According to a Bluepillow spokesperson, the Digital Nomad Index offers valuable insights for choosing the best destinations to live and work remotely, with Massachusetts leading due to its high living standards and comprehensive infrastructure for digital nomads. The eastern seaboard states, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and New York, dominate the top rankings, reflecting their developed business infrastructures.