One of the best things about earning a living as a solopreneur or digital nomad is the ability to work from your favorite coffee shop, library, or cafe, so long as you have the tools needed to get your work done — like a reliable internet connection and laptop. But thanks to the hundreds of thousands of public WiFi hotspots scattered throughout the US, it’s easier than ever to work productively from just about anywhere.
If you’ve been eager to get out and explore the best of the US, what’s holding you back? Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago have thousands of free WiFi hotspots to benefit travelers and locals alike — making these some of the best destinations for solopreneurs and gig economy nomads.
Read on to learn more about these four US cities and the things that make them so great for remote workers.
New York
Home to more than 12,000 free public WiFi hotspots; top-ranked coworking spaces like WeWork, Freelancers Union, and NeueHouse; and landmarks such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Empire State Building, and Statue of Liberty, New York City is unquestionably one of the best destinations for remote workers. Freelancers make up about 34 percent of NYC’s workforce, despite the high cost of living and unpredictability of the digital nomad lifestyle.
If you’re planning your first trip to the Big Apple, you may wish to book a hotel near Central Park, Times Square, or Midtown South. Or if you’re staying for an extended period of time, City Guide shares some tips for finding an apartment.
Los Angeles
Like NYC, Los Angeles is home to more than 10,000 free public WiFi hotspots — as well as leading coworking spaces like the Industrious Wilshire and Grand, CENTRL Office Downtown Los Angeles, and Convene. Some shared working spaces are even open 24/7.
While the cost of living in Los Angeles is higher than many other US cities, neighborhoods such as Downtown LA, Hollywood, Mid-City, and East LA are perfect for digital nomads. Travelers and locals alike can find the perfect balance between work and play with easy access to public transportation, networking events, and attractions like Venice Beach and Universal Studios.
Miami
If you’re longing for warm weather and sandy beaches, Miami is the perfect destination for your nomadic lifestyle. You can find more than 3,800 free public WiFi locations; premier coworking spaces for solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and gig workers; and desirable neighborhoods such as Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, Edgewater, and Overtown. And if you decide to stay for the long-term, Loan Compass can walk you through the process of purchasing a home.
Chicago
Chicago is another great city for gig economy nomads and solopreneurs, offering more than 2,500 free public WiFi hotspots and coworking spaces with amenities such as 24/7 building access, high-speed internet, fitness centers, and on-site showers. Lincoln Park, Old Town, and Lakeview East are some of the best neighborhoods in Chicago, while a few budget-friendly accommodations for travelers include the Hi Chicago Hostel, Wrigley Hostel, and Chicago Getaway Hostel.
As a Solopreneur, Location Isn’t Everything
While these four US cities are some of the best destinations for digital nomads and solopreneurs, location isn’t everything when it comes to succeeding as a remote worker. Productivity and organization are just as important, as is effective self-motivation.
No matter which city you’re working from, there are lots of project management tools to keep your work organized and your files in one place. Additionally, mobile apps like Freedom and Serene can help to reduce distractions and increase focus — while time-tracking tools such as Toggl and Harvest may be used to track your time and expenses.
Take Advantage of the Freedom Your Lifestyle Allows
The freelance, solopreneur, and digital nomad lifestyle gives you the freedom and flexibility to work whenever and from wherever you want — so why spend each day working from the same place if you don’t need to? Pack up your laptop and explore somewhere new: It’s one of the many benefits of working for yourself.
Do you need help navigating the home buying process? Loan Compass can help you to compare mortgage offers, check your credit score, and prepare your finances for homeownership. Visit loancompass.com to get started!
