Best Cities for Freelancers and Self-Employed People

Freelancing is appealing to everyone when compared to the classic 9-5 jobs. Flexible working hours, running your own business, working comfortably at home...

Or remote working has also been on the rise recently. Although working hours are certain, employers like to evaluate positions that can work from home. Both the employee and the employer can save both cost and time.

But as with any job, working remotely or freelancing has its own difficulties. Yes, you are freer than regular employers, since you can work anywhere anytime if you have your laptop. But you should still consider some features. How is the internet speed? Which regions do other freelancers prefer the most? Why should or should not go there?

Here is well-researched information concerning the best cities for freelancers and self-employed people to work from.

Where Can I Work as a Freelancer?

Usually, companies have websites where they post job descriptions for hiring freelancers. You can apply to various organizations through these sites and get a chance to work for them. Or, depending on your profession or skill, you can also take on short-term one-off projects. For this, there are freelancer websites that bring you together with the customer.

Some areas where you can work as a freelancer include data entry, virtual assistance, customer service, graphic design, translation, video editing, voice-over or marketing.

Factors Freelancers and Business Owners Consider Before Moving to Other Cities

According to a census done in 2021, the US noted that the number of freelancers and self-employed individuals rose from 5.8% to 6.1% within three years. Therefore, freelancing and self-employment are profitable and give you the freedom to move from one area to another. Typically, most freelancers consider these factors before moving to other cities:

• Budget: Freelancers majorly check on the cost of living since it impacts your money. Typically, in freelancing and self-employment, your income fluctuates a lot. It means there will be times when you have a good income while others do not.
• The taxes of the state: A city with a good economy favors your returns as a business owner and vice versa. As for taxes, you can evaluate the taxes when moving to a city that charges fewer taxes to maximize your income or save more money.
• Network and internet connection: Internet access is key when working remotely. Besides internet access, the speed is also the thing you should check before moving.
• Security: Before moving to a new town to open a business, ensure the place is safe from any attacks.
• Family and personal needs: Self-employed individuals must plan how they will pay various expenses for family needs such as child support, rent, WIFI, elder care, and other essentials.

10 Best Cities for Freelancers and Self-employed People

Considering the above factors, what to consider before leaving for another city is clear. Nonetheless, below are some of the best cities for digital nomads and potential business owners:

1. New York

New York has always been a magnet for dreamers and business.  Walk down any street and you'll see a freelancer with a laptop taking over cafes. There's a real freelance work environment here.

New York isn't a cheap place, but with so many high-paying freelance businesses, you can actually make it work. Plus, the internet speed here is perfect for uploading files or video conferencing with clients.

2. Los Angeles

This city has a way of turning ordinary people into creative powerhouses. For example, you can hear stories of baristas who become filmmakers, and coders who do side jobs as DJs.

And there is data to support it. Recent research by Fundera ranked Los Angeles 12th among the best cities to start a career for freelancers and building a career. Plus, if you're thinking about going solo and owning your own business, there are tons of support systems and programs to help you get started.

To be fair, Los Angeles is not exactly budget-friendly. You may need to set aside a generous budget for housing and taxes. Therefore, if you are going to become a freelancer here, you should realistically assess and decide on your budget, your business and your potential. If you have talent and determination, this city can be your biggest chance and supporter.

3. Nashville

Nashville is famous for its country music and Southern glamor, but it has also become a home for many freelancers. In fact, it will surprise you that almost half of the city is freelancers. The environment here is extremely friendly and welcoming for freelancers. There are lots of great workspaces for freelancers.

If freelance life inspires you to take the step and start your own business, Nashville has your back. There are tons of affordable office spaces where you can turn your dream into reality.

4. Tucson (Arizona)

Tucson is a rising freelance city in the southwest part of Arizona. The rise of freelancers is due to the presence of the University of Arizona. The town is ideal since various researchers have realized its rising job growth and increase in self-employment. In terms of cost of living, Tucson is very reasonable thanks to affordable internet, housing and low taxes.

This is obviously a huge advantage for freelancers and business owners.

5. Atlanta (Georgia)

The economy of this city is growing thanks to the many cultural events and its rising popularity. That's why Atlanta is one of the best places for freelancers to live. The freelancing environment is very convenient and there are always new opportunities.

Basic necessities like housing only account for 21% of most business owners' income here. This is a pretty good rate. The cost of living in general may be a little higher than average, but for freelancers who have started earning well, Atlanta can be very budget-friendly.

More than 11% of Atlanta is already made up of freelancers, and that number is growing. There is truly a freelance community here.

6. Miami

Miami is one of the recent cities in the US whose freelance activities emerged in 2022. During this year, most companies still have an issue with the government concerning the high tax rates. This led to company employees looking for better ways to earn money. Therefore, they took an interest in self-employment and freelancing. Miami has lowered its taxes, has a reasonable housing market, and has a friendly freelance working environment.

Additionally, the cost of living is average, and AT&T provides one of the highest internet speeds of 262.38Mbps. Can you work as a freelancer or set up a business in Miami? This is possible since Miami has created an environment that favors both individuals.

7. Las Vegas

Las Vegas is not the first workplace for freelancers one might think to be a hub for the freelance community. Even though it can favor business owners, most individuals believe freelancers can't survive in such a city. However, the number of freelancers and business owners in that city has increased. Additionally, the state doesn't tax all Nevadans. Even though Las Vegas is a potential place to live, it can be distracting depending on your line of work.

8. Oakland

Oakland is a Californian city known to have excelled in its economic status and arts. The availability of both remote and in-office jobs makes the city one of the best places for freelancers to live. These business spaces do favor for both freelancers and self-employed. The city is one of the best places for digital nomads who wish to advance their freelancing careers.

The city is investing in current technology and providing a high standard of living when thinking about the affordability of living.

9. Austin

Austin is nicknamed one of the top digital nomad destinations that offers legitimate opportunities to freelancers. Recently, a team of freelancers made a total of 20 billion, showing that the state is a hub for freelancers. Although the population is very high, the state still excels as one of the best freelance locations. Regarding the convenience of living, Austin is known for reasonably priced housing and efficient internet providers.

10. Oregon (Portland)

Over the past few years, Portland has encouraged a robust freelance culture where companies offer sustainable job opportunities to them. As for the business owners, a favorable economy enables them to maximize profits while reducing expenditure. The availability of restaurants and coffee shops helps serve both communities' needs. One drawback of the city is that it has relatively expensive taxes and prices of goods. However, if you believe you will get good job opportunities, you will enjoy staying in Portland.

Which Country Has Most Freelancers?

Countries like the UK and the US typically offer freelancers a pool of online opportunities. Therefore, you will find more freelancers in the above countries since the marketplace offers a sizable opportunity for them. Other areas where more freelancers provide their skills to the global market are the Philippines, Brazil, Ukraine, India, and Pakistan.

Wrapping Up

Having an ideal place to start your freelancing career is very crucial. Typically, there are essential factors to consider before moving to another city. Such factors include internet level and cost of living in general. It is also crucial that you have a freelancer visa and other related documents since other states require them. Once you move to the city of choice, hire a platform to monitor your invoices once you get clients. One such platform is Ruul. Ruul ensures that your clients pay invoices on time and in the right amount. Therefore, it creates a good relationship between you and the client.