Thanks to changing attitudes, more managers than ever before are beginning to see the value of allowing staff to work away from the office think work-life balance, improved productivity and increased motivation levels.
This has resulted in people from all around the world embracing the notion of a digital nomad. And one of the greatest places in the world to be a digital nomad has to be the US. With a host of co-working spaces and revered landmarks, working and travelling can seamlessly co-exist, making the digital nomad dream a reality.
How to be a digital nomad in the US
With destinations all around the world deemed tourist hotspots, being a digital nomad can often feel overwhelming. By narrowing down your destination to just one country, you can minimise feelings of stress. After all, being a digital nomad is meant to liberating!
One of the best destinations in the world to be a digital nomad is the US, as each of the 50 states boasts their own points of difference. Importantly, the US has the infrastructure needed to support the digital nomad, so all you need to do is to work out the type of digital nomad that you want to be!
Firstly, accommodation options. Complete with everything from apartments and hotels to houses and hostels, the US has plenty of places to choose from, making it easier for digital nomads to set up their home base.
Secondly, the US has an abundance of co-working spaces. This means that you choose from working in cafes and fast food restaurants or specially designed working spaces for remote workers.
One of the key aspects to being a digital nomad is the cost of this lifestyle, so before you take off for the states it’s important to have a budget in place. Luckily, you can visit or live in the US and adhere to a budget, largely thanks to easy access to grocery, chain and discount stores.
Another key component to being a digital nomad is working out your travel plans. Will you be staying in the same location for an extended period, or looking to constantly keep moving?
1. New York City
New York City (or the Big Apple), is one of the most recognised cities in the world, most famous for being the backdrop to many iconic movies and television shows. New York culture is a big drawcard for tourists.
For the digital nomad there is no greater city than New York. With plenty of co-working spaces available and more traditional settings such as Starbucks, you can fire up your laptop in the morning and by the afternoon head out on the ferry to Staten Island.
With endless things to see and do, digital nomads can spend months in New York and never tire of the sights, the culture and the food.
2. Austin
While not often thought of in association with digital nomads, Austin, Texas is the perfect US destination - dubbed the live music capital of the world, Austin is also affordable and has great weather!
Digital nomads with a sense of adventure will thrive in Austin. Mornings can be spent in co-working spaces or working from your accommodation before you hike a local trail in the afternoon and indulge in the foodie scene at night.
For those looking for business connections, it is also worth noting that Austin has a reputation for being one of the most creative and entrepreneurial cities in the US.
3. Seattle
With access to both mountains and beaches, Seattle is known as one of America’s most beautiful cities - perfect for those seeking a picturesque backdrop to complete their work. For digital nomads seeking adventure, Seattle can also deliver hiking and climbing, biking and surfing - the outdoor activities are truly endless!
4. Miami
Whether used as a base or a gateway to exploring Latin America, Miami can be a real city of opportunity for digital nomads.
Miami is a thriving city known for its nightlife scene and beautiful weather, and it comes with a large number of cafes and designated co-working spaces for the keen digital nomad.
5. Chicago
The largest city in the Midwest, Chicago is a hub for those with startups or relatively new businesses. Combine this with an abundance of landmarks and a welcoming culture and you have a great spot for digital nomads to call home.
While digital nomads will have plenty of opportunity to interact with like minded professionals, there is a lot to explore, with everything from museums and art galleries to theatres and popular dining spots.
6. Vegas
Unbeknownst to most, Vegas is both affordable and exciting. Especially when you consider the proximity to world class entertainment, desert living has its perks!
While the bright lights might be distracting to some, digital nomads can work in the day at co-working spaces and by night, enjoy once in a lifetime concerts and performances as well as nightclub and gaming experiences.
The most popular co-working spaces in the US
While travel is at the core of being a digital nomad, an equally important component is working. Some nomads can work in cafes and fast food restaurants while others need a proper office environment like those provided in co-working spaces.
Offering a versatile range of options for remote workers, co-working spaces are popping up in multiple locations in cities across the US, and in fact, in 2022, there were an estimated 6,200 co-working spaces.
Popular co-working spaces include:
- Common Desk which services locations across Texas and North Carolina.
- The Wing is also popular as it has been designed solely for women.
- Offering an in-house hospitality team and ergonomic chairs, Roam is also popular.
With 110 locations, Spaces offers membership packages tailored to an individual’s needs, making working while in a remote location feel seamless.
- Designed to include private offices and meeting rooms, Office Evolution is also a popular co-working space in the US.
Internet availability in the US
With connection being at the heart of operating as a digital nomad, the US and its 50 states more than delivers. Options available to all digital nomads include:
Free WiFi
Locations like cafes, fast food restaurants and travel hubs such as airports and train stations are equipped with free WiFi. However, while free WiFi is a viable option for sending emails, anything more demanding might prove difficult.
Dongles
These are essentially a USB stick that can be plugged into laptops and tablets for personalised internet access and are more stable than free WiFi services. However, it’s worth noting that dongles are typically only 3G enabled.
Travel eSims
These can be the most productive option, as the eSim will enable the use of your mobile as a WiFi hotspot. Modern phones can provide 4G and even 5G connections, giving digital nomads access to high speed internet.
How are digital nomads taxed in the US?
Another consideration for digital nomads are tax related obligations, which can be quite complex. For Australians who are considered Australian residents for tax purposes, you will still need to lodge an Australian tax return, even if you have already been taxed in the US. However, as the US and Australia have a tax treaty, you may be eligible for a foreign income tax offset to help relieve the double taxation.
On the other hand, for Australian digital nomads who are considered a foreign resident in the US (you are no longer considered an Australian resident for tax purposes) you will need to file a US tax return.
Travel insurance for digital nomads in the US
Whether you’re planning on staying in one destination for a while or constantly moving from one city to another in a matter of weeks, travelling as a digital nomad is quite different to travelling on a ‘normal’ holiday.
This means that what you would usually look for in a travel insurance policy may not apply if you’re a digital nomad. Finding travel insurance that is tailored to your digital nomad lifestyle can help to reduce your stress should something happen that impacts your travel and work plans.
One of the things you should consider is cover for your luggage. It is important to check the travel insurance luggage item cover limits for the policy that you are considering. . You may find that the level of cover offered is adequate for the type of equipment that you have, or you may need to pay extra to cover your valuable items.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that cover for your luggage and personal items only applies to items that you own. This means that if your laptop is stolen while in New York, it is covered so long as you used your own money to buy it and can provide proof of ownership However, if the laptop was purchased by your employer in order to aid remote work and it goes missing or is damaged, cover may not be available under your policy, which means that any claims applications may be denied.
The life of a digital nomad in the US
The face of work is changing. Rather than being confined to an office five days a week from the hours of 9 till 5 many workers are now able to work from home, or or others, this means embracing the life of a digital nomad.
With so much to see and do, and with a thriving co-working scene, the US is one of the most popular locations amongst digital nomads. From Austin and New York to Chicago and Miami, you can change your location as often as your wardrobe and still get your work done.
