Being a digital nomad encompasses freedom and modern movement. Your financial and professional independence can take you anywhere – as long as you have a stable internet connection.
With a world of locations to dig into, have you ever contemplated packing your bags and exploring the East Coast? The Atlantic side of the United States has plenty of incredible cities with sights, sounds, flavors, and fun to get into.
Here are five fantastic destinations to spend some time as a digital nomad roaming the East Coast.
1. New York City, New York
If you want to be in the center of everything, New York City is the place to be. The Big Apple boasts a population of 8.8 million and quite frankly has everything you’d want in a large metro area.
Digital nomads favor NYC because it has an abundance of coworking spaces across the boroughs, namely Manhattan. Internet cafes and coffee shops with WiFi are easy to find and access because public transportation is plentiful. The Metropolitan Transportation Agency (MTA) includes 472 subway stations and 5,800 buses to help you navigate the city without needing a car.
When you’re not working, the city that never sleeps stays true to its name. NYC has endless famous attractions to delve into, such as Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, Lady Liberty, and the Empire State Building.
New York’s vibrant culture makes it excellent for enjoying festivals and special events, too. Visit Rockefeller Center in late November to light the Christmas tree and welcome the holiday season. Shakespeare in the Park, SummerStage, and the year-round food festivals are only a handful of reasons for digital nomads to stay in NYC.
2. Atlanta, Georgia
If you want warmer weather, head south to Atlanta, Georgia. The Southeast hub is fast-growing, with a rising population and commercial sector. Experts project the Atlanta metro area will add 1.8 million people by 2050. The city’s southern charm and fast internet make it an excellent destination for digital nomads.
If you need a speedy connection, Atlanta is one of the best in the nation. Forbes says the city has an average minimum download speed of 257 megabits per second, making it the second-best in the country. The city and state have invested in broadband infrastructure, and the work has paid off with better internet connectivity in the metro area.
Digital nomads should note the city’s plans for infrastructure investment. The Atlanta Regional Commission Board has approved $168 billion to upgrade transportation. Over the next few decades, the Atlanta metro will gain new bus routes, better cycling trails, and improved interstate highways.
There are also plenty of opportunities for adventures outside work. Zoo Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park, and Atlanta Botanical Garden are standout establishments for outdoor fun. Take advantage of the BeltLine for intra-city hiking trails and green spaces, Atlanta’s spectacular outdoor space comprised of 22 miles of unused railroad tracks circling the core of the city’s in-town neighborhoods. Georgia’s largest city is a hotspot for Southern dining and a melting pot of diverse cuisines, too.
3. Orlando, Florida
Another warm Southern city on your agenda should be Orlando, Florida. The central Florida hub is great for digital nomads at any time of year due to the warm weather, attractions, and proximity to other Sunshine State staples. Orlando is part of Orange County, with 16 public libraries available to remote workers in and around the city. These branches are open Monday through Saturday, with some having limited Sunday hours.
If fun is on the itinerary, it’s hard to beat Orlando because of its theme parks. While Walt Disney World and Universal Studios headline the city’s amusement parks, you can also visit Legoland, SeaWorld, and Discovery Cove.
When you’re in Florida, expect to be close to water. Orlando boasts over 100 lakes, providing kayaking, swimming, and boating experiences. Outdoor fun is abundant in the Orlando metro area, with Wekiwa Springs State Park and Blue Spring State Park connecting you to nature.
Another Orlando perk is its central location, providing proximity to other Florida destinations. The city is only 85 miles from Tampa and 57 miles from Daytona Beach. You and your digital nomad pals can take day trips to Cape Canaveral, New Smyrna Beach and other popular locations.
4. Portland, Maine
Large cities aren’t the only options for digital nomads on the East Coast. Portland, Maine, offers New England scenery with a population of just over 68,000 residents. The spring and summer seasons are terrific here once the ice thaws, letting locals and tourists embrace the outdoors. Early fall is an excellent time to visit Maine as the leaves change colors and the temperatures cool.
While Portland has small-town charm, it’s only two hours away from Boston by car. If you don’t want to drive, you can take an Amtrak train between the cities. Take advantage of the beautiful ocean views along Portland’s Atlantic Coast. Maine has 65 historic lighthouses on its shoreline, and most feature public access. The closest to the city is the Portland Head Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth.
Portland is one of the best cities for digital nomads because of its density and walkability. Walk from your rental unit or internet cafe to explore the Portland Museum of Art and the Victoria Mansion. These can’t-miss historical sites take you back in time with beautiful artwork and classic architecture. Take a break by checking out the city’s beer scene at Allagash Brewing Company or Shipyard Brewing Company.
5. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina, might go under the radar for digital nomads. Still, it should be near the top of your destinations list. The capital of the Tar Heel State has grown into a business hub, with Carquest, First Citizens BancShares, and Vontier calling it home.
Raleigh is also home to North Carolina State University, meaning education and internet connectivity are on the priority list. Fast internet is abundant in the city, with over 75% of Raleigh having access to AT&T Fiber. Google Fiber is another option in the area and is available to about 61% of Raleigh.
The city is known as the Smithsonian of the South because of its abundant museums. Explore what Raleigh offers through the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the Gregg Museum of Art & Design. You also get solid outdoor opportunities through the JC. Raulston Arboretum and William B. Umstead State Park.
If you like festivals, Raleigh is the place for music-loving digital nomads. North Carolina’s capital has concerts year-round, with the Dreamville Festival in the spring and the Hopscotch Music Festival in late summer. Visit in late September to see the IBMA Bluegrass Live for a weekend filled with fun music.
The Wrap: Digital Nomadism on the East Coast
The eastern United States honestly has something for everyone, regardless of the weather, entertainment, and lifestyle you prefer. Digital nomads have plenty of choices across the Atlantic Coast, whether you like the small-town feeling of Portland, Maine, or the hustle and bustle of New York City. The cities listed all have terrific broadband infrastructure for work and plenty of activities for play.
Where to next? Find monthly rentals designed for remote workers on Anyplace.
