Freelancers and self-employed workers are constantly on the lookout for cities that offer the best opportunities for their unique work and lifestyle needs.
It follows that many cities are looking to attract remote workers. However, data shows some are better positioned than others.
Using metro-area data from the U.S. Census Bureau and state-level data from the Tax Foundation, NerdWallet published a list of the 10 best U.S. metro areas stand for freelancers and self-employed in 2024.
More specifically, these cities were selected based on factors such as high self-employment rates, affordable housing, low unemployment, worker mobility, and minimal state income taxes.
According to the analysis, the top 10 metro areas for freelancers and self-employed workers in 2024 are:
- Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tenn.
- North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Fla.
- Chattanooga, Tenn,
- Knoxville, Tenn.
- Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas
- Lancaster, Pa.
- Boise City, Idaho
- Columbus, Ohio
- Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, Conn.
- Portland-South Portland, Maine
Leading the list is Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tennessee, known for its music scene and growing tech industry. Following closely are North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida, and Chattanooga, Tennessee — both of which boast significant percentages of self-employed workers and no state income tax, according to the report.
The trend towards self-employment has been growing steadily, with many individuals opting for flexible work arrangements post-COVID.
According to The Flex Index report for Q2 2024, 37% of U.S. companies have adopted a structured hybrid model, which is a notable increase from 20% in the previous year. This outpaces the 31% of companies that require full-time in-office work, and the 32% of companies that are fully flexible.
This shift was initially driven by necessity during the pandemic but has since become a preferred choice for many who value the work-life balance it offers.
The NerdWallet study highlighted cities like Knoxville, Tennessee, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, places where remote workers benefit from housing affordability, and where more than half of renters spend less than 30% of their income on rent.
Additionally, states like Tennessee, Florida, and Texas, which have no state income tax, provide a financial advantage for self-employed workers.
For those considering a move, it’s important to align work-life goals with a chosen location. According to the report, other factors such as desired industry, financial goals, and personal values also play a role in this decision-making process.
