In today’s economy, many American workers are finding it necessary to relocate to different cities, and sometimes even states, in order to find career opportunities. Freelancers are not immune to this trend.
In fact, costs of healthcare and state income tax rates are things that bottom-line-mindful freelancers and small business owners need to keep in mind. Here are 10 great American cities for freelancers.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is more than a playground for starlets and surfers—it’s also one of the best cities in the country for freelancers. Yes, cost of living is expensive, but the city boasts the highest percentage of freelancers in the country (17.9 percent), meaning there’s a community and plenty of resources for the self-employed. Oh, and the weather’s not bad either.
Miami, FL
This Florida hotspot also has the one of the highest percentage of self-employed workers in the country. Like Los Angeles, it has a vibrant freelance community and great weather, plus the cost of living is slightly lower here than Los Angeles, making it a great option for a freelancer.
El Paso, TX
The percentage of self-employed individuals in this thriving Texas city is a respectable 6.3 percent, but the real selling point here is the cost of living. Chances are you freelance income will go much further here than it would in cities like Miami or Los Angeles.
Houston, TX
Love Texas but looking for an area with more an urban feel? Then Houston just might be the place for you. Cost of living is slightly higher here than it is in El Paso, but Houston’s biggest benefit is that the city doesn’t collect income tax. Insurance and housing costs here are relatively inexpensive as well.
Minneapolis, MN
Personal finance blog Nerd Wallet put together a list of popular cities for freelancers, and Minneapolis has the distinction of offering the lowest health care plans for anything on their list. That, coupled with a relatively low cost of living and plenty of urban spoils, makes this a great place for a freelancer to live.
Portland, OR
In 2012, 14.7% of households in this Pacific-Northwest hotspot had some source of income from self-employment. Factor in fairly reasonable rent and health insurance and lots of culture, and you have a great place for a freelancer to make a living.
Austin, TX
This Texas town has tons of young people, start-ups, and, yes, freelancers. Fourteen percent of residents are self-employed, and there are a plenty of meet-ups and other resources available to any freelancer looking to make a living in this lively town.
Nashville, TN
Does your freelance career have something to do with the music industry? If so, Nashville may be the best spot for you. The median rent is a reasonable $675 a month and there is no state income tax, allowing freelancers to make the most of their income.
Oklahoma City, OK
The median rent on Oklahoma City is $551 per month, according to Nerd Wallet, making it the lowest median rent on their list. Health care plans and other living expenses are also low here, which explains why 10.9 percent of the city’s residents consider themselves self-employed.
Seattle, WA
Seattle is home to some of the best coffee shops in the world. Factor in the town’s decidedly tech-y roots (Microsoft and Amazon are both located there) and you have a great place for a freelancer to make a career. The city also boasts lots of events, classes, and other resources for freelancers.
Where do you want to live and work? Tell us where and why in the comments below.
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