18 Top Rural Communities for Remote Workers

Competitive housing markets, overcrowding and a lack of community connection are all just some of the reasons why remote workers are leaving large metro areas for a better quality of life in small towns across the U.S. Many of these rural communities are stepping up to attract digital nomads, offering a blend of a lower cost of living, accessible amenities, award-winning school systems and small-town charm.

Remote workers tell us that moving to a rural community comes with its unique set of considerations. Amenities that are commonplace in larger cities - like reliable high-speed internet and grocery stores - are not a given in small towns and need to be investigated. Our criteria for selecting top rural communities evaluates the amenities that are most needed and appreciated by remote workers who are moving rural. Here's a look at MakeMyMove’s top picks for rural towns for remote workers, including 5 that pay you to move there.

Abernathy, Texas

Abernathy is a small, close-knit town located in the Texas Panhandle just north of Lubbock, known for its top-rated schools and agricultural heritage.

Athens, Maine

Nearby Titcomb Mountain is known as a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding.

Bonesteel, South Dakota

Despite its micro size, Bonesteel is a very active community with events like the annual Christmas Fair, a weekly farmers market and afterschool programs.

Brevard, North Carolina

Named one of the "50 Best Places to Live in the U.S." by Money Magazine in 2024. Brevard offers an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise without sacrificing connectivity.

Fairfield, Iowa

Named one of the "Best Small Towns in America" by Smithsonian Magazine - Fairfield's unique blend of Midwestern charm and global influences creates a distinctive atmosphere for remote workers.

Jerome, Arizona

Known as a true “ghost town” Jerome is perched on the side of a mountain, offering stunning views and a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.

Lawrence, Michigan

Home to Oak Cove Resort located on 16 wooded acres, Lawrence is a charming small town offering a peaceful lakeside lifestyle with access to beautiful beaches and a friendly community.

Lincoln, Kansas

Lincoln’s commitment to maintaining a strong community speaks to its appeal for remote workers seeking a high quality of life. The town is eagerly welcoming remote workers like Ayenna Gomez who recently relocated from Atlanta, Georgia. "When I visited Lincoln, Kansas everyone was welcoming. I immediately met someone who invited me to attend a yoga class with other ladies. Everyone was friendly. From that point on, I knew I had found my new home," Gomez says.

Lindsborg, Kansas

Known as "Little Sweden USA" and featured in Smithsonian Magazine, Lindsborg's unique cultural heritage and welcoming community create a distinctive environment for remote workers.

Livingston, Montana

Named one of the “6 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Montana” by World Atlas in 2024. Livingston's stunning natural beauty and thriving arts scene make it a haven for creative remote workers.

Loogootee, Indiana

Loogootee offers a quaint, small-town atmosphere with a strong school system that offers courses in engineering, biomedical science and cybersecurity. Additionally, Loogootee East was recently named a 4-Star School for the third year.

Medina, Tennessee

Nestled in West Central Tennessee, Medina is poised for growth. Downtown Medina serves as the community's hub, while new housing developments are expanding into the scenic countryside.

Monticello, Indiana

Home to Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park Resort, Monticello combines lakeside living with a robust local economy, making it an attractive option for remote workers seeking a balance of recreation and productivity.

Mount Vernon, Iowa

Home to Cornell College, this charming town has earned the distinction of being named one of America’s “Coolest Small Towns” by Budget Travel Magazine.

Pikeville, Kentucky

Named one of the “Most Charming Small Towns in Kentucky” by Southern Living in 2023, Pikeville's commitment to education and economic development makes it a standout choice for remote workers, especially those with families.

Taos, New Mexico

Home to the community of Taos Pueblo, a living Native American community containing 19 pueblos, Taos offers a unique blend of Native American culture and a laid-back lifestyle.

Tell City, Indiana

Tell City's rich history and scenic location on the Ohio River make it a unique destination for remote workers looking for inspiration in their surroundings.

Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Named one of the "15 Best U.S. Small Towns for a Summer Vacation " by Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2024, this picturesque town offers easy access to outdoor recreation while maintaining strong connectivity for remote work.

At the time of publication, the communities of Brevard, North Carolina and Travelers Rest, South Carolina are recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. We’re confident they’ll rebound and will be welcoming destinations for remote workers in the near future. If you want to help with their recovery, donate to the American Red Cross.

*Internet speed is measured in Mbps, or megabits per second or Gbps, or gigabits per second. One gigabit is equivalent to 1,000 megabits, 100 Mbps will support multiple devices and is more than sufficient for working remotely.