Everyone loves the idea of working in pajamas, but not all states make remote work easy — or affordable.
So, let’s take a look at latest info, industry rankings, and quality-of-life data to bring you the states that actually make remote work, well, work.
Delaware
Consistently ranked No. 1. Nearly 97% of jobs can be done remotely, internet is cheap, homes are big, and state taxes won’t crush your soul. A tiny state that punches way above its weight.
Utah
The “Silicon Slopes” strikes again. Low electricity rates, solid housing stock, and a Big Tech presence. Fast internet and mountain views? Yeah, it’s remote-worker candy.
District of Columbia
Highest share of remote workers in the country. Government-adjacent white-collar jobs are tailor-made for telework. But you’ll pay for it in rent.
Maryland
Fast internet, close to D.C., and a dense cluster of remote-capable jobs. Great infrastructure.
Massachusetts
Highly educated, high-speed broadband, and one of the best health care systems in the country. Expensive — but smart.
Washington
Tech-driven, green-minded, and plugged in. Seattle skews pricey, but the rest of the state offers plenty of wired tranquility.
Connecticut & New Jersey
Pairing them up because they’re basically the suburbs of New York and Boston. Lots of remote jobs, solid internet, and better housing than the cities they support.
New Hampshire
High broadband access, low taxes, and the kind of rural calm that makes Slack notifications feel optional.
Pennsylvania
Surprisingly strong broadband access and one of the more affordable East Coast options. Rust Belt reborn — as remote work territory.
States to Avoid
Alaska, Montana, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Wyoming are not ideal. They’ve got poor internet and sparse job markets.
Honorable Mentions for Life-Work Balance
- Maine — Nature, quiet, and strong well-being scores
- Illinois — Solid internet, affordable cities
- North Dakota — Low cost of living, high job satisfaction
- Nebraska — Stable economy, good schools, underrated vibes
If you want to actually live while working remote, it’s about more than broadband speeds. It’s the full ecosystem — tech access, cost of living, housing, taxes, and whether the place makes you want to close your laptop and go outside.
