Looking for Boulder 2.0? Remote Workers, These Cities Fit the Bill
By Natalia Wolting • Oct 13, 2025 UTC
With its stunning mountain views, vibrant downtown and thriving tech scene, Boulder, Colorado, has long been a poster child for remote-friendly living. But if Boulder’s skyrocketing housing costs or bustling pace give you pause, emerging communities across the U.S. offer similar perks. These towns combine affordability, quality of life and incentives to attract remote workers eager to relocate.
Why Remote Workers Are Relocating in 2025
68% of full-time workers in the U.S. surveyed said they would be better off living in a different community from their current one, for remote workers this can become a reality. Many remote professionals are seeking towns and cities that balance affordability, outdoor access and vibrant local cultures. Whether you’re drawn by financial incentives, first-time homebuyer programs, or lifestyle opportunities - these communities might just be your Boulder 2.0.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers a vibrant college-town atmosphere with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. With a plethora of museums, theaters and a walkable downtown area, Ann Arbor provides a stimulating environment for remote workers. Additionally, the city is located near several beautiful lakes, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Footbridge over the Huron River in Ann Arbor.
Bellingham, Washington
Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound, Bellingham offers a similar formula to Boulder – easy access to epic natural surroundings alongside an innovative economic ecosystem. Bellingham boasts a vibrant downtown with a strong focus on independent businesses, a burgeoning craft beer scene and other cultural attractions to supplement outdoor recreational pursuits like hiking, biking, kayaking and more.
Bellingham's proximity to cities like Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle add to it's appeal.
Bloomington, Indiana
Often compared to Boulder for its progressive atmosphere and natural beauty, Bloomington’s affordability makes it a top contender. Additionally, Bloomington's thriving arts scene and university atmosphere echo Boulder's youthful energy and intellectual stimulation, providing a vibrant environment for remote workers seeking cultural engagement beyond the workday.
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Cedar Rapids offers the kind of easygoing lifestyle that feels both grounded and inspiring, like Boulder, without the price tag. Outdoorsy types will love the miles of trails, parks, and nearby rivers, while families appreciate excellent schools and safe neighborhoods where kids can still ride bikes until dusk. Just 30 minutes from Iowa City and the University of Iowa, weekends often consist of Saturday game days, art festivals and live music that keep the community humming.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne has the easy rhythm of a Midwestern city but with the creative pulse of Boulder. Remote workers will find no shortage of inspiring spaces to collaborate, including the Electric Works co-working hub. For those seeking in-person opportunties, the city's diverse industries spanning healthcare, logistics and tech contine to grow. Culturally, Fort Wayne rivals cities twice its size. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art showcases national and local artists, First Fridays light up the historic Embassy Theatre district to life and families spend weekends at the nationally ranked Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo or any of the 150+green spaces in the area.
Macon, Georgia
Once known primarily for its legendary music scene, today Macon is a city on the rise, blending Southern charm with modern momentum. Downtown streets pulse with new energy thanks to revitalized historic buildings, locally owned restaurants, and a growing network of professionals who are redefining what it means to live and work in Middle Georgia. The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park offers miles of trails and a deep connection to the area’s Indigenous heritage, while neighborhoods like Ingleside and North Highland mix walkability and character with an average home price about 81% lower than in Boulder.
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Prestonsburg, Kentucky
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Prestonsburg offers breathtaking landscapes and a deeply rooted sense of community. Known as the “Star City of Eastern Kentucky,” this town combines natural beauty with a growing remote work infrastructure. It’s also only a short drive away from Murray State University.
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Wilmington, North Carolina
Located on the North Carolina coast, Wilmington offers beautiful beaches, a historic downtown area and a relaxed Southern charm. The city boasts a growing film industry, a vibrant arts scene and a lower cost of living compared to other coastal towns. Plus, it's a short drive to the Outer Banks for even more exploration.
Wilmington's low-cost of living sets it apart from other coastal towns.
Additional Benefits for Remote Workers and First-Time Homebuyers
In several of these communities’ relocation incentives and first-time homebuyer programs are available including MakeMyMove which offers financial and personalized support for relocating remote workers to communities like Fort Wayne, Prestonsburg and Cedar Rapids. Some communities also offer access to coworking spaces like The Mill in Bloomington, networking events and discounts to a variety of community amenities.
Coworking spaces like The Mill are growing in popularity among communities attracting remote and hybrid workers.
Jenifer and her husband James relocated from the Detroit area to Prestonsburg through MakeMyMove.
"We were living in Clinton Township, Michigan just 30 miles west of Detroit," Jenifer explains. "It was so busy and stressful, with traffic and construction everywhere you looked. The cost of living was skyrocketing too. James adds "Where we used to live everything, you do and everywhere you go, you have to rush to get there. If you don't, you're going to get run over," he says. "And here, it's just so much more relaxed."
Crafting Your Dream Life
Ultimately, the ideal remote work destination depends on your individual preferences. Whether you crave mountain vistas, rural serenity, or a vibrant college town atmosphere, there's a community out there waiting to welcome you. Consider your priorities - access to nature, cultural offerings, cost of living and the overall vibe - to narrow down your search. Look into states that pay you to move and leverage first-time homebuyer programs to make your move more affordable.
In 2025, remote work continues to redefine where and how we live. So, pack your laptop, embrace the freedom of location independence and discover your perfect new home in one of these incredible communities.
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About MakeMyMove
Remote work has freed millions of Americans to live where they want, and many are making the move to places that better match their lifestyle. In turn, cities and towns across the country are offering incentives like cash, perks and programming to remote workers who move and work from their communities. At MakeMyMove, you can explore all the places, get personalized help to find the one that’s right for you, connect with locals, and access support to make your move a piece of cake.
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