Great WiFi and small crowds make these our favorite small towns where you can plug in, grab great coffee, and get outside as a digital nomad.
Working online has given people the freedom to become digital nomads, but it’s also created a new challenge. Cities promise fast internet and coworking spaces, but living in cities can get quite expensive and it’s not always the most peaceful experience. Digital nomads are fleeing cities for more peace and quiet, but to stay on the grind, they still need a few work amenities, like a good coffee shop with fast internet or a public library.
That’s where small towns step forward. They still provide access to cafés and small libraries but at a much slower pace of life—and with better parking—than you’ll find in the big cities. You can finish a Zoom call at your local coffee shop, then step outside for an alpine lake dip or hit the nearby trails for a hike instead of dodging crowds or getting bogged down from all the city noise.
If this sounds like your jam, here are the best small towns for digital nomads in the U.S., recommended by our expert full-time vanlifer Gretchen Woodson, who loves seeking out these hidden gems: “I love finding new places where you come to work for a week but end up staying much longer,” she says.
- We spoke to Gretchen Woodson, a full-time vanlifer, on her favorite small towns for both nature and remote work.
- This article was reviewed for accuracy by Amanda Capritto, TravlSync editor and full-time vanlifer.
West
There are plenty of boondocking spots surrounding the town of Winthrop for vanlifers to enjoy solitude. Photo by Amanda Capritto.
Winthrop, Washington
Winthrop looks like a set from the Old West with wooden boardwalks and storefronts, but in a creative way (rather than kitschy). With a population of just around 600 people, this Methow Valley town has a slower pace, a walkable core, and riverside campsites that make it easy to park your van or RV for an extended stay.
“This little Old West-style town surprised me with its creative energy and slower pace. It’s easy to stay a while thanks to solid camp spots along the river, walkable main streets, and that perfect mix of adventure and stillness,” says Woodson.
Where to get some work done:
The Carmel area coast is a great spot to unwind after a day of work, watching waves crash on rocky outcroppings. Photo by Amanda Capritto.
Carmel, California
Carmel is definitely more of an artist’s retreat disguised as a coastal village with its small year-round population of around 3,000 people. Galleries, wine bars, and small cafés line the stone paths, and it feels like some place out of a storybook. Pets are welcome in many spots, including the town’s famous dog-friendly beach.
“Carmel is dreamy and artistic, with a laid-back coastal vibe that makes working remotely feel like a treat—and your pet will love it too. You’ll find quiet cafés for focus and stunning beaches for evening walks. It’s the kind of place where work-life balance feels natural,” says Woodson.
Where to get some work done:
Mountain West
The Whitefish area has lots of excellent camping and great cafés for working, and it’s a perfect jumping-off point for exploring Glacier. Photo by Amanda Capritto.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish is the gateway to Glacier National Park, but the town itself is great for digital nomads looking to explore the northern wilderness off work hours and sneak in some library or café time when they’re on the clock. You’ll find a load of great coffee shops, Whitefish Lake, and a mountain backdrop outside every window. And with just about 9,500 residents, it doesn’t feel overrun.
“Whitefish is a mountain town with all the modern comforts—great coffee shops, a beautiful local lake, and Glacier National Park right up the road. It’s one of those places that keeps you coming back thanks to the town’s amenities and accessible nature,” says Woodson.
Where to get some work done:
If you’re lucky, Cody, Wyoming will treat you to great views of Bison resting and romping around. Photo by Amanda Capritto.
Cody, Wyoming
Cody offers a balance of small-town friendliness and deep Western history. You’re close enough to Yellowstone National Park, but life feels grounded and comfortable. WiFi is consistent around town, coffee shops are accommodating to remote workers, and the community of around 10,000 people welcomes travelers.
“It’s easy to post up here for a while—the WiFi is reliable, and you’re just a short drive from Yellowstone when you need a reset in nature. It’s very dog-friendly, too,” says Woodson.
Where to get some work done:
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is lively year-round, with skiers traveling in during the winter and hikers coming in summer—yet, it still feels cozy since its population comes in at just under 5,000. With all the seasonal tourism Breck gets, it’s got plenty of laptop-friendly cafés.
“Breckenridge is full of coworking-friendly cafés and is super pet-friendly. The mountain views inspire productivity, and there are endless trails to clear your head after a day of work,” says Woodson. “One thing to note is that RV/trailer parking can be tricky for this small mountain town.” (TravlFi tip: Plan ahead to find a spot during the two high seasons, winter and summer.)
Where to get some work done:
Southwest
If you want to explore the famous red rocks of the American Southwest on your breaks from work, Moab is your ideal basecamp. Photo by Amanda Capritto.
Moab, Utah
If you want to explore the famous red rocks of the American Southwest on your breaks from work, Moab is your ideal basecamp. Photo by Amanda Capritto.
Moab blends desert tranquility with digital accessibility in a stunning environment with just over 5,000 residents. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks sit right outside Moab, but in town, you’ll find coffee shops, public WiFi zones, and campgrounds filled with other vanlifers.
“Moab is an outdoor lover’s paradise with Arches and Canyonlands at your doorstep, but it’s also surprisingly work-friendly. Plus, there’s a great community of fellow campers here,” says Woodson.
Where to get some work done:
For good burritos and a Big Bend basecamp, head to Marfa, Texas. Photo by Amanda Capritto.
Marfa, Texas
Marfa is home to fewer than 2,000 residents, yet it draws visitors from across the U.S. It’s the minimalist art installations and desert quiet that keep people coming back. The library and cafés do have internet, though speeds aren’t always as fast as you’ll find in bigger cities. If stillness and space spark your best work and you’re seeking a taste of Texas, Marfa is the place to go.
According to vanlifer and TravlSync editor Amanda Capritto, Marfa is a great basecamp for Big Bend National Park adventures, and the burritos in town are as authentic as they get. You’ll want to try one—or three.
Where to get some work done:
Southeast
In the foothills of the Appalachians, Blairsville offers lush forest getaways and plenty of work-friendly cafés. Photo by Amanda Capritto.
Blairsville, Georgia
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, Blairsville (population ~600) is a tiny town that offers natural serenity, affordability, and a growing digital infrastructure. Blairsville combines stunning scenery—close to Vogel State Park and the Appalachian Trail—with affordability and improving broadband access. Plus, it offers tranquility without complete isolation, since regional hubs are within a short drive.
“Blairsville is one of my favorite towns on the eastern side of the country,” Capritto says. “It’s incredibly quiet, even in the center of town, and you really get to experience that southern hospitality. Everyone is friendly and welcoming to travelers, whether you’re a full-time nomad or a temporary tourist.”
Where to get some work done:
Midwest
The Black Hills near Custer, SD, are home to Custer State Park, where you can access South Dakota’s highest peak. Photo by Amanda Capritto.
Custer, South Dakota
Custer is home to just under 2,000 people and surrounded by hot spots for vanlifers—Black Hills hikes, Wind Cave National Park, and Mount Rushmore. Downtown has small-town shops and friendly cafés, and nomads will find essential travel amenities (like campsites with hookups). Winters can feel even quieter, as many businesses slow during the off-season. (Just be ready to brave midwestern snow if you go during the colder months).
“Custer is surrounded by some of the most underrated nature in the U.S., and it’s super easy to settle in with plenty of RV and traveler-friendly amenities,” says Woodson.
Where to get some work done:
Northeast
Cold Spring, New York
Cold Spring has about 2,000 residents, but it doesn’t feel sleepy. The train ride from Manhattan takes just over an hour, which makes it close enough for city workers to storm the streets for weekend getaways. We recommend spending your time in town on weekdays and retreating to your camp come Saturday. In town, Victorian storefronts line Main Street, and the Hudson Highlands loom overhead. WiFi at the library is reliable, and cafés stay calm enough for focus on weekdays. Breakneck Ridge is nearby, which is a challenging hike even for the experienced hiker.
Where to get some work done:
Camden, Maine
Camden has around 5,000 residents and sits right at the intersection of the mountains and ocean. The harbor is filled with sailboats, and Camden Hills State Park rises just behind town. The library is perched on a hill and extends Wi-Fi into the lawn, so you can work outside with a water view. Add in Main Street cafés, and you’ve got nice scenery and signal. What more could a digital nomad want?
Where to get some work done:
FAQs
Where is the easiest place to be a digital nomad?
Though this is subjective, we think one of the best cities in the U.S. for remote work is Whitefish, Montana. It’s easy to find a spot to set up camp and has got everything you’re seeking with life on the road—access to stunning nature and close proximity to one of the best national parks in the country. Plus, its small (but bustling) downtown has a variety of cafés with great WiFi.
Where is the cheapest place to live as a digital nomad?
Blairsville, Georgia tops the list. The Southeast is known for its lower living expenses, and Blairsville is no different. It’s a bit of a mountain tourist destination because of its lakes, trails, and access to the Appalachian foothills, which means its cafés and public library are more connected than you might expect for a rural town.
What is the best city to live as a digital nomad?
Again, this is quite subjective but we love Cold Spring, New York. If you’re living full-time in one of these cities, Cold Spring is great for access to a variety of amenities. You have nature via hiking trails and the nearby Appalachians. You are an easy one hour train ride from one of the greatest cities in America, New York. And the town itself has shops, cafes, and waterfront views.
More Essential Reading for Digital Nomads:
- Filling Prescriptions While Traveling: A Guide for Vanlifers and RVers
- How To Work In An RV
- These U.S. Towns Offer a Refreshing Break from Summer Heat
If you want to live the digital nomad lifestyle, learn more about how TravlFi can set you up for success on and off grid.
Article By: Lauren Keary
Lauren Keary’s passion for travel began during college when she sailed on Semester at Sea to 17 different countries. Since then, that number has grown to over 40. This passion for travel has also taken a foothold in her career, as she previously worked as a travel writer for BuzzFeed and the Evening Standard full-time, writing additional travel content for TripSavvy, Outside, and San Diego Magazine in her spare time. When she’s not writing about her adventures, you’ll probably catch her out on a hike with her dog Rusty, or looking for the best new coffee shop in town. But let’s be clear, she’s always going to be that friend in the friend group who’s catching flights (not feelings), so you’re much more likely to see her at 30,000 feet.
