In previous articles, we have covered some of the digital nomad hotspots in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, and it is now the turn of North America. We look at the best places to stay in Mexico, the USA and Canada for remote workers and look at what makes them popular with this demographic.
This bustling resort town is located on the Yucatan Peninsula and attracts tourists because of its white sand beaches and clear blue waters.
The temperature is pleasant year-round, with the mercury going as high as 28C in December and a lower end of 21C.
If you are intent on escaping the winter, this is a fantastic destination with beach-worthy weather.
There is a good co-working and cafe scene in Playa, and digital nomads are catered to quite heavily, with gluten-free food being common and high-quality coffees readily available.
It isn’t high on the list for providing an authentic experience of Mexico. However, if you are looking for somewhere with fast and reliable Wi-Fi, friendly people, good facilities to work from, and excellent beach and surf possibilities, you have come to the right place.
The nightlife is also notable, with several excellent clubs located on the busy tourist strip on Quinta Avenida.
It is known for being a party town, so it may not be perfect for those looking for a quieter, more sedate lifestyle.
In terms of coworking, there are some excellent options, including Nest, which is fairly centrally located, and Work Zone Coworking, for those who require a quieter space to work.
There are also coliving spaces, which include smaller independents like Anana Coliving and larger chains like Outsite.
An iconic destination in its own right, San Francisco is one not to be missed, particularly by the LGBTQ+ community.
Everyone has seen the classic films with car chases on the steeply banked streets leading down to the harbour, and they are truly worth seeing in person.
The whole vibe of San Francisco is fabulous; there is a real buzz in the air, and there is so much to do and see.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a particular landmark, and any visitors should definitely try out the street trolleys that still trundle up and down its steep streets.
Known for being a technology hub, you are likely to meet many people who work for some of the big internet companies, such as Apple and Google.
San Francisco offers all the amenities provided by a big city. These include extremely fast internet speeds, high-quality cafes to work from and food choices in abundance.
San Francisco caters well for people who are into healthy living and wellness, with a plethora of gluten-free options available and options for even the most restrictive diets.
The only real downside is the cost compared to many other places, particularly those in Mexico. San Francisco is a premium destination in the USA, and this is definitely reflected in the cost of rentals.
There are several colivings available there, including 908 Coliving, Hack ‘n’ Sleep Coliving, and Hive Coliving.
Our only Canadian entry on the list, Vancouver consistently leads charts for quality of life and for liveability, and it is easy to see why.
Boasting extensive parks within the city, Vancouver is very green and an excellent space for those who enjoy walking in the shade of the trees on a sunny day.
Vancouver is known for being very culturally open and welcoming to newcomers, with friendly locals and diversity in both food and the arts.
Vancouver is the classic mix of beaches, mountains, parkland, and downtown corporate office spaces.
There is something for everyone, all of the time. If you have always wanted to go to a nudist beach, you can do so easily here.
If you would prefer to mountain bike or surf, you can do that too. z
The activities change with the seasons, so those more inclined to winter sports can schedule their stay accordingly and take advantage of the snowboarding and skiing opportunities nearby.
There is a range of different accommodation options and some of the best are the coliving spaces, as these can minimise the cost in what would otherwise be quite an expensive city.
Gather Coliving and Fiber Coliving are two independents, and there are also some larger chain Colivings such as Outsite and Coco Coliving.
Despite being the Capital of one of the most Conservative states in the USA, Austin leans very heavily Liberal and is safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ people who might be thinking of visiting. It is also considered to be very female-friendly and racially tolerant.
The live music capital of the USA, Austin has always something going on, and it has a really great vibe that many people seem to enjoy.
The internet is fast and stable here, and Austin is considered a bit of a tech hub. Because of this, there are a large number of places to work from.
Epoch and Industrious Austin are two of the best coworking places. Each has its pros and cons, so it depends on what you are looking for in your workspace.
Austin is one of the more expensive places on the list to spend some time because it is located in the USA. However, the cultural richness of the experience and the natural beauty of the surroundings make it worthwhile.
It may be best to avoid the summers when the temperature reaches an unbearable 38C, but other times of the year are more temperate.
Austin has several different options for co-living spaces. Stay Work and Play is a good independent operator, and there are also the usual chains you would expect in a digital nomad hotspot, like Outsite.
The second on the list in Mexico, Tulum has a radically different vibe from Playa del Carmen, one that is more attuned to spirituality and wellness rather than partying hard.
It’s a lot quieter and more suitable for those seeking a chilled, laid-back vibe. Tulum is situated on the Caribbean coast and has gorgeous white sands.
It was built upon the ruins of an ancient Mayan settlement, which can still be seen today.
Tulum is particularly well-served by coworking spaces, some of the best of which are Coworking Tulum, which provides access to over 20 locations throughout the town, and Los Amigos Cowork.
When it comes to coliving, there is also an excellent range of options from independents like Ko’Muna Tulum.
This company bills itself as “Community Living in Paradise” and is situated right between the beach and the jungle in gorgeous, well-kept accommodation.
Other players in the coliving space include the larger chains like Selina and Outsite.
There is a wide range of accommodation options for those who would rather not stay at a coliving, everything from entire apartments to bunk beds in hostels.
It is possible to find somewhere to stay for a few hundred dollars per month, making Tulum a very attractive option, even for those on a tight budget.
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