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Key Takeaways
- Nevada ranks #1 overall, offering an ideal mix of high-speed internet (220.91 Mbps) and a strong remote salary ($66,952)
- Massachusetts (#2) scores highest in hiking trail access (537.05 per 1,000 sqm) and has one of the top remote job posting rates (1.41%)
- Connecticut (#3) delivers the fastest internet in the top 10 (233.88 Mbps) and ranks 3rd in trail access
- California has the highest percentage of remote job postings at 1.76%
- Indiana comes in last (#50) with the slowest internet in the U.S. (121.72 Mbps) and one of the lowest shares of remote jobs (0.59%)
New Study Reveals the Top States to Work Remotely
It’s 2025, and remote work is less about logging in and more about leveling up your lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing faster Wi-Fi, cheaper rent, or trailheads just steps from your laptop, a new study by recruitment company Remote People has crunched the numbers to reveal where remote workers truly thrive. Spoiler: it’s not just the usual suspects.
The study checked numbers across key factors like remote salaries, rent prices, job listing percentages, internet speeds, coworking options, and access to nature to find out the top states for remote work.
1
Nevada
Nevada tops the list of the most remote-friendly states. The average remote salary is a healthy $66,952 (5th overall), and while average rent is on the steeper side at $1,916 (41st), it’s offset by blazing-fast internet at 220.91 Mbps (10th).
Coworking availability ranks 3rd (1.84 per 100,000 residents), and the state still manages to provide 43.32 parks per 100K and 10.39 hiking trails per 1,000 sqm, making it an ideal choice for remote professionals who value both productivity and play.
2
Massachusetts
Taking second place, Massachusetts boasts one of the highest remote salaries at $67,932 (3rd) and a top-tier 1.41% of job postings being remote-friendly (3rd). It ranks 12th in internet speed at 218.54 Mbps. Yes, rent averages a whopping $3,125 (50th), but that comes with the tradeoff of being 1st in hiking trail density, an impressive 537.05 trails per 1,000 sqm.
3
Connecticut
Connecticut is third overall. It places 9th in remote salary with $63,552, and although it ranks 25th for job postings (0.88%), it’s ranked 4th for internet speed at 233.88 Mbps. Rent sits at a modest $1,800 (38th), and for nature lovers, it offers 47.38 parks per 100K and a whopping 479.05 trails per 1,000 sqm, ranking 3rd in hiking access.
4
Rhode Island
Though a small state Rhode Island takes fourth place. The state ranks 10th in salary at $63,264, though rent averages $2,000. Internet flies at 227.1 Mbps (7th), and it punches above its weight in hiking trails (495.16 per 1,000 sqm, 2nd) and coworking spaces (1.07 per 100K, 8th). If you want dense outdoor access packed into a manageable footprint, this is your spot.
5
Maryland
Maryland earns a fifth place. The average remote salary is $63,117 (12th), and internet speed is among the best at 238.26 Mbps (2nd). It also ranks well in job postings at 1.18% (14th). Rent is relatively affordable at $1,700 (30th), and it leads in parks per capita at 65.39 parks per 100K (6th overall).
6
Washington
Next is Washington, which ranks 2nd in salary with $67,988 and 9th for remote job postings (1.26%). Internet clocks in at 201.11 Mbps (22nd), and while it trails in parks (11.92 per 100K, 49th), it makes up for it with strong coworking support (1.05 spaces per 100K, 11th) and solid trail access (77.42 per 1,000 sqm, ranked 12th).
7
Virginia
Virginia lands at seventh place, thanks in part to its 2nd-best remote job posting rate at 1.42%. The average remote salary is $61,584 (18th), and it boasts high-speed internet at 230.49 Mbps (6th). Rent averages $1,725 (32nd), and it offers a healthy combo of 47.39 parks and 62.75 trails, giving remote workers a practical and scenic lifestyle blend.
8
Oregon
Ranking eighth, Oregon appeals to those seeking beauty and balance. Salary is a respectable $63,159 (11th), and though rent is affordable at $1,500 (5th), it’s the green access that steals the show: 75.63 parks per 100K (14th) and 36.75 trails per 1,000 sqm (24th). Internet speed lands at 209.69 Mbps (16th), and coworking spaces are plentiful (1.12 per 100K, ranked 5th).
9
California
California takes ninth place. The state has the highest remote job posting rate in the nation at 1.76% (1st), a strong internet speed of 223.59 Mbps (9th), and access to 97.45 trails per 1,000 sqm (10th). However, it ranks 47th in rent with an average of $2,400, and 15th in salary with $62,008.
10
Colorado
Colorado closes the top 10. Its standout stat is coworking access, 2.05 spaces per 100K (ranked 2nd). The average salary is $59,609, but rent is at a higher range at $2,000. Internet speed is brisk at 219.79 Mbps (11th), and with 74.77 parks and 55.93 trails, it’s a nature-rich option for remote professionals.
Complete Ranking of the Best States for Remote Work
Each factor was indexed on a 0–100 scale, with higher scores indicating better performance. These indexed scores were then weighted and combined to produce each state’s final ranking.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION: Average Remote Salary by State: 25%, Coworking Spaces: 10%, Remote Job Postings: 15%, Internet Speed: 20%, Rent Cost: 15%, Parks: 7%, and Hiking Trails: 8%
SOURCES: ZipRecruiter, Zillow, HighInternetSpeed, Glassdoor, OpenStreet
Remote Work Trends in 2025: What’s Changed Since the Pandemic?
In 2025, remote work has solidified its place in the professional world. While the initial shift was reactionary, today’s remote work environment is the result of deliberate strategies and technological advancements.
- Hybrid models have become the standard, blending in-office and remote work to offer flexibility and maintain team cohesion. This approach addresses challenges like collaboration and creativity, which can be harder to achieve in fully remote setups.
- Technological tools, including AI and automation, have streamlined workflows, boosting productivity and enhancing collaboration. These tools assist in tasks like scheduling, project management, and data analysis, allowing teams to focus on higher-value work.
- Virtual and augmented reality are also reshaping how remote teams connect, providing immersive experiences that bridge the gap between remote and in-person collaboration.
Despite some companies enforcing stricter in-office mandates, many employees resist returning full-time, valuing the flexibility and improved quality of life that remote work offers.
What to Consider Before Relocating for Remote Work
Relocating for remote work is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Here are key factors to evaluate:
- Role Compatibility: Ensure your position allows for long-term remote work. Some organizations may expect a hybrid approach or occasional in-person meetings.
- Career Impact: Assess how a move might affect your career prospects. Being remote can sometimes limit networking opportunities and visibility within the company.
- Cost of Living: Analyze the financial implications, including housing, taxes, and daily expenses, in the new location.
- Infrastructure and Amenities: Consider the availability of reliable internet, healthcare facilities, schools, and other essential services.
- Community and Lifestyle: Reflect on the social aspects, such as proximity to family and friends, cultural fit, and recreational opportunities.
Remote Job Trends by Industry
Remote work isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—its adoption depends heavily on the industry. Some sectors have fully embraced flexible work models, while others remain grounded in physical operations.
Understanding which industries are driving remote job growth can help professionals and employers align with evolving opportunities.
| Industry | Remote Job Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Information Technology and Services | 133,429 remote jobs — the leading sector for remote work |
| Hospital & Health Care | 125,590 remote jobs — especially in admin and telehealth roles |
| Staffing and Recruiting | 103,995 remote jobs — well adapted to virtual operations |
| Retail and Transportation | Limited — primarily in-person due to job nature |
While technology and healthcare continue to lead the way in remote hiring, not all industries are equally suited to flexible setups. Knowing where the demand is—and where it isn’t—can guide smarter career planning and business decisions in an increasingly distributed workforce.
What This Means for Remote Workers
The best states for remote work in 2025 aren’t just those with high salaries or fast internet—they’re the ones that offer a complete lifestyle package.
Whether it’s access to nature, affordable housing, or a strong remote job market, the right location can make all the difference in how well remote work fits your life. Use this data to find where work-from-anywhere can work best for you.