Chattanooga just ranked as the second-best city in the nation for remote work, according to a recent TechNational study, which evaluates cities based on factors like affordability, co-working space availability, internet connectivity, state income tax rates, and public safety. The study places Chattanooga just behind Boise, Idaho, and ahead of other Southeastern cities like Greenville, South Carolina, and Asheville, North Carolina.
This ranking highlights Chattanooga's appeal to remote workers, with 16% of its residents working remotely and 7.9% being self-employed. The city offers an attractive cost of living with an average monthly rent of $1,176 and an average household annual income of $64,340. Despite its low crime rate of 63.71 per 1,000 residents, the demand for housing could pose challenges in the future due to its growing popularity.
Top 10 remote work cities
1. Boise, Idaho
2. Chattanooga
3. Greenville, South Carolina
4. Burlington, Vermont
5. Madison, Wisconsin
6. Asheville, North Carolina
7. Santa Fe, New Mexico
8. Eugene, Oregon
9. Huntsville
10. Des Moines, Iowa
Source: TechNational
Dan Reuter, executive director of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency, notes that Chattanooga's lack of state income tax and high-speed internet are significant draws, particularly for those moving from states like California. He also mentioned that while the city's cost of living is currently low, it is expected to rise due to increasing housing demand. Despite these challenges, Chattanooga's abundant outdoor activities and big-city amenities continue to attract a significant number of remote workers.
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