🌍 Overview
New York City has long been a hub for remote workers, and for good reason. As a digital nomad destination, it offers an unparalleled combination of world-class infrastructure, a thriving nomad community, and a unique lifestyle that’s both fast-paced and diverse. The cost of living in New York is surprisingly affordable, with a 1-bedroom apartment renting for around $2171 per month, making it an attractive option for remote workers on a budget. The city’s 24/7 vibe, world-class restaurants, and endless entertainment options make it the perfect place to balance work and play.
What draws nomads to New York is its vibrant community, which is home to a diverse range of remote workers, from tech entrepreneurs to writers and artists. The city’s many coworking spaces offer a range of options, from shared desks to private offices, and its robust internet infrastructure ensures that you’ll never be without a reliable connection. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or part of a remote team, New York has something to offer every type of digital nomad.
From the bright lights of Times Square to the peaceful green spaces of Central Park, New York is a city that’s always on the go. But beneath its bustling surface, there’s a rich cultural scene, with world-class museums, galleries, and performance venues. As a remote worker in New York, you’ll be surrounded by inspiration and opportunity, with endless possibilities for networking, collaboration, and growth.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is one of New York’s most iconic neighborhoods, known for its charming streets, historic brownstones, and lively nightlife. The area is home to a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, performance venues, and music clubs. As a remote worker, you’ll love the area’s many cafes and restaurants, which offer a range of options for working and relaxing.
Pros: charming streets, lively nightlife, world-class arts scene Cons: can be crowded and noisy, limited parking options Rent range: $2,500 - $4,000 per month Notable streets: Bleecker Street, MacDougal Street, Perry Street Why nomads choose this area: Greenwich Village offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it the perfect place to balance work and play.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a hip and trendy neighborhood in Brooklyn that’s become a hub for remote workers and creatives. The area is home to a thriving tech scene, with numerous startups and coworking spaces, as well as a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and performance venues. As a remote worker, you’ll love the area’s many cafes and restaurants, which offer a range of options for working and relaxing.
Pros: trendy vibe, thriving tech scene, world-class arts scene Cons: can be crowded and noisy, limited parking options Rent range: $2,000 - $3,500 per month Notable streets: Bedford Avenue, Wythe Avenue, Grand Street Why nomads choose this area: Williamsburg offers a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and entertainment, making it the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals.
Chelsea
Chelsea is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood in Manhattan that’s known for its art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The area is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community, as well as a diverse range of remote workers and creatives. As a remote worker, you’ll love the area’s many coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants, which offer a range of options for working and relaxing.
Pros: vibrant vibe, world-class art scene, diverse community Cons: can be crowded and noisy, limited parking options Rent range: $2,500 - $4,000 per month Notable streets: 6th Avenue, 8th Avenue, Chelsea Market Why nomads choose this area: Chelsea offers a unique blend of art, culture, and diversity, making it the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals.
Astoria
Astoria is a charming and laid-back neighborhood in Queens that’s become a hub for remote workers and creatives. The area is home to a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and performance venues, as well as a diverse range of restaurants and cafes. As a remote worker, you’ll love the area’s many coworking spaces, which offer a range of options for working and relaxing.
Pros: charming streets, thriving arts scene, diverse community Cons: can be crowded and noisy, limited parking options Rent range: $1,800 - $3,000 per month Notable streets: 30th Avenue, 31st Street, Steinway Street Why nomads choose this area: Astoria offers a unique blend of creativity, relaxation, and diversity, making it the perfect place to balance work and play.
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking Spaces
New York has a wide range of coworking spaces that cater to different needs and budgets. Here are a few of our top picks:
- WeWork (various locations): $400 - $600 per month for a shared desk, $1,000 - $1,500 per month for a private office
- The Wing (various locations): $600 - $1,000 per month for a shared desk, $1,500 - $2,500 per month for a private office
- Brooklyn Creative League (Bushwick): $200 - $400 per month for a shared desk, $500 - $1,000 per month for a private office
- Industrious (various locations): $300 - $600 per month for a shared desk, $1,000 - $2,000 per month for a private office
Internet Quality
New York’s internet infrastructure is robust and reliable, with average speeds of 37 Mbps and widespread fiber availability. You can expect fast and reliable internet at most coworking spaces and cafes.
Nomad Community Scene
New York’s nomad community is thriving, with numerous meetups, events, and Facebook groups. Here are a few of our top picks:
- Digital Nomads Meetup Group: a monthly meetup for digital nomads to connect and share experiences
- Nomad List Meetup Group: a weekly meetup for nomads to connect and share tips
- Remote Year Meetup Group: a monthly meetup for remote workers to connect and share experiences
Cafes to Work From
New York has countless cafes that offer a range of options for working and relaxing. Here are a few of our top picks:
- Cafe Grumpy (Greenwich Village): a cozy cafe with fast wifi and plenty of power outlets
- Think Coffee (Chelsea): a modern cafe with fast wifi and a range of coffee options
- Third Rail Coffee (Williamsburg): a hip cafe with fast wifi and a range of specialty coffee drinks
- La Colombe (various locations): a modern cafe with fast wifi and a range of coffee options
Visa Options
As a remote worker, you’ll need to obtain a visa to work in the US. Here are a few options to consider:
- J-1 Visa: a cultural exchange visa that allows you to work in the US for up to 12 months
- H-1B Visa: a work visa that allows you to work in the US for up to 3 years
- O-1 Visa: a work visa for individuals with exceptional ability in their field
- F-1 Visa: a student visa that allows you to work in the US for up to 12 months
Banking and Practical Setup
As a remote worker, you’ll need to set up a US bank account and obtain a US credit card. Here are a few options to consider:
- Bank of America: a major bank with numerous branches throughout the city
- Chase Bank: a major bank with numerous branches throughout the city
- Capital One: a bank with a range of credit card options and no foreign transaction fees
- Revolut: a digital bank with a range of credit card options and no foreign transaction fees
🎨 Culture & Vibe
New York is a city that’s always on the go, with a unique energy that’s hard to find anywhere else. Here are a few of our top tips for experiencing the city’s culture and vibe:
- Take a stroll through Central Park: a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city
- Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art: one of the world’s greatest museums, with a collection of over 2 million works of art
- Explore the High Line: an elevated park built on an old rail line, with stunning views of the city
- Attend a Broadway show: a world-class theatrical experience that’s like no other
- Visit a local market: a great way to experience the city’s diverse food and culture scene
⭐ Highlights
Here are a few of our top picks for must-see attractions and experiences in New York:
- The Statue of Liberty: a iconic symbol of freedom and democracy
- The 9/11 Memorial & Museum: a poignant tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks
- The Brooklyn Bridge: a stunning feat of engineering that offers breathtaking views of the city
- Times Square: a bustling area of bright lights and giant billboards
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: one of the world’s greatest museums, with a collection of over 2 million works of art
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few of our top tips for navigating New York as a remote worker:
- Visa requirements: check the US Embassy or Consulate website for visa requirements and application procedures
- Transportation: use the subway or bus to get around the city, or hail a yellow cab or ride-share
- Safety: be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas
- Healthcare: check with your insurance provider to see if they have a network of providers in New York
- Money: use ATMs to withdraw cash, or use a credit card for purchases
- Culture: be respectful of local customs and traditions, and try to learn a few basic phrases in Spanish or other languages.
I hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip to New York as a remote worker. Remember to research thoroughly, plan ahead, and be prepared for the unexpected. Happy travels!
