🌍 Overview
Nelson, a charming coastal city on the South Island of New Zealand, has become a haven for digital nomads seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a relaxed lifestyle. As a Nelson digital nomad myself, I can attest that this city offers an unbeatable quality of life, with its stunning beaches, lush forests, and a thriving arts scene. With a Nomad Score of 62/100 and a Nature Score of 90/100, it’s no wonder that remote workers are drawn to Nelson’s idyllic setting. The city’s compact size and friendly community make it easy to navigate and connect with like-minded individuals, making Nelson for remote workers an attractive option.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Nelson, digital nomads have a range of options to suit their lifestyle and preferences. Here are three neighborhoods that stand out for their character and amenities:
- The Wood: This trendy neighborhood is located just a short walk from the city center and is known for its boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Wood is a popular spot for digital nomads, with its vibrant atmosphere and plenty of coworking spaces.
- Stoke: Located about 10 minutes from the city center, Stoke is a family-friendly neighborhood with a mix of old and new homes. It’s a great option for those looking for a more suburban lifestyle, with easy access to parks, schools, and shopping centers.
- Richmond: This charming neighborhood is situated about 15 minutes from the city center and is known for its historic homes, scenic views, and nearby walking trails. Richmond is a popular spot for those looking for a more relaxed, small-town feel.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Nelson is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in New Zealand. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for digital nomads:
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around NZD $646 (USD $420) per month.
- Food: Eating out at a mid-range restaurant costs around NZD $20 (USD $13) per meal, while groceries for basic items like milk, bread, and eggs cost around NZD $50 (USD $33) per week.
- Transport: A monthly public transportation pass costs around NZD $90 (USD $59), while a used car can be purchased for around NZD $5,000 (USD $3,300).
- Coworking: A desk at a coworking space costs around NZD $200 (USD $130) per month.
Internet & Coworking
Nelson has a range of coworking spaces and cafes with reliable internet speeds. Some popular options include:
- The Space: A modern coworking space with high-speed internet (up to 100 Mbps) and a range of amenities, including meeting rooms and a kitchen.
- The Workshop: A shared office space with fast internet (up to 50 Mbps) and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and remote workers.
- Lone Star Cafe: A popular cafe with free Wi-Fi (up to 20 Mbps) and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for working on a laptop.
Nelson has a growing digital nomad community, with a range of meetups and events for remote workers. Some popular groups include:
- Nelson Digital Nomads: A Facebook group for digital nomads living in Nelson, with regular meetups and events.
- Remote Workers Nelson: A meetup group for remote workers, with monthly gatherings and networking opportunities.
- Nelson Startup Weekend: An annual event that brings together entrepreneurs, developers, and designers to create and launch startups over a weekend.
Culture & Lifestyle
Nelson has a rich cultural scene, with a range of festivals and events throughout the year. Some popular attractions include:
- Nelson Arts Festival: An annual festival that showcases local and national artists, with a range of performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
- Nelson Market: A weekly market that features local produce, crafts, and live music.
- Nelson Wine Region: A scenic wine region with a range of wineries and vineyards, offering wine tastings and tours.
The local food scene is also thriving, with a range of restaurants and cafes serving up fresh seafood, craft beer, and local specialties like whitebait and lamb. Some popular spots include:
- The Boat Shed: A waterfront restaurant serving up fresh seafood and stunning views.
- The Free House: A craft beer bar with a range of local brews and live music.
- Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery: A popular spot for oysters, seafood, and cocktails.
New Zealand offers a range of visa options for digital nomads, including the Working Holiday Visa and the Essential Skills Work Visa. The Working Holiday Visa allows remote workers to stay in New Zealand for up to 12 months, while the Essential Skills Work Visa requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer. It’s essential to research and understand the visa requirements before arriving in Nelson.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some insider tips for digital nomads living in Nelson:
- SIM cards: Purchase a SIM card from a local provider like Spark or Vodafone for affordable data and phone plans.
- Transport: Invest in a used car or bike to get around the city and surrounding areas.
- Safety: Nelson is a safe city, but take normal precautions to secure your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
- Weather: Nelson has a mild climate, with warm summers and cool winters. Be prepared for rain and wind, especially during the winter months.