5 Remote Worker-Friendly Cities with an Austin Vibe

Over the past decade, Austin has emerged as one of the nation's hottest remote work hubs – a trend that only accelerated during the pandemic as people sought to escape pricey cities. The capital of Texas offers an energetic live music scene, quirky charm and a booming tech industry. However, with Austin's popularity has come rapid growth and rising costs. The median home price now hovers around $664,500, making it difficult for remote workers to afford to live their best life in the city long-term. So where can telecommuters find that same fun, eclectic Austin vibe without the sticker shock?

From funky college towns to revitalized communities in the nation's heartland, several up-and-coming cities are providing attractive alternatives for remote workers priced out of Austin. And in some cases, there are even financial incentives on the table for those willing to relocate. Here's a look at five Austin-esque communities remote workers should have on their radar:

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Like Austin, Grand Rapids has a vibrant art scene. First Fridays Art Walks draw crowds to explore galleries and studios, and public art installations can be found throughout the city. Austin is known for its craft breweries and Grand Rapids is no stranger to the trend. With numerous breweries and brewpubs, Grand Rapids offers a thriving craft beer scene for the discerning palate. Grand Rapids also hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from art and film to beer and ethnic cuisine. This provides a steady stream of cultural experiences, similar to Austin's festival scene but with a Midwestern twist. Grand Rapids' median home price of only $325,000 only adds to its appeal.

Lawrence, Kansas

Often referred to as the "Austin of Kansas," this charming Midwest college town of 95,000 offers a funky, progressive spirit to match its low cost of living. An abundance of local breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, art galleries and live music venues cater to students and creatives. But it's the active outdoor culture that really gives Lawrence an Austin feel, with scenic hiking/biking trails winding through forests and along rivers. Additionally, the median home price is only $335,000 making Lawrence extremely affordable.

Madison, Wisconsin

Often overshadowed by Milwaukee, the state capital of Madison has rightfully earned its reputation as a little big city with big culture. The 600,000 metro area hugging an isthmus between lakes offers no shortage of outdoor recreation opportunities, from kayaking and sailing to biking and hiking lush parks and trails. Meanwhile, downtown Madison abounds with eclectic restaurants, craft breweries, public art, and a thriving music scene. With a median home value of around $430,000 and a relatively moderate overall cost of living, Madison delivers Austin's vibrant urban and outdoor mix without sticker shock.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Austin expats have long been drawn to the Rocky Mountain energy of Colorado Springs, a community that pairs big-city amenities with unparalleled access to adventure. Downtown's revitalized streets invite wandering between art galleries, brewpubs and patio restaurants. But most people are simply passing through on the way to hiking trails like the famed Manitou Incline or Garden of the Gods, hitting ski slopes like those at Breckenridge or Vail, or exploring 14,000+ foot peaks right in their backyard. With a median home price of $475,000 and a 4% cost of living below Austin, Colorado Springs provides a relative value for the Colorado lifestyle.

Beckley, West Virginia

While Beckley might not have the same abundance of trendy restaurants and music venues that Austin does, there is still plenty to discover, like local eateries serving Appalachian cuisine or unique festivals celebrating the region's heritage. Austin boasts a variety of outdoor pursuits, but Beckley offers a unique perspective. The stunning natural beauty of the Monongahela National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, fishing and whitewater rafting. Additionally, Beckley is known for its rock climbing and spelunking, offering a more adventurous experience than Austin's usual outdoor activities. While Austin offers a wide range of artistic influences, Beckley also has a surprising creative scene. The city has a strong focus on folk art, with vibrant quilting traditions and a celebration of Appalachian crafts. For someone who appreciates a different kind of eclectic vibe, Beckley could hold its own.

In Beckley, remote workers will also enjoy a much lower cost of living thanks to a median home price of only $162,450 and $5,000 in cash thanks to the city’s partnership with MakeMyMove a company that connects remote workers with communities throughout the United States to relocate to. Remote workers who qualify to relocate to Beckley through the program will also receive additional incentives including access to a free working space.

Whether craving mountains, lakes, college town charm, or simply a change, remote workers priced out of Austin will find no shortage of attractive alternatives spread across the heartland and beyond. With the added flexibility of working remotely, more people are realizing the dream of living their ideal lifestyle fueled by an affordable cost of living. And programs like MakeMyMove are helping sweeten the deal for those willing to bet on the next big thing before the crowds arrive and prices inevitably rise. As cities like Austin have shown, these creative, free-spirited communities tend to eventually get discovered.