I had that same question a few years ago and made a site to answer it (for myself and others) called https://nomadlist.com . Personally, I like cities with lots of nature in or around it, with low people density (not crowded), with a creative culture (like art, but also startups), in mild climates (like 20'C - 30'C, 68'F - 86'F), where it's not humid (so between 30% and 65% humidity).
Ask HN: If your job was remote, which city would you choose to live in?
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Re: Ask HN: If your job was remote, which city would you choose to live in?
#72I would try Austin, Texas. The weather is not extremely cold or hot. The cost of living is reasonable. It's not super crowded. And if I lost my job, there's a growing demand for tech workers. Are there any Austinites that can comment on this?
If you have to commute it might be tough (number of people here is growing faster than number of roads), but for remote work it's perfectly fine. And when I want to get to downtown, it takes me about the same time it would've taken me in San Jose (and I lived in SJ itself), but unlike SJ there's actually something to do in Austin.
It certainly does get hot here in the summer, but I like that there are seasons here.
Cost of living is significantly better than the Bay Area (and I would argue the quality of life isn't any worse either). And salaries, unless you're aiming for top position at a FANG aren't that much worse.
Also, people are much nicer around here.
Re: Ask HN: If your job was remote, which city would you choose to live in?
#73Re: Ask HN: If your job was remote, which city would you choose to live in?
#74My job is remote and I moved from London to Barcelona area. It's been two years and I'm still thrilled so far
What's the best and the worst thing about this city in your opinion? I'm dreaming about moving to Spain and hesitate between Barcelona and Valencia
Valencia is much cheaper than Barcelona but doesn't have a big airport nor as many good restaurants.
As for the best and worst things, I think they're valid for both Barcelona and Valencia:
The best thing is actually a combination of many: excellent weather conditions, relatively cheap cost of life, great food, access to the beach, overall good quality of life.
The worst things are the noise (cars and people) and communication.
Re: Ask HN: If your job was remote, which city would you choose to live in?
#75Re: Ask HN: If your job was remote, which city would you choose to live in?
#76San Luis Obispo. Charming college town which has restricted growth.
Re: Ask HN: If your job was remote, which city would you choose to live in?
#77My job is remote. I decided to relocate from big European city to very small asian tropical island in the middle of nowhere. Best decision ever.
Re: Ask HN: If your job was remote, which city would you choose to live in?
#78I've been remote the past 3 years and live in Bangkok ~6 months out of the year (visa issues staying any longer than 6 months per year) - still love it! Been to almost every other country in Asia but Bangkok feels most like home to me. Big tech community, events every night, cheap delicious food, nice people, I like the weather, and more
Could you share more? Is it a safe city? Can you walk in random directions without fear? How difficult is to get visa? Do they speak English? What kind of expenses are you looking at monthly? As someone with fully remote job, I am wondering whether I should go couple of months there. I am on the verge about it.
Random walking is my all time favourite thing to do in Bangkok. Although I'd recommend getting out of the CBD. Yes, tech events are great, but I prefer the slower, quiet pace of somewhere like Southern Phuket, or the diving in Koh Tao.
Visa is trivial, English is everywhere, if you're splurging, you could spend however much you want, but it's easy to live cheaply. Rent is something like USD500-800 for the month if you don't even shop around. Food is pretty cheap that I'm not even sure how much stuff costs. A 1 hour massage is about USD10, although you could splurge to about USD20 if you really want to.
That said, while I love Thailand, I'd have to say that Vietnam is still my all-time favourite SEA country to visit... but Thailand does keep drawing me back. I have a favourite beach spot and Kana Moo Grob really hits the spot.
Re: Ask HN: If your job was remote, which city would you choose to live in?
#79My job is remote. I moved to a hobby farm on the outskirts of Brisbane, Australia. So 45-70min commute to the CBD depending on traffic Is a great lifestyle if you like the outdoors whiles giving access to a major city. I used to live in Sydney but couldnt buy a farm without being 2+ hours commute to CBD. The blend of being on the keyboard most of the day but jumping on the tractor/motorbike/chainsaw etc at the end of…
Re: Ask HN: If your job was remote, which city would you choose to live in?
#80My job is remote. Moved to a lake near family in Alabama. Couldn't be happier. Very low cost of living. I also get to go wakeboarding on my lunch break