Researching a New City When You Work Remotely: What to Check First

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If your job travels with you, a new city has to pass a different test than it does for most movers. Check the internet at the exact address, the places you can work outside home, the full monthly cost of living and how the time zone fits your clients. Then test the neighborhood with a short stay before you commit.

Why is moving different when you work remotely?

A commuter picks a city partly for its employers. A remote worker picks it for everything else, which sounds freeing but moves the risk. A slow connection, a noisy apartment or a time zone that leaves you on calls at midnight can cost you income, not just comfort.

So start the research with your work, then widen it to daily life.

How do you check internet before you commit?

Internet is the one item that can make a home unusable for work. Do not rely on a listing that says "high-speed".

1. Look up the exact address on the FCC National Broadband Map, which shows which providers report service there.
2. Ask the landlord or a current resident which provider they use and how often it drops.
3. Find out whether the building allows you to install your own service.
4. Plan a backup, such as a phone hotspot or a nearby coworking space.

Our guide to reliable internet for remote workers goes deeper on backups.

Where will you work when home is not enough?

Even people who like their home office sometimes want a change, a meeting room or other people around. Map your options before you arrive:

• Coworking spaces, with their day pass, monthly desk and opening hours.
• Public libraries, which often have free seating and Wi-Fi.
• Cafes that tolerate a few hours of laptop work.

Check opening hours against your real schedule. A space that closes at six is no help if your calls run late. The article on coworking spaces for hosting workshops shows what a good space can offer beyond a desk.

What will it really cost to live there?

Compare full monthly costs, not only rent. Include utilities, internet, transport, groceries, health insurance, and a coworking membership if you plan to use one. Rent figures from several current listings are more honest than a single average.

For population, housing and income figures, the Census Bureau's QuickFacts tool lets you compare places side by side. Tax rules can differ by state and city, so ask an accountant before you move if your income is significant. For a tracking approach, see our post on expense tracking apps.

Does the time zone work for your clients?

Moving three time zones away from your team can move your best working hours with it. Write down the hours your clients or colleagues are available, convert them to the new location, and see how much overlap is left. If the overlap is thin, ask your employer or clients whether that is acceptable before you move.

What should you look for in a neighborhood?

Think about a normal Tuesday rather than a weekend. Ask yourself:

• Is there a quiet corner at home for a desk and calls?
• How long does it take to reach your backup workspace?
• Are groceries, a gym or a park within a short walk, so your day has breaks built in?
• Is it quiet at the hours you work, and at the hours you sleep?

If you have children, check schools through the local district's own website. If you have particular health needs, confirm that your insurance is accepted by nearby providers and ask your doctor for a referral in the new area.

How do you test the place before moving?

A short rental is the cheapest insurance. Stay a week or two, work your usual hours, and note what goes wrong. Meet people through local groups, which also helps with isolation; our post on finding community through meetups has ideas.

Talk to residents, not only websites. A neighbor can tell you about noise, parking or the winter heating bill in a way no listing will.

A simple checklist

• Internet confirmed for the exact address, with a backup
• Two or three places to work outside home
• Full monthly budget written down
• Time zone overlap with clients checked
• A trial stay completed before a long lease

If you plan a scouting trip, MaviGadget's travel gadgets may help you pack.