America's Most Desirable Cities for Hybrid Workers

Hybrid work has transformed the landscape of employment, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and the flexibility of remote work. 

As more businesses embrace this model, employees have greater freedom in choosing where they live without compromising their career opportunities. For companies, hybrid work models can help to improve talent acquisition and retention by attracting top talent from various geographical locations. 

Recent studies have shown that hybrid work is mutually beneficial for both companies and employees; however, the benefits of hybrid work vary significantly depending on the city. Factors like cost of living, infrastructure, quality of life, walkability, and tech-readiness play a major role in how well cities cater to hybrid workers.

With this in mind, Checkr compiled a list of the best cities for hybrid workers and for individuals potentially seeking a new home with flexible employment opportunities.

Additionally, business owners looking to expand to new locations or hire top talent in specific geographic areas can use this data to find a place that is well suited for their needs as a hybrid employer as well.

To showcase the most desirable cities for hybrid workers, Checkr crunched the numbers using data sourced from the US Census Bureau. We dug into nine critical factors from five separate categories about the 100 largest US metro areas. Each of the following key factors was weighted appropriately and scaled, and then we calculated the weighted sum of the factors to obtain a final Hybrid Score—the lower the score the better—using the metrics below.

Key factors:

Now that we’ve revealed the key factors, let’s check out some important findings. 

Let’s start by looking at the top of the list when it comes to hybrid jobs in America.

*Data analyzed by Checkr from the US Census Bureau

1. San Jose, CA

San Jose leads the list as the most desirable city for hybrid workers. As the heart of Silicon Valley, it offers world-class infrastructure for tech professionals and a thriving business environment. San Jose’s high level of internet connectivity and proximity to major tech companies make it an ideal hub for professionals who need to work both in-person and remotely. The city’s focus on innovation, along with access to coworking spaces and a vibrant startup scene, enhances its attractiveness to hybrid workers.

2. Washington, DC

Washington, DC is a standout city for hybrid workers, thanks to its robust infrastructure and access to a wide range of industries, from government to tech to finance. The city offers an abundance of coworking spaces and a reliable public transportation system, making it easy for employees to transition between remote and in-office work. Additionally, DC’s high-quality healthcare, education, and cultural amenities contribute to its appeal as a top location for hybrid workers seeking a well-rounded lifestyle.

3. Austin, TX

Austin has rapidly gained a reputation as a tech hub with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, making it a top choice for hybrid workers. The city’s lower cost of living compared to Silicon Valley, along with its booming tech scene, draws talent from across the country. Austin’s vibrant cultural scene, outdoor activities, and work-life balance further enhance its desirability. With numerous coworking spaces and a strong infrastructure, hybrid workers can enjoy the best of both worlds—urban amenities and remote work flexibility.

4. San Francisco, CA

San Francisco remains a dominant player for hybrid workers, especially in tech and finance industries. As one of the leading cities for high-speed internet access and coworking facilities, it offers an ideal environment for professionals who need to switch between remote and in-office work. The city’s proximity to major tech giants and venture capital firms ensures that hybrid workers remain connected to industry opportunities, even if they aren’t in the office full-time.

5. Boston, MA

Known for its rich educational and healthcare sectors, Boston offers a perfect environment for hybrid workers in knowledge-based industries. The city is home to some of the world’s top universities, fostering a culture of innovation and research. High-speed internet, coworking spaces, and a range of housing options in and around the city allow professionals to easily balance remote and in-office work.

6. Raleigh, NC

Raleigh is a rising star in the tech world, making it one of the most desirable cities for hybrid workers. Its Research Triangle is a major draw for tech and biotech professionals. Raleigh boasts affordable housing, strong infrastructure, and access to excellent healthcare and education, all while maintaining a lower cost of living compared to other tech-driven cities. The city also offers an array of outdoor activities and a high quality of life, making it ideal for those balancing remote work with leisure.

7. Madison, WI

Madison offers a blend of academic influence, technological growth, and a strong sense of community, which makes it an appealing city for hybrid workers. Known for its universities and innovation in healthcare and biotechnology, the city attracts professionals from a range of industries. Madison’s affordability, safe neighborhoods, and ample coworking spaces help hybrid workers maintain a balanced, productive lifestyle.

8. Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis stands out as a top city for hybrid workers due to its affordable cost of living, quality infrastructure, and supportive business environment. The city’s tech industry is growing, and it offers easy access to coworking spaces and reliable internet. Minneapolis also offers a high quality of life, with a focus on outdoor recreation and community engagement, allowing hybrid workers to enjoy both urban conveniences and work-life flexibility.

9. Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh has reinvented itself as a tech-forward city, offering hybrid workers strong internet infrastructure, affordable housing, and a lower cost of living than many major tech hubs. The city is known for its innovation in robotics, healthcare, and education, and it provides numerous coworking spaces. Its walkability and accessible public transportation further enhance its appeal to hybrid professionals.

10. St. Louis, MO

St. Louis rounds out the top-10 with its affordability, growing tech sector, and ample coworking spaces. The city’s commitment to innovation, particularly in healthcare and finance, makes it attractive for hybrid workers in these fields. St. Louis offers an excellent quality of life, with affordable housing, a strong arts scene, and plenty of green spaces, giving hybrid workers the work-life balance they seek.

For individuals and businesses on the lookout for opportunities in a hybrid work environment, this top-10 list would be a great place to start. 

Next, let’s review the cities that fall on the other side of the hybrid work and opportunity spectrum—the low-ranking cities in America for hybrid workers. 

*Data analyzed by Checkr from the US Census Bureau

1. Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield ranks lowest on the list for hybrid workers due to its limited tech infrastructure and lower access to high-speed internet. The city’s economy is largely driven by agriculture and oil, offering fewer opportunities for remote or tech-driven jobs. Additionally, Bakersfield has limited coworking spaces, making it a less attractive option for professionals who need flexible working environments.

2. El Paso, TX

While El Paso has a strong cultural identity, it struggles to provide the infrastructure needed for hybrid workers, particularly those in tech or remote-focused industries. The city has limited coworking options and slower internet speeds compared to other urban areas. Additionally, El Paso’s economy is heavily reliant on the military and border trade, which doesn’t lend itself well to hybrid work models.

3. McAllen, TX

McAllen faces challenges in appealing to hybrid workers due to its low tech infrastructure and limited job opportunities in industries that support remote work. The city’s economy is centered around agriculture and manufacturing, which typically require on-site labor. For hybrid workers looking for tech-focused roles or flexible job environments, McAllen offers fewer prospects.

4. Riverside, CA

Riverside has struggled to develop the infrastructure needed for hybrid work. While its proximity to Los Angeles provides some access to job opportunities, Riverside itself lacks the coworking spaces and high-speed internet options that hybrid workers require. The city’s economy is also more focused on logistics and manufacturing, industries that are less conducive to remote work.

5. Lakeland, FL

Lakeland’s appeal to hybrid workers is limited by its lack of infrastructure and high-speed internet availability. While affordable, the city lacks the coworking spaces and access to tech jobs that hybrid workers prioritize. Lakeland’s economy is more focused on transportation and logistics, offering fewer opportunities for remote work.

6. Fresno, CA

Fresno faces similar challenges as Bakersfield, with a lack of infrastructure supporting hybrid work models. While it offers a lower cost of living, Fresno’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, and the city provides limited coworking spaces and fewer opportunities for tech professionals.

7. Columbia, SC

Columbia ranks low for hybrid workers due to its slower adoption of tech infrastructure and limited coworking options. While it has a growing economy, it still lacks the high-speed internet and flexibility that hybrid workers seek. Columbia’s economy is also more focused on government and education, sectors that typically require in-person work.

8. Springfield, MA

Springfield struggles with outdated infrastructure that doesn’t fully support the needs of hybrid workers. The city has few coworking spaces and slower internet speeds, making it difficult for remote professionals to work efficiently. Additionally, the economy is more reliant on manufacturing and healthcare, industries that often require in-person work.

9. New Orleans, LA

New Orleans offers rich cultural and historical appeal, but it faces significant challenges for hybrid workers. Limited infrastructure, unreliable internet, and a tourism-driven economy make it difficult for professionals who rely on flexible work environments. Additionally, frequent natural disasters like hurricanes can disrupt work for remote employees.

10. Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge rounds out the bottom 10 due to its lack of hybrid work infrastructure. The city’s economy is centered on petrochemicals and industry, which are less conducive to remote work. High-speed internet access is limited, and there are few coworking spaces to support professionals looking for flexible work options.

These low-ranking cities may struggle to offer hybrid jobs due to various factors, but that doesn’t mean they are not conducive to other fantastic employment opportunities in different capacities. 

Hybrid work is becoming a key factor in where professionals choose to live and work. Cities that invest in tech infrastructure, provide affordable housing, and offer a high quality of life will continue to attract top talent. 

The most desirable cities for hybrid workers—like San Jose, Washington, DC, and Austin—offer strong infrastructure, abundant coworking spaces, and vibrant job markets, while the least desirable cities—like Bakersfield and El Paso—lack the flexibility and resources needed for this new way of working. As hybrid work becomes more prevalent, cities that adapt to these needs will thrive in the future economy.

Overall, businesses can benefit from adopting hybrid work in 2024 and beyond by enhancing productivity, attracting top talent, and improving employee retention. Hybrid work offers flexibility, allowing employees to optimize their work environments, which can boost focus and efficiency. It also expands the talent pool by enabling companies to recruit from a wider geographic area, not limited by office proximity.

Additionally, the work-life balance afforded by hybrid models leads to higher job satisfaction, reducing turnover and associated hiring costs, ultimately fostering a more engaged and loyal workforce.

Finally, let’s look at the full rundown of all the 100 largest metro areas and how they stack up in terms of the best and less desirable cities for hybrid workers in America.

Data analyzed by Checkr from the US Census Bureau

For more information on Checkr's research or to request graphics, please contact press@checkr.com.

To rank America’s best cities for hybrid workers, Checkr analyzed nine key factors from the US Census Bureau. The factors include percent of hybrid workers, 5-year increase of hybrid workers, percent of homeowners paying 30% or more on housing, percent of renters paying 30% or more on housing, walkscore, unemployment rate, real personal income, internet speed, and internet access. Each factor was weighted and scaled appropriately by Checkr resulting in the final rankings of America’s best cities for hybrid workers.

About the author

As Director of Communications, David tells the story of Checkr’s innovative product offerings and company achievements. David has successfully developed beloved brands through public relations at Fastly, Productboard, Ripple, and Dropbox.