Sometimes, the best places to work remotely near me are not the ones plastered all over Instagram. Instead, they are the quiet gems—the towns and cities with fast Wi-Fi, low costs, and a peaceful rhythm. As remote work becomes a lifestyle, more digital nomads are veering off the beaten track to find spaces where work and life flow effortlessly. If you are tired of Bali’s traffic or Mexico City’s crowding, this list is for you.
Welcome to the underrated havens where the internet is blazing, the coffee is cheap, and the crowds are virtually nonexistent.
1. Cuenca, Ecuador – Colonial Calm Meets Fiber Optics
Cuenca is one of those cities that makes you wonder why it is not already on everyone’s radar. Nestled in the Andes, its charming cobblestone streets, UNESCO-listed architecture, and surprisingly fast internet make it one of the smartest choices when searching for places to work remotely near me.
You get peaceful cafés, a vibrant expat scene, and average internet speeds of 80–100 Mbps. Rent a two-bedroom apartment for under $500 and take work breaks along the Tomebamba River. Cuenca also scores high on safety, walkability, and cultural experiences without the tourist chaos of Quito.
Looking for ways to stretch your budget while exploring cities like Cuenca? Check out our On a Budget category.
2. Da Nang, Vietnam – Chill by the Sea, Code by the Hour
Everyone talks about Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but Da Nang has all the remote work perks without the stress. It is a coastal city that feels more like a calm beach town than a booming tech hub, even though it is both.
Wi-Fi is blazing fast (100–200 Mbps is standard), coworking spaces are sleek, and the cost of living is still wonderfully low. Walk out of a client call and straight into the ocean—remote work bliss. Digital nomads often describe Da Nang as having “Bali vibes without the noise.”
If you are Googling “places to work remotely near me” while avoiding the obvious hotspots, Da Nang delivers peace and productivity in one coastal package.
3. Plovdiv, Bulgaria – Europe’s Affordable Answer
Want to work in Europe without breaking the bank or dealing with Schengen limits? Plovdiv is your answer. It is one of Europe’s oldest cities, but its vibe is refreshingly modern.
Plovdiv offers Wi-Fi speeds around 100 Mbps, trendy coworking hubs, and monthly living expenses under $900. English is widely spoken, and the café culture is strong—two essentials for any digital nomad. Its laid-back creative energy makes it a top pick when thinking about places to work remotely near me in Eastern Europe.
This is one destination where history meets hustle—without the crowds or price tags of Western capitals.
4. Sucre, Bolivia – Peaceful, Beautiful, and Surprisingly Wired
Sucre is often overlooked even in South America, but it is a hidden haven for remote workers who crave calm, culture, and cost efficiency.
While La Paz and Santa Cruz grab headlines, Sucre quietly offers 80 Mbps internet, breathtaking colonial architecture, and a mountain climate that keeps you focused and refreshed. There are fewer coworking spaces, but local cafés are welcoming, and you can live comfortably on $600 a month.
When you want to find places to work remotely near me without big-city distractions, Sucre is a calm and underrated choice.
5. Tbilisi, Georgia – Visa-Free Haven with Style
Georgia’s capital is a rising star, but still nowhere near saturated. Tbilisi’s blend of post-Soviet grit and bohemian flair makes it one of the coolest cities you probably have not worked from yet.
Fast, unlimited Wi-Fi is everywhere—even on public transport. Tbilisi also has a 1-year remote worker visa, making it easy to stay. The cost of living is incredibly low compared to Europe or the U.S., and the city is packed with creative talent and tech-minded locals.
For anyone thinking “what are the next great places to work remotely near me?”—Tbilisi is a strong contender with staying power.
6. Medellín, Colombia – Not Just for Tourists
Medellín’s transformation is no secret, but its remote work scene is still underrated. While many tourists stick to El Poblado, digital nomads in the know branch out to Laureles or Envigado.
Wi-Fi runs around 150 Mbps, coworking spaces are everywhere, and the spring-like weather makes daily life pleasant. Medellín also boasts some of the most beautiful views you will find from a rooftop office.
For those seeking places to work remotely near me that also double as vibrant cultural experiences, Medellín is unmatched.
7. Bansko, Bulgaria – Alpine Peace with a Nomad Twist
Bansko may be a ski town, but in summer, it transforms into a digital nomad hub. The low cost of living, fresh air, and walkable streets make it ideal for heads-down productivity.
Internet speeds in coworking spaces reach up to 200 Mbps, and there is a strong seasonal nomad community thanks to events like Bansko Nomad Fest. When you want the calm of nature without going fully off-grid, Bansko fits the bill.
It is one of those rare places to work remotely near me that feels remote—without actually sacrificing infrastructure.
8. Penang, Malaysia – Southeast Asia’s Secret Weapon
Kuala Lumpur and Singapore steal the spotlight, but Penang quietly offers something better: blazing Wi-Fi, affordable living, and one of the most exciting food scenes on the planet.
Georgetown has beautiful architecture, digital-friendly cafés, and a large English-speaking community. Monthly expenses hover around $800, and internet speeds clock in at 100–150 Mbps. For Southeast Asia lovers searching for places to work remotely near me that are not Bangkok or Bali, Penang delivers all the essentials with much less chaos.
Grab more travel hacks to plan your Penang setup on a budget.
9. Tallinn, Estonia – Small City, Big Tech
Estonia punches above its weight. Tallinn is one of the most tech-savvy cities in Europe, and their e-residency program is legendary. It is a favorite among solopreneurs and freelancers who want a proper business setup with an affordable base.
High-speed fiber-optic internet (often above 250 Mbps), minimal bureaucracy, and compact city planning make Tallinn extremely efficient. Even though Estonia is in the EU, Tallinn still feels cozy and uncluttered—ideal for focused remote work.
Thinking about sustainable places to work remotely near me in Europe? Tallinn is fast, quiet, and highly underrated.
10. Antigua, Guatemala – Colonial Charm with a Digital Pulse
Antigua may be a popular tourist stop, but for long-term remote workers, it is still an undiscovered gem. The city has retained its local charm despite growing in popularity.
The internet here averages 60–100 Mbps, and coworking spaces like Impact Hub make remote work seamless. Rent is affordable, and you are surrounded by volcanoes, ruins, and markets—not a bad backdrop for Zoom calls.
If you want unique and affordable places to work remotely near me in Latin America, Antigua gives you all that with a peaceful side of creativity. For other epic destinations, check out our curated list of underrated travel cities.
11. Brasov, Romania – Castles, Forests, and Fiber
Brasov looks like a page from a fairytale—gothic spires, medieval walls, and forest-covered hills. But behind the scenic views is a digital infrastructure built for remote work.
Internet speeds average 200 Mbps, rent is cheap, and the Romanian tech scene is growing rapidly. There is a relaxed pace here that encourages balance—a rare treat in European cities. When you are scrolling through potential places to work remotely near me and tired of loud capitals, Brasov is the quiet genius you are missing.
12. Puebla, Mexico – Not Just Another Colonial City
While everyone rushes to Mexico City or Oaxaca, Puebla flies under the radar. Yet, it offers the same colonial charm, rich food scene, and reliable infrastructure—with fewer tourists.
You will find 100 Mbps internet, boutique coworking options, and a monthly budget under $1,000. The surrounding mountains and historic sites also offer weekend adventures without long commutes. For digital nomads eyeing quieter Mexican alternatives, Puebla deserves a spot on your “places to work remotely near me” list.
13. Kigali, Rwanda – Africa’s Rising Tech Capital
Yes, Africa has remote work hubs—and Kigali leads the way. Rwanda’s capital is clean, safe, and surprisingly futuristic. The government has invested heavily in tech infrastructure, and internet speeds reflect that.
Coworking spaces are popping up across the city, and the expat scene is small but growing. Kigali feels like a city ahead of its time—ideal for remote workers seeking something truly different.
If your definition of “places to work remotely near me” includes untapped potential, Kigali is worth serious consideration.
Why These Places Matter
In a world where digital nomadism often points to the same five cities, breaking the mold has serious perks. These underrated hubs offer fewer distractions, lower costs, and often a deeper connection with local culture. They are also more sustainable for long-term work and living.
Want more nomad inspiration? Explore our Digital Nomad category for real stories and smart tips.
Still Searching for “Places to Work Remotely Near Me”?
The beauty of remote work is that you do not need to follow the crowd. Whether you are drawn to colonial towns, alpine villages, or up-and-coming capitals, the perfect setup is out there—and it might be one of these overlooked gems.
So next time you find yourself typing “places to work remotely near me” into your browser, consider aiming a little further and digging a little deeper.
For more travel inspiration, destination ideas, and nomad guides, head over to Viral Voyage and let your next workspace find you.
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