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There’s no doubt about it: last year was another year of exceptional growth in the digital nomad trend.
According to the latest estimates, there are over twenty million digital nomads roaming the world, which is a huge increase compared to the figures of the last year before the pandemic, 2019.
Where do all these nomads hang out? Well, as with everything, that changes from month to month and year to year.
Several places are having their time in the sun as popular hubs, but right now, as 2023 draws to a close, these six cities have emerged as the ones digital nomads prefer to visit, according to the latest data from Nomad list.
Let’s take a look at what makes these six cities so attractive:
MedellinColombia
Very easy, the place to be for digital nomads and solo travelers this year is the Colombian city of Medellin.
Widely regarded as one of the best places to go in Latin America, Medellin is known for its pleasant spring-like weather all year round and its trendy neighborhoods full of cool cafes, independent shops and enticing bars.
With fast and reliable internet, affordable accommodation prices, great air quality and plenty to do for introverts and extroverts alike, it’s perhaps no surprise that this is the popular nomad hub at the moment.
You can get to Medellin easily thanks to a wide choice of flights (about 5 hours flight time from New York), and once you arrive, domestic transportation is cheap and readily available.
Perhaps the only downside to Medellin is that Colombia isn’t always the safest country in the world to travel to – just make sure you take sensible precautions and you’ll be fine.
PortimaoPortugal
Since Portugal first introduced its digital nomad visa, it has received more than 2,500 applications there, according to the latest government figures.
While Lisbon and Porto may be the obvious choices, the port city of Portimão in the beautiful region of the Algarve is the real favorite among digital nomads.
With average temperatures of 55F in winter and 75F in summer, this sunny city features beautiful tree-lined promenades, pretty shopping streets and a historic Old Town.
Just a few kilometers south you will find beautiful beaches and dramatic rock formations on this idyllic stretch of coastline.
MadridSpain
The Spanish capital Madrid, recently named one of the fastest-growing destinations for American travelers, is also hugely popular with digital nomads.
While it’s not the cheapest place to set up shop as a nomad, Spain’s digital nomad visa requires you to earn around $2,700 per month, so if you meet that requirement you should be able to afford to live in Madrid.
Madrid is best known for its quaint tapas, bars, picturesque parks such as El Retiro and excellent nightlife.
It is a very safe city with excellent infrastructure, but it is not a city for people who like warmth all year round, as it can drop below 40 degrees in winter.
BudapestHungary
Home to one of the world’s top tourist attractions of 2023, Budapest is a fascinating cultural experience for any digital nomad looking to spend some time there.
The city has undergone a transformation over the past decade and now benefits from modern apartments and other accommodation, high-speed internet and safe streets.
It’s also one of the more affordable major European cities to live in – you can live on around $2,000 a month or less.
ChicagoIllinois
It may seem strange to have a destination in the US as one of the top international cities that digital nomads love most, but Chicago is a fun place to be, as a recent survey shows.
It’s not the cheapest city to live in, but it makes up for that with a great social scene, a fantastic community and lots of off-road things to do.
If you want a taste of the digital nomad lifestyle, but on your own turf, you could do a lot worse than Chicago.
RomeItaly
Rome is a hugely popular destination for American travelers any time of year and is starting to attract a growing community of digital nomads.
Another city that is not necessarily the cheapest, but scores well in terms of safety, infrastructure and conviviality.
If you’re tired of the Eternal City’s iconic historic sights, head to hip neighborhoods like Trastevere, where you’ll find unique dining experiences and independent businesses.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
