Being a freelance writer comes with both benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, you don’t have job security, and you often have to deal with late payments and lack of some major benefits (health insurance, pension, sick leave, etc.). However, being a freelance writer also means having the freedom and flexibility to work from wherever you want. You can also choose who you work with. Thanks to these benefits, you can pick any place in the world to call your home. Of course, some cities are more freelance-friendly than others. So, in today’s article, we will talk about which US cities are especially good for writers. Grab yourself a cup of coffee, and let’s scroll!
Baltimore, MD
According to a recent survey, Baltimore has one of the highest concentrations of creative freelance employees in the country, with 19.2% of their freelance workforce offering creative services, including writers. As a freelance writer in Baltimore, you’ll generally be in excellent company. According to the American Community Survey, 3.8% of Baltimore residents identify as self-employed, with 9% reporting some form of self-employment income.
After all, Baltimore is home to the first freelance writer ever – Edgar Allan Poe, the first well-known writer to make a full-time living as a professional author.
But, what distinguishes Baltimore from other freelance cities? The city’s home-buying and relocating perks make it a perfect location for not just keeping your business afloat but also establishing roots. When acquiring a formerly unoccupied property, the Vacants to Value Homeownership program pays qualified homebuyers $10,000 toward closing costs. Additionally, the Buying into Baltimore program offers first-time homebuyers $5,000 when purchasing a home within Baltimore City borders. Sounds tempting, right?
Scottsdale, AZ
The first thing you need to know about Scottsdale, AZ, is that it houses an extremely high percentage of self-employers. So, if you were wondering which US cities are especially good for writers, Scottsdale is definitely one of the best ones, and this is a key factor. Why? It’s simple. This city is an excellent place for freelance writers to thrive.
When it comes to health insurance, you can pay it directly here in Scottsdale. While housing is a tad pricier, many benefits of living in this city will make up for it. One of the best pros is that you’ll have a massive network of freelance writers to connect with. They can help you find many job opportunities and help you meet some great employers. Furthermore, there are numerous relaxing spots where you can unwind when you need a break from work. Therefore, Scottsdale is pretty much a city made for freelance writers.
Tulsa, OK
When discussing which US cities are especially good for writers, we must mention Tulsa, OK. In 2018, this fantastic and innovative city established the Tulsa Remote program. This program offers remote workers $10,000 for registration at a local co-working space and helps with the housing situation in exchange for making Tulsa their new home for a year (with the hopes of making it their permanent residence). As a plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the company of many other freelance writers if you move to Tulsa.
Furthermore, taxes and standard living costs are also less of a financial strain for Tulsa writers. A maximum marginal tax rate is 5%, and the cost of living is 8% lower than the national average.
Besides being freelancer heaven, Tulsa is generally a great city to live in. It boasts all of the pleasures of big-city life without the abnormal expense. You can hang out at the Gathering Place (a huge community center), enjoy the world-class art, or embrace the city’s craft beer scene. Each can inspire your writing!
Fort Worth, TX
The Lone Star State is one of the best places for writers and freelancers in general for one particular reason – there are no state income taxes. While there are several large Texas cities where freelancers may settle down (Austin, Houston, Dallas), Fort Worth offers a superior overall lifestyle for independent writers. As a plus, with 6.4% of the city’s workforce identifying as self-employed, Fort Worth has a substantial community of freelancers.
When it comes to rent prices, Fort Worth comes below the national average with around $1,000 per month. And when you want to take a break from writing from your home office, you can enjoy one of many famous coffee shops around the town.
Aside from a big population of freelancers and the lack of state income tax, the “city of cowboys and culture” has a lot to offer to a freshly moved writer. Fort Worth houses both Water Gardens and the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, as well as many museums and other attractions.
Boise, ID
In 2019, Boise was number 1 on Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live List! Additionally, it houses a whopping 6.7% of freelancers. So, it’s an understatement to say that the entrepreneurial spirit is overflowing in this amazing city.
With its booming tech scene, Boise is one of the top five places in the US to start a business. Furthermore, the inexpensive cost of living (about 8% lower than the national average) attracts more and more people each year. Boise’s state income taxes aren’t too harsh, either – incomes exceeding $11,554 are taxed at a rate of 6.9%.
One of the great benefits of relocating to Boise as a freelance writer is the Trailhead. This is a unique co-working community that offers you a quiet and safe workspace as well as mentorship and business and partnership opportunities. Sounds perfect, right?
Ready to relocate?
America is full of great freelance writer-friendly cities. No matter which one you choose, you won’t regret your decision. So, once you decide where you want to settle down, you’ll have to start planning your relocation. Cross-country moving can be challenging, so you need to find a trustworthy moving company that will help you complete this task with ease. You’ll need to plan everything from packing to storage to the actual moving day. Therefore, make sure you have professionals by your side at all times!
Final thoughts
One of the best things about being a writer is the freedom to live wherever you want. You can choose any city that inspires you the most. And when it doesn’t anymore – you can easily move to the next one. So, if you’re not sure which US cities are especially good for writers, reread this article and choose your favorite!
