About Half of American Digital Nomads Prefer to Stay Within the United States

A recent report published MBO Partners has revealed that a significant percentage of American digital nomads choose to keep their work-travel lifestyle within the borders of the United States. This challenges the common belief that being a digital nomad requires traveling outside one’s home country.

The study shows that there are currently approximately 17.3 million American workers who identify as digital nomads, representing a 2% increase from the previous year. Interestingly, the demographics of digital nomads are changing, with more Gen Xers and Ba Boomers embracing this lifestyle. In 2023, the percentage of older professionals engaging in digital nomadism rose from 36% to 42%, attributed to the decreasing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing acceptance of remote work arrangements among older workers.

The report also highlights the existence of “hidden nomads” – digital nomads who maintain traditional jobs and 14% of them stated that their employers are unaware of their nomadic lifestyle. Another 18% of digital nomads in traditional jobs have been given permission their bosses to pursue this lifestyle despite the absence of an official company policy.

This trend isn’t limited just to the United States. Globally, there are now 58 countries that have introduced special digital nomad visas and programs, demonstrating the increasing recognition of this lifestyle. This not only reflects the changing nature of remote work but could also influence policies at major U.S. metro centers and local economies that are eager to attract traveling workers.

The future of work may be shaped the interplay between location independence, community engagement, and the demand for better work-life balance. As more areas adapt to this trend, the opportunities for digital nomads are likely to expand.

Sources:
MBO Partners Report (no URL provided)