The United Kingdom is undoubtedly one of the most exciting destinations for travelers, but not all cities in the country are ideal for digital nomads.
While some cities are well-suited for remote workers, others are a nightmare.
As the digital nomad lifestyle continues to gain popularity, more and more people are looking for the best places to live and work in the UK.
However, not all locations are created equal, and some cities may offer limited opportunities for digital nomads.
The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the worst places to live in the UK for digital nomads.
By discussing the cities’ shortcomings, the post aims to provide valuable information that can help remote workers make informed decisions about where to live and work in the UK.
By reading this article, digital nomads will learn about some of the least desirable places to set up their base, allowing them to avoid making costly mistakes.
Additionally, you will gain insights into the factors that make a city ideal for remote work, which they can use to evaluate other potential locations in the UK.
In this post, we will explore some of the least suitable cities for digital nomads in the UK, including their limitations and drawbacks.
While the UK offers many attractive features for remote workers, not all of its cities are equally suitable for this lifestyle.
However, before diving into the specifics, let’s take a look at the UK as a destination for digital nomads in general.
Factors to consider when choosing a location as a digital nomad
Choosing a destination as a digital nomad is like selecting a hotel for a vacation. Just like how you would consider various factors such as amenities, location, and price when selecting a hotel, you should also take into account several factors when choosing a country to work and live in as a digital nomad.
| 1. Access to high-speed internet is crucial for digital nomads. It’s like having a reliable Wi-Fi connection in a hotel room. The UK has a strong infrastructure for high-speed internet, and most cafes, hotels, and coworking spaces offer free Wi-Fi to their customers. 2. The availability of coworking spaces is essential for digital nomads who need a workspace outside of their hotel rooms. It’s like having a lounge or a business center in a hotel. The UK has a vibrant coworking community, with several coworking spaces available in major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. 3. The cost of living is an important factor to consider for digital nomads who are on a budget. It’s like selecting a hotel based on your budget. The UK can be expensive, especially in cities like London, but there are several affordable options available for accommodation and food. 4. Quality of life is an essential factor for digital nomads who want to enjoy their time outside of work. It’s like selecting a hotel based on its proximity to popular tourist attractions. The UK has several places to visit, including historic landmarks, museums, and scenic landscapes. There are also several wineries in the country, making it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts. 5. Safety and security are crucial for digital nomads who are traveling alone or with their families. It’s like selecting a hotel based on its safety measures. The UK has a relatively low crime rate, and it’s generally safe for travelers. It’s also recommended to purchase travel insurance before arriving in the country to ensure that you are covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances. |
Let’s look at some of the worst places to live in the UK for digital nomads in 2023
As a digital nomad, having access to high-speed internet, affordable living expenses, and a thriving community of like-minded individuals are essential factors in choosing a place to live. Unfortunately, the following locations are considered to be the worst places to live in the UK for digital nomads:
1. Plymouth: The internet speed in Plymouth is relatively low, with an average download speed of 34.6 Mbps. Furthermore, it has a high cost of living compared to other cities in the UK, making it an expensive option for digital nomads.
2. Sunderland: Sunderland has one of the lowest internet speeds in the UK, with an average download speed of just 28.8 Mbps. This makes it difficult for digital nomads to work efficiently.
3. Stoke-on-Trent: Stoke-on-Trent has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of 33.2 Mbps. It also has a high crime rate, which could make digital nomads feel unsafe.
4. Barking and Dagenham: Barking and Dagenham is one of the least affordable boroughs in London, making it an expensive option for digital nomads. The internet speed is also relatively low, with an average download speed of 35.3 Mbps.
5. Grimsby: Grimsby has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 31.8 Mbps. The city also has a high unemployment rate, making it a difficult place to find work as a digital nomad.
6. Abingdon: Abingdon has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 31.5 Mbps. It is also one of the most expensive towns in the UK, making it an unaffordable option for digital nomads.
7. Poole: Poole has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 30.6 Mbps. The cost of living is also relatively high, making it an expensive option for digital nomads.
8. Wolverhampton: Wolverhampton has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 34.3 Mbps. The city also has a high crime rate, which could make digital nomads feel unsafe.
9. Bolton: Bolton has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 32.4 Mbps. It also has a relatively high crime rate and is not considered a safe place for digital nomads.
10. Milton Keynes: Although Milton Keynes has a relatively fast internet speed, the cost of living is high, making it an expensive option for digital nomads.
11. Wisbech: Wisbech has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 30.9 Mbps. It is also one of the most deprived areas in the UK, making it an unattractive option for digital nomads.
12. Harlow: Harlow has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 34.1 Mbps. The town also has a relatively high crime rate, which could make digital nomads feel unsafe.
13. Chatham: Chatham has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 32.3 Mbps. The town also has a high crime rate and is not considered a safe place for digital nomads.
14. Hounslow: Hounslow has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 33.6 Mbps. The cost of living is also relatively high, making it an expensive option for digital nomads.
15. Croydon: Although Croydon is located close to London, it has a high crime rate and is relatively expensive compared to other areas in the UK. The internet speed is also relatively low, with an average download speed of just 34.9 Mbps.
16. Oxford: Oxford is an expensive city with a high cost of living, which may be unaffordable for many digital nomads. The internet speed is relatively low, with an average download speed of just 39.2 Mbps.
17. Coventry: Coventry has a relatively low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 34.7 Mbps. The city also has a high crime rate, which could make digital nomads feel unsafe.
18. Liverpool: Although Liverpool has a fast internet speed, the cost of living is relatively high, making it an expensive option for digital nomads. The city also has a high crime rate, which could make digital nomads feel unsafe.
19. Kensington & Chelsea: Kensington & Chelsea is one of the most expensive boroughs in London, making it an unaffordable option for many digital nomads. The internet speed is also relatively low, with an average download speed of just 35.8 Mbps.
20. Birmingham: Birmingham has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 35.3 Mbps. The city also has a relatively high crime rate, which could make digital nomads feel unsafe.
21. Henley-on-Thames: Henley-on-Thames is an expensive town with a high cost of living, which may be unaffordable for many digital nomads. The internet speed is also relatively low, with an average download speed of just 30.9 Mbps.
22. Reading: Reading has a relatively low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 34.4 Mbps. The cost of living is also relatively high, making it an expensive option for digital nomads.
23. High Wycombe: High Wycombe has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 32.4 Mbps. The town is also relatively expensive, making it an unaffordable option for many digital nomads.
24. Bradford: Bradford has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 32.7 Mbps. The city also has a high crime rate, which could make digital nomads feel unsafe.
25. Bournemouth: Although Bournemouth has a relatively fast internet speed, the cost of living is high, making it an expensive option for digital nomads.
26. Swindon: Swindon has a relatively low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 32.9 Mbps. The cost of living is also relatively high, making it an expensive option for digital nomads.
27. Andover: Andover has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 30.8 Mbps. The town is also relatively expensive, making it an unaffordable option for many digital nomads.
28. Aldershot: Aldershot has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 28.9 Mbps. The town is also relatively expensive, making it an unaffordable option for many digital nomads.
29. Aylesbury: Aylesbury has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 31.3 Mbps. The town is also relatively expensive, making it an unaffordable option for many digital nomads.
30. Slough: Slough has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 34.7 Mbps. The town is also known for its traffic congestion and high pollution levels, which could be challenging for digital nomads who need a peaceful working environment.
31. Portsmouth: Although Portsmouth has a relatively fast internet speed, the cost of living is high, making it an expensive option for digital nomads. The city also has a high crime rate, which could make digital nomads feel unsafe.
32. Peterborough: Peterborough has a relatively low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 32.7 Mbps. The city also has a high crime rate, which could make digital nomads feel unsafe.
33. Luton: Luton has a low internet speed, with an average download speed of just 29.5 Mbps. The town is also known for its traffic congestion and high pollution levels, which could be challenging for digital nomads who need a peaceful working environment. Additionally, the cost of living in Luton is relatively high compared to other areas in the UK.
Alternative Places to Live in the UK for Digital Nomads
| 1. Edinburgh: Edinburgh is one of the most vibrant and creative cities in the UK, with a thriving tech scene and a high-speed internet connection. According to a report by Tech Nation, Edinburgh is home to over 30,000 digital tech workers and has seen a 42% increase in digital tech jobs since 2014. 2. Bristol: Bristol is known for its strong creative and tech sectors, with a growing number of digital startups and coworking spaces. The city also has a high-speed internet connection and a relatively low cost of living compared to other UK cities. According to a report by Tech Nation, Bristol has seen a 73% increase in digital tech jobs since 2014. 3. Brighton: Brighton is a popular destination for digital nomads, with a strong creative and tech sector and a high-speed internet connection. The city also has a relatively low cost of living compared to other UK cities. According to a report by Tech Nation, Brighton has seen a 23% increase in digital tech jobs since 2014. 4. Leeds: Leeds has a thriving tech sector and a high-speed internet connection, making it an ideal place for digital nomads. The city also has a relatively low cost of living compared to other UK cities. According to a report by Tech Nation, Leeds has seen a 48% increase in digital tech jobs since 2014. 5. Glasgow: Glasgow is a vibrant city with a growing tech sector and a high-speed internet connection. The city also has a relatively low cost of living compared to other UK cities. According to a report by Tech Nation, Glasgow has seen a 57% increase in digital tech jobs since 2014. |
Final Thoughts on the Worst Places to Live in the UK for digital nomads
As a digital nomad, choosing the right location is crucial for a successful work and lifestyle balance.
It is important to consider factors such as the cost of living, internet speed, safety, and quality of life when deciding where to live and work.
Fortunately, there are many alternative locations in the UK that offer strong digital infrastructure, affordable living expenses, and a supportive community for digital nomads.
Some of these alternative locations include Edinburgh, Bristol, Brighton, Leeds, and Glasgow, which have vibrant tech sectors, high-speed internet connections, and relatively low living expenses.
In addition to work, these locations also offer a variety of fun things to do, such as exploring the local art and culture scene, enjoying the outdoors, and trying out new restaurants and bars.
In conclusion, transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyle requires careful consideration of location, but it also presents opportunities for exploration and new experiences.
As a reader, what location and fun activities do you think would be ideal for a digital nomad in the UK?
Let us know in the comments below and join the conversation.
