Detroit Emerges as the Midwest’s Most Unexpected Digital Nomad Hub

Did you know that nearly 50% of all digital nomads worldwide are from the US? According to this Skyscanner survey data, the US is the most visited country for digital nomads, likely from DNs returning home temporarily after consecutive months of travel and work abroad.

I’ve been a digital nomad for almost 10 years and have only recently begun to appreciate destinations in my own country, rather than looking overseas exclusively. After the digital nomad “honeymoon phase” of beachside work sessions and fast travel, it was time to see if Detroit could serve as a viable base anytime I’m back visiting my hometown. What I discovered was that the Motor City is already geared up to put this underrated digital nomad spot at the top of every nomad’s bucket list.

Years of travel to digital nomad hotspots, including Medellin, Colombia; Bangkok, Thailand; and Lisbon, Portugal, have taught me what to look for to determine if a location is digital nomad-ready. Detroit isn’t quite your tropical beachfront setting, nor is it a top pick for budget-friendliness. The D brings a new image to digital nomadism, focusing on productivity, networking, career, and work-life balance—the real secrets behind being a successful digital nomad.

If the Midwest is on your mind, here’s how Detroit can optimize your digital nomad experience.

Detroit brings a healthy balance to the work-life mix. We digital nomads are accustomed to satisfying our wanderlust cravings between Zoom meetings. Instead of sunsets by the beach and outdoor excursions, Detroit is a destination that stimulates your cultural palette.

Unplug for the day to explore world-class exhibitions at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Get a taste of Detroit’s diversity in lively neighborhoods like Greektown and Mexicantown. Straddle the US-Canada border at Belle Isle for Detroit Skyline views and—yes—Belle Isle Beach! Check out Central Kitchen for a post-work happy hour and catch a live show happening at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre.

Between work sessions in Downtown Detroit, the Detroit International Riverwalk was an excellent place to clear my head for the next tasks. Get a bite to eat at one of the food trucks in Cadillac Square to enjoy in the Campus Martius. Plan a half-day of work on Friday to see what exciting weekend festival is kicking off at Hart Plaza.

Amazing spots to live, work, and play dot the entire Metro Detroit area. Picking the right location to set up as your Detroit digital nomad base drastically affects the types of remote workers you’ll encounter, the types of workspaces available, and things to do after work. Here’s a snapshot of areas that I frequent while digital nomading in Detroit.

Downtown Detroit

An obvious choice to truly feel like I’m working remotely in Detroit. A private conference room with views of Campus Martius for client Zoom meetings before a lunch break deciding whether American or Lafayette Coney Island has the best coney dogs is the daily experience. Multiple cafe options make it easy to find a spot to plug in and crank out a few hours of work alongside other laptop workers. During the warmer months, it’s easy to spot a festival or outdoor event happening in Spirit or Hart Plaza to unwind after a productive “day at the office.”

It’s easy to get around Downtown Detroit by walking, using the Q-Line, the People Mover, or the SMART/DDot bus. For short stays, there are tons of hotels in Downtown Detroit. For longer stays, short-term rentals are available.

Pros:
- Workspace options
- Transportation
- Work-life balance

Cons:
- More expensive (coworking space memberships, accommodations, etc.)

Here are my favorite Downtown Detroit work spots:

- WeWork Detroit
- GM Renaissance Center Atrium
- Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit
- Capital One Cafe

Midtown

Welcome to the cultural heartbeat of the D. It’s easy to get inspired for a work session surrounded by the best local museums, university, science center, and more! Cafe-hopping gives you a new “office” every day of the week. And there are numerous educational resources in the area, such as campus programming and museum lectures, to keep your skills sharp in the competitive job market.

Midtown during the fall/winter months is actually a great time to visit. It’s livelier with students and professors around, and you certainly won’t be the only one “burning the midnight oil” in a cafe right before closing time. Check out the local cultural institutions during your off days for indoor fun during the colder months.

Pros
- Public spaces with free wifi
- Great for experiencing culture
- Easy to get around

Cons
- Fewer longer-term accommodations because of students

Here are my favorite Midtown spots to work:
- Wayne State University Student Center
- Kresge Court @ the DIA
- Detroit Public Library

Metro Detroit

Tourist visiting Detroit typically concentrate their travel itinerary on the downtown and midtown areas. Being a digital nomad means you have more time and flexibility to explore even more options. You’ll find it worthwhile because I’ve discovered some of Detroit’s trendiest cafes in the metro area.

Royal Oak, for example, features thematic cafes catering to every taste. Spend one day enjoying chai lattes in a cozy cafe nook, organizing your upcoming content calendar. Put the finishing touches to your UX/UI design before reviewing it with your client inside a private conference room—all inside one cafe!

Pros:
- Cafe culture

Cons
- Transportation - Having a car is recommended

Here are my favorite Metro Detroit work spots:
- Folio Offices (Berkley)
- The Office (Royal Oak)
- Atomic Coffee (Royal Oak)