6 Best ‘Flyover’ States To Buy a Home If You Work Remotely
Written by
Emily Fowler
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Remote work has changed where many Americans call home. No longer tied to expensive metro areas, more households are looking at locations where living costs are lower and homes are bigger.
This makes so-called “flyover” states stronger contenders, and, according to experts, realistic options for households who want more space without giving up connectivity.
Utah
According to Gagan Saini, acquisition director of JIT Home Buyers, Utah stands out for both affordability and space. With low internet and electricity costs and a high percentage of homes with broadband, it’s clear why Utah is attractive to remote workers looking for stability.
“Utah offers the largest average home square footage in the U.S., allowing remote workers more room,” Saini said.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma keeps housing prices well below the national average. Cities like Tulsa are seeing more remote workers, in part thanks to the Tulsa Remote program, which Andrew Reichek, founder of Bode Builders, said “goes to a level of providing relocation incentives, making it particularly attractive.” The influx of remote workers has also brought more coworking spaces and community support.
Iowa
Oren Sofrin, founder of Eagle Cash Buyers, called Iowa “a quiet gem” for remote workers. Home prices in places like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids are about half what people would pay in more upscale cities, while still offering reliable internet and thriving local culture.
According to Reichek, the state’s “low median home values, good school system and slower lifestyle” add to its appeal to remote workers with families.
Missouri
Missouri balances affordability with urban perks. Kansas City and St. Louis have cultural attractions, sports and music, plus “robust internet connectivity, which is paramount to working remotely,” said Reichek. Homes here often include extra rooms that can be converted into office space — a big plus for remote households.
Kansas
Kansas offers spacious suburban homes in safe neighborhoods, often at the same cost as a studio apartment in somewhere like New York or San Francisco.
“Flyover” states don’t equal a lack of entertainment. Sofrin called Kansas City “a home for jazz and sports culture”, while suburban areas provide quieter communities for those who want more space still with access to urban life.
Nebraska
Nebraska is revitalizing its downtowns and riverfronts, giving residents more cultural and recreational options. Residents here can “live comfortably on a modest remote-worker salary and still save for the future,” said Sofrin, with reliable internet, healthcare and local amenities.
What To Keep in Mind
Remote work has made these states strong contenders for affordable living. Winters can be long, and nightlife may not always be as buzzing as some urban areas, but for many remote workers, the trade for bigger homes and lower costs will be worth it.
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