The digital nomad’s apartment guide: Finding balance between work and city life

For many people, becoming a digital nomad was once an unrealistic dream. In recent years, the work market has changed dramatically, allowing people to build businesses on their own or work remotely for their companies. Becoming a digital nomad is now realistic for many, and more professionals are embracing the freedom to work from anywhere while exploring new cultures and cities.

This freedom comes with its own challenges, particularly when finding the right living space that can accommodate both professional needs and personal well-being. In this piece, we’ll explore the digital nomad lifestyle and how to find the perfect place to live and work in the city.

1. Build an income stream as a digital nomad

Before finding the right place to live and work, you’ll need to get set up as a digital nomad. E-commerce has become a popular choice for digital nomads seeking location-independent income. E-commerce site have democratized online retail, allowing people to launch stores within days. You can dropship products, sell print-on-demand items, or offer digital services.

Another option is to find a job that allows complete remote work. In this situation, you’ll work for someone else but have the flexibility to do so from wherever you choose. Once you’re set up as a digital nomad, you can start finding the best place to live.

2. Choose the right city for your lifestyle

Now comes the fun part. Where do you want to live and explore while working? You’ll want a place that aligns with both your professional and personal goals. Consider the following factors when evaluating potential destinations:

• Cost of living: Consider your income and make sure you can afford to live long-term (or as long as you want) in the destination. Cities like New York offer access to many attractions and opportunities but have a high cost of living. Bali and Mexico City have become popular for digital nomads due to their great weather, cultural experiences, and competitive prices.
• Internet infrastructure: Make sure that the internet where you choose to live is up to speed with your work. Most global cities meet this requirement, but if you’re heading somewhere a bit more remote, investigate the internet in advance.
• Time zones: If your clients are based in Thailand and you are in Tennesee, you’ll find yourself working unreasonable hours. Most digital nomads try to align their working hours more or less with their clientele.

3. Key apartment features for remote workers

Your apartment is your office and sanctuary, so certain features are non-negotiable. High-speed internet isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for video calls, file uploads, and consistent client communication.

A specific workspace in your apartment is important for maintaining productivity. Look for apartments with enough room for a proper desk setup, preferably in an area with natural light. Even in smaller spaces, look for apartments with a clear separation between work and living areas to help maintain healthy boundaries.

Location within the city matters as much as the apartment itself. Being close to coworking spaces is a great backup option if you have internet issues or when you need a change of scenery. Being near public transportation makes city exploration more accessible during off-hours, while neighborhood safety ensures peace of mind during late-night work sessions.

4. Tools and platforms for apartment hunting

The right tools for apartment hunting depend on your needs and location. Airbnb is popular for its flexibility and established review system, while specialized platforms like NomadX offer properties specifically vetted for remote workers.

Facebook groups dedicated to digital nomads in specific cities often provide insider access to apartments and valuable local knowledge. Groups like “Digital Nomads in Lisbon” or “Canggu Community” can offer direct connections to landlords and real-world insights about neighborhoods and facilities.

When looking at listings, consider reviews that mention internet reliability and work-friendly features. Don’t hesitate to request video tours and speed tests of the internet connection. A great way to test this is to start with short-term leases before committing to longer stays.

5. Balancing work and city exploration

One of the best parts of digital nomad life is the opportunity to integrate work and cultural immersion. To do this, it’s important to establish clear working hours that align with both your client’s needs and local activities. Many nomads like to start work early in the day to have afternoons free for exploration or work in focused sprints with breaks for local experiences.

Joining local communities is a great way to meet other nomads. These connections can also lead to valuable business opportunities while enriching your experience of the local culture. Consider scheduling your workweek to include dedicated exploration days, blocking them off in your calendar just like client meetings.

6. Practical tips to succeed as a digital nomad

The right gear makes life easier for digital nomads. Pack essential tech gear, such as a laptop stand, portable second monitor, and noise-canceling headphones, to create an efficient workspace anywhere. Invest in a quality VPN for security and a portable Wi-Fi device for backup internet access.

With the right tools, managing multiple time zones becomes second nature. Apps like World Time Buddy help coordinate meetings across continents, while project management tools like Trello or Asana keep work organized regardless of location. Local SIM cards or eSIMs ensure you’re always connected, and services like Airalo make it easy to maintain global connectivity.

Creating your ideal work-life balance

The digital nomad lifestyle gives workers freedom that wasn’t possible in the past. It allows for an outstanding work-life balance, but one that requires planning and adaptation. Your apartment choice is the foundation for this lifestyle, supporting professional productivity and personal growth.

Remember that finding the perfect setup is a process. What works in one city might not work in another. Stay flexible and open to refining your approach as you discover what helps you thrive in each new location. The key is to create a sustainable lifestyle that allows you to embrace both the freedom of location independence and the responsibilities of maintaining a successful career.

The digital nomad journey is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. By deliberately choosing your living space and establishing systems supporting work and exploration, you’re setting yourself up for a rich and rewarding experience as a location-independent professional.