What Makes Kansas City a Top Destination in the World for Remote Workers?

This story was originally published on NewsBreak.

Kansas City, MO. — A while back, Kansas City was named the best place on earth to work remotely — beating out some major international hubs for remote employees. The ‘City of Fountains’ earned this distinction based on research conducted by Iclandair.

In fact, here is the entire top 10 list of the top destinations to work remotely in the world.

That’s quite an impressive acolade for a city of just 500,000 residents. While the researchers and everyone who reads the list has their own opinions on why KC might have beat out several major global cities to earn such a highly coveted distinction, this local has his own thoughts as to why Kansas City is indeed such a great place for remote workers to live and play.

Excellent High-Speed Internet Access Throughout the City

When it comes to the digital world, having first mover advantage is indeed a great advantage over competitors. And it just so happens that Kansas City was one of the first places to get Google Fiber internet access back in September of 2012.

That was years before most cities had access to lightening-fast internet speeds. In fact, a lot of places (even in the United States) still don’t have fiber internet.

Anyway, remote workers depend on super-fast data speeds in order to be productive and successfully perform their roles virtually. Since KC can offer affordable fiber internet access, the city is an appealing place to set up a home office.

Remote-Friendly Companies

Remote workers need a fast, reliable connection to the digital world via high-speed internet access. But they also need companies with work from jobs to employee them.

While it’s true that some virtual employees literally work from anywhere — anywhere with an internet connection, a lot of employers aren’t so flexible. For example, a majority of work from home jobs have geographic requirements that can include living near a specific metro area, or at the very least, residing in a given state.

Fortunately for remote workers in Kansas City, local employers have a wide range of online job opportunities available. For instance, a search on Indeed yields several hundred work from home roles in or near the metro area.

Lower Cost of Living

Another reason that remote workers dig Kansas City is because of its affordability.

For example, the cost of living in the city is 6% lower than the national average. That’s a big difference with high-cost regions like New York, Los Angeles, and the Bay area — and likely why KC beat out those places too.

Virtual employees enjoy living in a place where their incomes go further.

Higher Quality of Life

In addition to a lower cost of living, Kansas City also offers residents a higher quality of life.

For instance, the city tends to be a bit more laid back than larger metros, which means people don’t stress as much when they get out and go places. People like to stress less.

While KC’s public transportation doesn’t rival that of New York or LA, getting around the city isn’t that difficult. In fact, the FREE KC Streetcar is even expanding further south of Union Station to offer riders more stops.

Good Healthcare

Kansas City is a leading healthcare hub for the region.

From Children’s Mercy to the University of Kansas Hospital, residents and visitors alike have many healthcare options to choose from that cover a wide range of medical needs.

Having access too quality healthcare is an important factor for nearly anyone considering a destination to move to.

Worldclass Attractions and Amenities

Finally, both residents and visitors can find many fun things to do in Kansas City , including a number of worldclass museums and attractions.

Here are several of the most popular activities in KC.

• National WWI Museum and Memorial
• Kansas City Zoo and Acquriam
• American Jazz Museum
• Arabia Steamboat Museum
• Hallmark Visitors Center
• Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
• Jackson County Parks
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City
• Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
• Powell Gardens

And if you are a shop-a-holic, KC has you covered as well with multiple premiere and eclectic hopping destinations, including the following.

Last but not least, Kansas City’s restaurants can please neary every pallate and taste with some of the best cuisine in the Midwest, including world-famous KC BBQ. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments in the city.

Therefore, with so many fun things to do in KC, including world-class attractions, eclectic shopping destinations, and delicious dining establishments, it’s no wonder that Kansas City is the top destination for remote workers in the world.