Top 5 Cities for Remote Founders to Build Startups in the US (2025 Edition)

Remote work has changed how and where startups are built. In 2025, founders have more freedom to choose cities that match their lifestyle, budget, and business needs. Some cities offer the perfect mix of startup support, affordable living, vibrant coworking spaces, and quality of life. If you want to grow your remote startup in the US this year, knowing the best cities to settle in matters more than ever.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler, a platform that helps freelancers and professionals get hired through their work samples. In this article, I’ll guide you through the top US cities where remote founders like you can build thriving startups in 2025. Beyond just skills, presenting your work confidently matters too. Your portfolio is your proof of skill, your credibility, and your shortcut to trust when connecting with clients, investors, and collaborators.

1. Austin, Texas

Austin has become one of the most popular cities for remote startup founders. Known for its creative energy and tech-savvy community, Austin offers many advantages for new businesses.

• Low to moderate cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs
• No state income tax, which means more take-home pay
• A strong startup ecosystem with accelerators like Capital Factory
• Plenty of coworking spaces such as WeWork and indie hubs

Why it matters: Austin’s combination of affordable living, tax benefits, and vibrant tech community creates a supportive environment for remote founders. Building your startup here gives you access to talent, investors, and resources without breaking the bank.

2. Boulder, Colorado

Boulder combines a love of nature with an innovative startup scene. It’s perfect for founders who want outdoor access alongside an active business community.

• High quality of life with mountain views and biking trails
• Well-established coworking locations like Galvanize and Impact Hub
• Growing number of health tech and software startups
• Strong focus on sustainability and clean technology

Why it matters: For remote founders seeking balance between work and life, Boulder is ideal. Its innovative culture and health-conscious community provide energy and support to grow your startup sustainably.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is quickly gaining attention as a lively, affordable city to launch startups. Known mostly for music, it now also welcomes health tech and creative businesses.

• Lower living costs compared to many tech hubs
• No state income tax, increasing founder savings
• Coworking spaces like Launch Pad support networking
• Growing population of young professionals and creatives

Why it matters: Nashville offers a strong, affordable base for remote founders looking to grow in healthcare, creativity, or technology. Its combination of culture and cost savings helps startups stretch their budgets further.

4. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh is a tech and research hub with big universities feeding the talent pipeline. Its friendly business environment makes it a great option for startups.

• Affordable office spaces and low cost of living
• Proximity to universities like Duke and UNC for recruiting
• Supportive startup infrastructure including accelerators and incubators
• Growing biotech and software development scene

Why it matters: Raleigh’s strong educational resources and affordability help founders build teams and innovate cost-effectively. The city’s focus on tech and life sciences creates valuable opportunities to connect and grow.

5. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston remains a powerful hub for tech and biotech startups. Though the cost of living is higher, the benefits of world-class universities and investor networks are compelling.

• Access to top research and talent from schools like MIT and Harvard
• Mature coworking options and startup communities
• Leading biotech, healthcare, and deep tech industries
• Rich availability of venture capital and angel investors

Why it matters: Boston’s concentration of innovation and funding supports founders aiming to scale advanced tech startups. The city’s connectivity to top talent and investors makes it worth the higher expenses for serious growth.

Promoting Fueler: Showcase Your Work and Stand Out

In today’s crowded startup world, showing your real skills is key to winning clients and partners. Fueler helps remote founders create portfolios that highlight actual projects and results. This makes it easier for investors and customers to trust your work and say yes. Use Fueler to connect your story with the economic opportunities in these cities and turn your portfolio into a growth asset.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right city is a big step for remote founders in 2025. Austin, Boulder, Nashville, Raleigh, and Boston offer a mix of affordable living, strong startup scenes, and access to talent and resources. Wherever you settle, building a clear portfolio of your work through platforms like Fueler will boost your credibility and open doors. Your location and your presentation together can set the foundation for startup success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes a city good for remote startup founders in 2025?

Access to talent, affordable living, coworking spaces, and a strong startup community are key factors.

2. Why is Austin popular among remote founders?

Austin has no state income tax, a vibrant tech scene, and many coworking spaces at a reasonable cost of living.

3. How can I build credibility as a remote founder?

Creating a portfolio with real work samples, like on Fueler, helps establish trust with clients and investors.

4. Is Boston worth the higher cost of living for startups?

Yes, for startups needing top-tier talent and investor connections, Boston’s benefits often outweigh the costs.

5. How can I find coworking spaces in these cities?

Most cities have many options; sites like WeWork and local incubators offer coworking memberships.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talents for their organization based on their proof of work. You can create your portfolio on Fueler, thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

Sign up for free on Fueler or get in touch to learn more.