Best Towns for Remote Workers in Northern Michigan: Where to Live and Work from Home

Are you a remote worker dreaming of wide-open spaces, scenic lake views, and a quieter lifestyle? Northern Michigan might be your perfect escape. With its natural beauty, charming small towns, and growing infrastructure for digital professionals, more remote workers are relocating to this picturesque part of the state than ever before.

But which Northern Michigan town is the best for remote work? Let’s break down the top locations that offer the ideal mix of reliable internet, walkability, affordability, and lifestyle perks.

I did a deep dive on this topic on my Youtube Channel, check it out HERE! 

🥇 1. Traverse City – Best Overall for Remote Workers in Northern Michigan

If you’re looking for the perfect balance of city amenities and natural beauty, Traverse City is the clear front-runner. With a strong local economy, several coworking spaces (like 20Fathoms), and the fastest internet in the region, it’s a remote worker’s dream.

Why It’s Great:

• ✅ High-speed fiber internet (Cherry Capital Fiber)

• ✅ Tons of coffee shops, breweries, and eateries

• ✅ Walkable downtown with coworking and networking events

• ✅ Access to Grand Traverse Bay, hiking, and wineries

🏙️ 2. Petoskey – Best for Lake Views and Laid-Back Living

Petoskey offers stunning views of Little Traverse Bay, a walkable downtown with historic charm, and plenty of small-town amenities. It’s perfect for professionals who want to work remotely with a view. While it’s a bit quieter than Traverse City, Petoskey is big on lifestyle, especially for creatives and professionals in tech or media.

Highlights:

• ✅ Reliable internet via Spectrum or TDS

• ✅ Gorgeous lakefront views and public parks

• ✅ Strong arts community and cozy work cafés

• ✅ Easy access to skiing and boating

🌲 3. Charlevoix – Best for Small-Town Vibes with Scenic Beauty

Charlevoix is a gem for remote workers who want peace and quiet without sacrificing charm. With Round Lake, Lake Michigan, and Lake Charlevoix surrounding the town, views are everywhere. It’s a little sleepier in the winter, but if you like working with a view of the water and enjoy community connection, this is your place.

Perks:

• ✅ Quaint, walkable downtown

• ✅ Scenic lake access for breaks and inspiration

• ✅ Growing local tech scene and seasonal networking events

• ✅ Great place for writers, designers, and creatives

🏞️ 4. Boyne City – Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts Who Work Remotely

For those who want to jump from laptop to trail within minutes, Boyne City hits the mark. Nestled on Lake Charlevoix and just minutes from Boyne Mountain Resort, it’s ideal for outdoor-loving remote workers. Internet is reliable, the community is tight-knit, and the views are unbeatable.

Why It Stands Out:

• ✅ Access to skiing, biking, boating, and trails

• ✅ Cozy coffee shops and a laid-back vibe

• ✅ Affordable real estate compared to nearby towns

• ✅ Weekly farmers markets and local festivals

🛶 5. Gaylord – Best for Affordability and Accessibility

Gaylord is often overlooked, but it's an ideal hub for remote workers looking for lower cost of living and easy highway access. It’s not on the water, but what it lacks in lakeshore it makes up for with affordability and a strong community feel. Internet is solid, housing is more budget-friendly, and you’re just a short drive to everything.

Benefits:

• ✅ One of the most affordable towns in Northern Michigan

• ✅ Fiber internet available in most neighborhoods

• ✅ 30–60 minutes from several top lakefront towns

• ✅ Excellent local services and central location

🧑‍💻 Final Thoughts: Which Northern Michigan Town is Right for You?

Choosing the best town for remote work in Northern Michigan depends on your priorities:

• Want a walkable city with a social scene? Go with Traverse City.

• Craving peace and beauty? Try Charlevoix or Petoskey.

• Need affordability? Check out Gaylord.

• Love the outdoors? Boyne City is calling.

Each of these towns has high-speed internet, access to nature, and a unique lifestyle that supports remote working. Whether you’re a software developer, writer, marketer, or digital entrepreneur, Northern Michigan offers the inspiration—and infrastructure—you need to thrive.

👉 Thinking of relocating to Northern Michigan?

I help remote workers find homes that match their lifestyle—whether that’s a cozy lakefront cottage, a modern condo downtown, or a quiet cabin in the woods.

📩 Get in touch for personalized relocation guidance or sign up for our Northern Michigan Remote Life newsletter to stay in the loop.