Remote work has transformed the American workplace, but the tide may be shifting. While cities like Frisco, Texas boast some of the highest percentages of remote workers in the country—34.16% of its workforce—recent announcements from major companies calling employees back to the office are raising questions about the future of this trend.
Will remote work continue its upward climb, or are we seeing the start of a shift back to traditional office environments? Let’s dive into the data and explore how cities like Frisco have adapted to remote work and what the future might hold.
Remote work offered unprecedented flexibility during the pandemic, freeing employees from commutes and giving them more control over their time. Cities like Frisco, with its suburban appeal and strong internet infrastructure, thrived as remote work hubs. However, some companies are now rethinking their strategies, citing collaboration, productivity, and culture as reasons to bring employees back in person.
From Amazon to Disney, corporate giants are implementing hybrid or in-office mandates. This raises the question: how will cities built around remote work, like Frisco, adapt? Will these policies impact where people choose to live and work, or will remote work remain a dominant feature of the modern workforce?
Key Insights from the SmartAsset Study Published on January 7, 2025
1. Frisco, Texas: The Remote Work Leader
Frisco tops the charts with 34.16% of its workforce—over 40,000 people—working remotely. Its blend of suburban comfort and access to major business hubs like Dallas makes it a magnet for remote professionals.
For those who commute, driving is still king, with 57.16% of workers driving solo and 6.39% carpooling. The average commute time is 30 minutes, making Frisco attractive for hybrid workers balancing office and home days.
2. Over 25% Remote in 22 Cities
Cities with strong tech industries and white-collar jobs dominate remote work adoption. Key examples include:
- Charlotte, NC (29.71%)
- Seattle, WA (28.46%)
- Arlington, VA (28.60%)
- Austin, TX (28.13%)
These cities offer a mix of urban energy and remote-friendly infrastructure, appealing to a broad range of professionals. However, shifts in corporate remote work policies could test the resilience of these trends.
3. Odessa, Texas: A Traditional Workforce
In Odessa, just 1.58% of workers are remote, reflecting the city’s reliance on industries like oil and gas. Commuting is the norm here, with most workers driving and spending an average of 24 minutes getting to work.
4. College Towns: Walking and Remote Work
Cities like Cambridge, MA, and Berkeley, CA are unique for their high percentages of both remote workers and walking commuters. In Cambridge, 21.26% walk to work, while 23.32% are remote. Berkeley is second nationwide for remote work at 31.29%, alongside 18.23% walking commuters.
5. New York City: Transit and Remote Work
New York’s 13.37% remote workers are complemented by the nation’s highest public transit usage, with nearly 48% of workers commuting via subways, buses, or trains. Despite this, the average commute time is a long 40.1 minutes, which may continue to push some professionals toward hybrid or remote roles.
Top 20 Cities for Remote Work
Here’s a quick look at the cities leading the remote work revolution:
| City | % Remote Workers | Mean Commute Time |
|---|---|---|
| Frisco, TX | 34.16% | 30 minutes |
| Berkeley, CA | 31.29% | 29.1 minutes |
| Charlotte, NC | 29.71% | 25.1 minutes |
| Cary, NC | 29.40% | 23 minutes |
| Carlsbad, CA | 29.06% | 26.2 minutes |
| Highlands Ranch, CO | 28.76% | 25.3 minutes |
| Arlington, VA | 28.60% | 25.4 minutes |
| Seattle, WA | 28.46% | 25.5 minutes |
| Carmel, IN | 28.29% | 22.8 minutes |
| Boulder, CO | 28.28% | 19.3 minutes |
| Austin, TX | 28.13% | 23.2 minutes |
| Bend, OR | 28.10% | 16 minutes |
| Sandy Springs, GA | 28.04% | 28.2 minutes |
| Naperville, IL | 27.88% | 32 minutes |
| Scottsdale, AZ | 27.71% | 22.7 minutes |
| Washington, DC | 27.28% | 30.4 minutes |
| Denver, CO | 26.05% | 25.7 minutes |
| Bellevue, WA | 25.98% | 25.4 minutes |
| Portland, OR | 25.65% | 24.2 minutes |
| Atlanta, GA | 25.48% | 25.7 minutes |
What Lies Ahead for Remote Work?
While remote work remains strong in cities like Frisco, corporate return-to-office mandates may reshape these trends. For many professionals, flexibility remains a top priority. Hybrid models—where employees split time between home and office—are likely to dominate in the coming years, allowing cities to adapt without losing their appeal to remote workers.
For cities like Odessa, where remote work is minimal, traditional commuting patterns may remain unchanged. On the other hand, tech-heavy hubs like Seattle, Austin, and Charlotte will need to balance corporate demands with the lifestyles their residents now expect.
This study, based on 2023 U.S. Census Bureau data, underscores the continued impact of remote work on cities across the nation. As businesses and workers navigate the future of work, cities like Frisco will remain at the forefront of this evolving landscape.
Remote work is reshaping America’s cities—and its future. Whether it’s Frisco’s suburban growth, New York’s hybrid transit approach, or Odessa’s steadfast traditions, one thing is clear: the way we work will continue to define where and how we live.