Why Remote Workers Are Rethinking 'Flyover Country': 6 Underrated States Leading the Migration

The remote work revolution has fundamentally shifted where Americans choose to settle. The traditional model of clustering around expensive coastal metros has given way to a broader geographic distribution, with workers increasingly exploring regions once dismissed as “flyover country.” Today, these overlooked states are becoming prime destinations for those seeking the holy trinity of remote work living: affordability, space, and reliable connectivity.

The Connectivity Advantage Changes Everything

One of the biggest misconceptions about interior American states is that they lack digital infrastructure. The reality tells a different story. High-speed broadband penetration has expanded dramatically in places like Utah, which boasts one of the highest percentages of homes with broadband access. Low electricity and internet costs add another financial benefit that compounds over time—savings that translate directly to either lower monthly expenses or more disposable income for remote workers.

Breaking Down the Economics Across Six States

Utah and Kansas Lead on Square Footage

Utah consistently offers the largest average home square footage across the nation. For remote workers who’ve grown accustomed to cramped apartments in San Francisco or New York, this represents a genuine lifestyle upgrade. A modest suburban home in Kansas might cost the equivalent of a studio apartment in those coastal metros, yet deliver multiple bedrooms, dedicated office space, and often, a yard.

Oklahoma and Iowa: The Hidden Gems

Oklahoma’s Tulsa has become a case study in strategic relocation incentives. Programs designed to attract remote talent have seeded coworking spaces and community infrastructure that didn’t exist five years ago. Iowa’s Des Moines and Cedar Rapids present a quieter alternative, with median home values hovering around 50% below upscale urban centers, combined with solid school systems and dependable internet infrastructure.

Missouri and Nebraska: The Cultural Balance

Missouri’s larger cities—Kansas City and St. Louis—refuse the “flyover” label with their vibrant cultural scenes, sports heritage, and robust music communities. Kansas City explicitly markets itself as a jazz and sports hub, while both cities maintain the internet connectivity essential to remote operations. Nebraska is undergoing its own downtown revitalization, with riverfronts and cultural investments creating more reasons to plant roots beyond just financial advantage.

The Trade-Offs Worth Considering

The calculus for remote workers considering these states isn’t complicated. Yes, winter seasons can be extended, and nightlife may not match major metropolitan intensity. But the equation has shifted: for many households, a 3,000-square-foot home with lower taxes, manageable winters, and accessible outdoor recreation outweighs nostalgic attachments to urban vibrancy. Experts emphasize that reliable healthcare, good school systems, and modest-income sustainability create genuine long-term value, particularly for families building wealth through real estate equity rather than chasing status through zip codes.

The flyover country narrative has become outdated, replaced by a more nuanced understanding of where American prosperity can actually take root.