The gig economy has been around for quite some time and has continued to grow steadily over the years. Today, workers are less dependent on one job, can better manage their time, and therefore juggle more than one gig at a time. If you’re a budding gig worker, these are the top 6 cities you can call home. 

1. New York City

Number one on the list is New York. The most popular city in the US and one of the highest job saturated places in the world.  It has more gig workers than any other city. Not surprisingly, in 2017, it had nearly 135,000 more gig workers than Los Angeles, the second most popular city in the US.

Apart from the obvious numbers, New York City also offers legal protections to freelancers, and independent contractors through its Freelance Isn’t Free Act and many other contributors.

2. Miami 

According to Fiverr, the Israel online marketplace for freelance services, Miami is a great hotspot for gig workers. It surged 32% from 2011 to 2015, making it the fastest-growing freelance workforce at the time.

3. Minneapolis

A survey by Accountemps found that 68% of senior managers in the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis consider applicants with temporary work experience more than those with permanent work experience when hiring. An important aspect to consider when searching for work. 

4. San Francisco

The COVID-19 pandemic might have, in a way, underscored the financial vulnerability attached to the gig economy. However, a city like San Francisco still has gig workers at its heart. Startup culture, diverse population, and innovative events are vital aspects that draw gig workers to the city.

5. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga is reputed to have a high fiber optic internet network, making it a prime spot for both entrepreneurs and gig workers. At the comfort of your own home in Chattanooga, you can remotely be connected to various freelance platforms at incredible speed without any lagging. You are thereby creating a conducive and favorable business climate for yourself. 

6. Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama, is an eyesore for gig workers who want to stay “under the radar.” It lacks the flashy reputation that cities like New York or San Francisco boast, yet it’s the right place for gig workers. It offers a co-working space for both entrepreneurs and budding freelancers. It remains one of the top cities to watch out for when planning to start as a freelancer.