As flexible work continues to reshape how and where we work, certain cities are emerging as clear winners in the race to attract remote and hybrid professionals.
A recent study by Remote People evaluated the best UK cities for remote working based on key lifestyle and infrastructure metrics. While tech hubs and affordability leaders took the top spots, Oxford quietly rounded out the top 10.
The recent study by Remote People set out to identify the best UK cities for remote working by analysing a range of key factors that influence the remote work experience. Including:
- The number of coworking spaces per 100,000 people
- Availability of parks and play areas per 100,000 people
- Internet speed
- Cost of living
- The number of remote job listings per 100,000 people
Leading the rankings were Southampton, Lancaster, and Exeter — cities that combine affordability with strong job prospects. Southampton claimed the top spot thanks to its great internet speeds, with Lancaster also earning high marks for lower cost of living. Exeter, in particular, stood out for its impressive number of coworking spaces and remote job opportunities.
At the other end of the spectrum, London was ranked the least remote-friendly city. Despite being a popular city, it fell short due to high living costs and underwhelming internet performance — two major drawbacks for today’s remote professionals.
Oxford rounded out the top ten, securing 10th place overall. Factors that contributed significantly to a positive remote working environment included:
- With 12.50 coworking spaces per 100,000 people, Oxford ranked impressively for collaborative work environments — a major asset for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and hybrid workers.
- A remarkable 81.73 parks and play areas per 100,000 people makes Oxford an ideal place for work-life balance and wellbeing.
However, a couple of factors brought Oxford’s ranking down:
- Despite its academic heritage, Oxford lags behind other cities in terms of broadband speed — a crucial factor for seamless remote work.
- One of the most expensive cities in the top 10, Oxford’s affordability remains a challenge for many.
What appeals to workers in the era of remote working?
In recent years, the boundaries between home and office life have increasingly blurred, giving rise to a new era of work that places flexibility at its core. Whether working fully remotely or following a hybrid model, today’s professionals are seeking environments that empower them to thrive — both personally and professionally.
This evolution has prompted many businesses to rethink how their workspaces function. Offices are being redesigned to accommodate a variety of working styles, from individual focus zones to open, collaborative areas. A key trend in hybrid workplace design is the adoption of multi-functional furniture that can easily adapt to changing needs, supporting a fluid transition between quiet concentration and creative teamwork. Flexible layouts and tech-enabled setups are also on the rise, enabling seamless interaction between in-person and remote team members.
Yet, appealing to modern workers goes beyond the office itself. More than ever, professionals are choosing to live in cities that support their preferred way of working — places that not only offer the infrastructure for remote work but also a high quality of life.
This is where the findings from the Remote People study come into sharp focus. Factors like access to green spaces, safety, and community amenities play a crucial role in shaping the ideal remote working destination. A strong coworking culture, as seen in Oxford, complements the need for flexibility, while a city’s walkability, wellbeing focus, and lifestyle options enhance its overall appeal.
For remote and hybrid workers, it’s no longer just about where they work — it’s about how and where they choose to live. And cities that support that balance are poised to lead the way in the future of work.
