You’re your own boss
According to LawnStarter’s recent list of the best self-employment hubs in America, there are some truly amazing and unexpected places self-employed workers make their home. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well all over the country, and the benefits of living in these cities are numerous!
Did your city make it?
Provo-Orem, Utah
Topping the list is Provo-Orem, Utah, a surprisingly bustling metropolis in its own right, located just an hour south of Salt Lake City. Some Provo residents are no doubt members of the Mormon faith, or at least influenced by their self-starting attitude! Having Brigham Young University in town, and the homebase for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints just a couple towns over certainly keeps the community active and engaged.
McAllen, Texas
The City of Palms is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States, thanks to a boom after the North American Free Trade Association (NAFTA) came about in the 90s. With it, NAFTA brought an inland foreign trade zone, making international trade coming into the city duty-free.
San Francisco, CA
What can’t San Francisco do? Proving time and again to be home to exciting new tech companies and real estate mavericks while retaining its academics and artists makes this NorCal city truly one of a kind, and a great home for self-starters.
Los Angeles, CA
Known for its reality stars, screenwriters, and movie industry expertise, Los Angeles is also home to one of the most diverse populations in the country. A new wave of innovative restauranteurs, fashion and interior designers, and creative types of all kinds make their home in this incredible city.
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
These three neighboring suburban zones make a great LA-adjacent option for running your own business.
Boise, ID
Idaho’s capital, located in the appropriately-named Treasure Valley, isn’t often at the forefront of our minds when we think of booming industry. That said, low cost of living and year-round gorgeous landscapes make this city a great option for entrepreneurs looking to get projects off the ground.
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT
The centralized location of these three cities really packs a punch for the self employed. Networkers looking to grow their connections will benefit from the accessibility of living in this area. Residents are able to hop on a train and be almost anywhere within the Northeast in half a day’s time.
Portland, OR
A West Coast hub tucked between the Cascades and the coastline, Portland is a beacon for the young and trendy, the outdoorsy, and foodies of all kinds. Folks who decide to self-employ here will be close to the pulse of what’s popular.
San Diego, CA
Though the top employer in this city is the US Navy, a sizeable 13.5 percent of sunny San Diego residents report that they are self-employed.
Austin, TX
With a long history of self-reliance and a fierce independent streak, Austin closes the list. Live music capital of the world, and home of its own technologically booming Silicon Hills, the growing economy here is a friendly environment for new businesses and entrepreneurs who endeavor to run the show themselves.
#Top10
