The scenic small mountain town of Bansko is attracting digital nomads due to the number of co-working spaces as well as affordability.
Located in Bulgaria’s Pirin mountain range, Bansko has more co-working spaces per capita than anywhere else in the world and offers stunning unobstructed views of the mountain range. With a permanent population of only 9,000 inhabitants, this remote alpine town is just that remote and has spectacular peaks and ski stations.
As it is not part of the Eurozone, Bulgaria uses its own currency, the Bulgarian (BGN) lev yielding travelers a much better conversion rate, unlike other strong currencies in the Western EU.
The average minimum wage is also far lower than other EU counterparts, which translates to a cheaper cost of living. Sitting just over $380 monthly, the average wage makes it so items like food, rent, travel and cultural attractions are much more accessible.
A census in June 2022 showed that of the 500 remote workers in the town, 41 are from different nationalities with 19.1% being Americans.
Bansko also is great for the outdoor adventurer as it offers year-round activities which include mountain biking, rafting, hiking, skiing and wine tours.
Just a short two-hour drive from Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, it is far enough away yet close enough for those looking for some more fanfare. Along with its rich cultural and religious history, Sofia also has a ton of work-friendly cafes with stable connection for patrons
This idyllic mountain town however only allows American nomads to stay for three months at a time as they do not yet have a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). The country has removed all entry requirements for U.S passport holders and hopes to announce news about its own DNV soon.
The hidden gem of the Balkan Peninsula is one of the least-visited locations among Americans, but its cheap cost of living and lessening of restrictions may cause more nomads to move and work there.