Discover Why Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania Are Remote Work Havens

Remote Work Opportunities in the Tri-State Area

While the number of remote workers is decreasing both locally and nationally, telework opportunities remain strong in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and especially Delaware. A recent report by WalletHub evaluated all 50 states and Washington, D.C. based on their suitability for remote workers.

Ranking Factors

The ranking considered critical factors such as:

• Share of people working from home
• Households’ internet access
• Cybersecurity risk
• Cost of electricity
• Accessibility of affordable internet
• Size and availability of homes

State Rankings

• Delaware ranked No. 1
• New Jersey ranked No. 5
• Pennsylvania ranked No. 7

In Delaware, 13.3% of the workforce works from home. The state boasts the third-lowest internet cost, with 97% of residents having fast enough internet for seamless remote work. In Pennsylvania, 13.8% of workers telecommute, while 15% do so in New Jersey.

Ideal Home Workspaces

Delaware homes offer substantial workspace, with the fifth-highest square footage among states, averaging 918 square feet per person. Pennsylvania has a median of 852 square feet per person, while New Jersey has 672 square feet.

Benefits of Working from Home

Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, noted that working from home can significantly reduce transportation expenses and create a more comfortable work environment with flexible hours.

In Philadelphia, about 16% of the workforce worked remotely in 2023, reflecting a decline from the previous year. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker mandated municipal workers to return to in-person attendance five days a week and encouraged local businesses to do the same.

Pushback on Return-to-Office Policies

However, many workers resist these return-to-office mandates, viewing remote work flexibility as essential rather than a mere perk. The demand for remote jobs is robust; 20% of job postings on LinkedIn are for remote or hybrid positions, attracting 60% of applications, as reported by CNBC.

Lupo emphasized the impact of factors like energy costs, internet speed, and home sizes on savings and productivity. While remote jobs can be performed from anywhere, certain states offer an environment that enhances the experience significantly.