Thessaloniki feels alive and messy in the best way. The city hums with cafes, music and old stones. Summers are hot with a cool sea breeze. Winters are mild. Most travellers enjoy the long promenade at sunset and the small tavernas that stay open late.
For digital nomads it works well. Cost of living is easy on the wallet compared with big Western cities. Internet is usually fast and reliable in apartments and coworking spots. There are good cafes to set up shop and a few active coworking spaces where you can meet other remote workers.
Things to do are endless. Walk the Ano Poli, hunt for street art, eat bougatsa at a tiny shop, then hop a bus to Halkidiki beaches for the day. I once joined a sunset beach volleyball game at Nea Paralia and ended up chatting with a programmer from Thessaloniki. For some, this mix of history, food and a friendly community will be amazing. Arguably not the best if you need island life every day.