As working from home remains a popular choice among today’s workforce, cities across the US have decided to capitalize on the trend by incentivizing people to relocate. Some locales will even pay you up to $15,000 to move there. Ready to pack your bags?
1: West Virginia
Lovers of the outdoors may want to head to West Virginia, where new transplants can apply for up to $10,000 in their first year of residency, plus an additional $2,000 if they choose to stay for a second year. To sweeten the deal, West Virginia is also offering free access to co-working spaces and a free year of outdoor equipment rentals so you can explore Appalachia’s natural wonders in style.Â
2: Alaska
It literally pays to live in Alaska. The state’s Permanent Fund Dividend Program offers its residents an annual one-time payout (the amount fluctuates yearly) for living in the remote state.
3: Alabama
Consider relocating to northwestern Alabama, where you can apply for the Remote Shoals relocation incentive program. The program pays out based on your salary, meaning you can earn up to an additional $10,000 just for moving to cities like Florence or Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
4: Michigan
Perfectly located within driving distance of Chicago, Indianapolis, and Detroit, Southwest Michigan entices new residents with its blend of beaches and top-tier educational opportunities. The Move to Michigan program is looking to sweeten the deal by offering remote workers up to $15,000 to relocate, plus nearly $5,000 in extras.
5: Vermont
Looking to live a little off the grid? Remote workers can move to Vermont and enjoy up to $7,500 in relocation cash to make moving a little easier.
6: Baltimore, Maryland
Those searching for an affordable place to settle down might just want to consider Baltimore, where two home-buying programs have made things much easier for new homeowners. The Vacants to Value program provides a $10,000 down payment and closing cost assistance, while the Buying Into Baltimore program gives twenty lucky homebuyers a chance to win a $5,000 grant.
7: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s no-strings-attached Tulsa Remote program pays remote workers a flat $10,000 to relocate to its capital city. To be eligible, you simply have to be employed by a company outside of Oklahoma, be 18 or older, and plan to move to Tulsa within the next year.Â
8: Hamilton, Ohio
Newcomers to the workforce should consider moving to Hamilton, Ohio, an enticing hamlet just 20 miles north of Cincinnati. If you’ve graduated in the last seven years, you’re eligible to earn up to $15,000 in student loan debt reversal by moving to the small town.
9: Newton, Iowa
Take advantage of Newton, Iowa’s generous relocation offer before it expires at the end of 2023. New transplants can receive up to $10,000 in forgivable loans to build or buy a home valued at $190,000 or more.
10: Mattoon, Illinois
A low cost of living isn’t the only reason to take advantage of Mattoon, Illinois’ Move to Mattoon offer. Valued at over $11,000, the relocation offer includes a $5,000 cash payout plus community-building extras like gift cards for local businesses and restaurants, free memberships, and unique local experiences.
11: Rochester, New York
Rochester’s Greater ROC Remote program will pay you up to $10,000 to relocate, making it one of the most affordable ways to move to New York State. Other community perks include up to $9,000 in homebuyer grants, but you must move a minimum of 300 miles from the central City of Rochester to quality.
12: Noblesville, Indiana
Perched just outside of Indianapolis but with all the charm of a small Midwest town, Noblesville, Indiana, is perfectly charming on its own. But a $15,000 incentive program (a combination of cash, free land, and tax credits) might just entice you to move there.
13: Topeka, Kansas
Moving to Kansas might just be a no-brainer with the state’s Choose Topeka incentive program. You can receive up to $15,000 for relocation if you purchase a home, plus a 50% match from GO Topeka/JEDO and qualifying employers.
14: Greater Lafayette, Indiana
Home to Purdue University, Greater Lafayette is working to attract new talent to its hometown school with the Work from Purdue program. Successful applicants will receive a $5,000 relocation stipend plus a free co-working space membership and access to professional development and networking programs.
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