As the cost of living increases across the country, some towns, cities and even states are offering big financial incentives up to $50,000 to bring new residents to live there.
It may sound too good to be true, but there are a host of relocation deals across the nation aimed at attracting newcomers to shack up.
Compensation range from cold hard cash to tax breaks up to five figures, which could go some way to easing the overall cost of a move to somewhere new.
Columbus, Georgia – $5,000
For those looking for a Southern spin on a rising metro, look no further than Columbus, Georgia’s second-most populous city – which is accepting applications for relocation.
Located in the western part of the state near Alabama, Columbus offers a both a low cost of living and a trendy, downtown feel – as well as $5,000 cash and several other benefits for new residents.
Columbus offers a both a low cost of living and a trendy, downtown feel – as well as $5,000 cash and several other benefits for new residents
These include six months of co-working space, a coffee date with the mayor and a two-night stay prior to your move – all paid for in full by the city.
The opportunity, organizers claim, is perfect for those with startups or undergoing remote work.
Qualified candidates must earn at least $75,000 annually and make Muscogee County their primary residence.
Benefits include $5,000 for relocation, six months of co-working space membership, and an annual community outing. Applications are closed for 2024 but will reopen in January 2025.
For those looking for a Southern spin on a rising metro, look no further – Georgia’s second-most populous city after Atlanta, Columbus (pictured, is currently accepting applications
When not working, rafting along the Chattahoochee river is a popular past time, or perhaps pay a visit to one of the city’s prevalence of eateries, museums, and parks.
A major metro exuding unmistakable hometown heart, the city also offers an abundance of affordable housing options.
Moreover, the typical value for a two-bedroom is around $120,000 – less than half the average in the U.S.
Lincoln County, Kansas – $4,500
Lincoln County, in the middle of the Kansas countryside, has a population of fewer than 3,000 in an area about 130 miles from Wichita.
The county is offering $4,500 in cash to new residents.
Additional perks include a $500 internet credit, a gym membership and a monthly basket of farm-fresh eggs.
Remote workers earning at least $50,000 annually and agreeing to live in Lincoln County for at least a year can also qualify for a free plot of land and an extra $5,000 if their spouse finds local employment.
This program, managed by Make My Move and Innovation Center, has inspired interest from 23 other counties.
‘The money is just the hook,’ Kelly Gourley, executive director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation, said in a statement. ‘It won’t make someone like where they live; it’s what comes after that makes someone feel good about the move.’
Lincoln County, in the middle of the Kansas countryside, has a population of fewer than 3,000 in an area about 130 miles from Wichita. The county is offering $4,500 in cash to newcomers
Mississippi County, Arkansas – $50,000
Mississippi County, Arkansas, some two-and-a-half hours from Little Rock, is offering up to $50,000 to new and existing residents for building or renovating homes.
In order to quality, participants must work for companies such as US Steel or Big River Steel and commit to living in the county for at least four years.
Since its launch in 2022, the county has attracted 80 new buyers, many of whom are first-time homeowners.
The Work Here, Live Here initiative is a collaboration between local industries, community groups, and financial institutions.
‘Once we start having a population increase — and there’s no reason we shouldn’t with all the jobs we have created — then the quality of life will follow,’ Randy Scott, president of Farmers Bank and Trust, told Business Insider. ‘You’ll get the restaurants, you’ll get the retail shops, you’ll get the amenities.’
Newton, Iowa – $10,000
Newton, Iowa, is just 30 minutes from Des Moines and offering $10,000 to homebuyers purchasing properties worth at least $240,000.
The money is are released after building inspectors form the City of Newton issue a certificate of occupancy.
There are no residency duration requirements, and new residents receive a welcome package valued at $2,500.
‘There are no ‘term of residency’ requirements; i.e., while you must take title to the home, you are not required to remain in the home for any specified length of time,’ development specialist for the city Craig Armstrong said.
Newton, Iowa, is just 30 minutes from Des Moines and offering $10,000 to homebuyers purchasing properties worth at least $240,000
The Shoals, Alabama – $10,000
The Shoals in northern Alabama, encompassing Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia, are offering $10,000 to remote workers who move there.
The funds are distributed in installments to help with moving costs and to encourage long-term residency.
The first $2,500 is supposed to help with moving costs. Another $2,500 is handed out after six months with the final $5,000 given out after a year.
Eligible applicants must earn at least $52,000 annually and commit to relocating within six months. Applications for Remote Shoals will reopen in September 2024.
Tulsa, Oklahoma – $10,000
The Tulsa Remote program offers $10,000 to remote workers who move to Oklahoma.
Program requirements include currently having a full-time remote job and living outside of Oklahoma for one full year before applying.
If selected, participants will receive their money after a lease has been signed or a qualifying home has been purchased and approved. In addition to the grant, participants receive a 36-month membership to a co-working space.
The program also gives a $500 travel reimbursement and give those planning to move to a $150 Airbnb credit to familiarize themselves with the city before moving.
In Oklahoma, the average home value is $195,594.
The Tulsa Remote program offers $10,000 to remote workers who move to Oklahoma. Pictured Tulsa, Oklahoma
West Virginia – $20,000
The Ascend West Virginia program offers $12,000 to remote workers who move to the Mountain State.
Applicants must be 18 years or older and already have a full-time remote job to qualify for the program.
If selected, participants will receive $10,000 over their first year paid in monthly installments. Then they will receive $2,000 after completing their second year in West Virginia.
Cities such as Morgantown and Greenbrier Valley offer additional incentives that bring the total up to $20,000.
According to Zillow, the average home value in West Virginia is $154,371.
The Ascend West Virginia program offers $12,000 to remote workers who move to the Mountain State. Morgantown, above, gives additional incentives bringing the total to $20,000
According to Zillow, the average home value in West Virginia is $154,371.
Outdoorsy perks like whitewater rafting, golf, rock climbing, horseback riding and even skiing round out the rest of the package – offered in the form of free passes provided upon relocation.
‘Ascenders’ can choose from one of several communities, ranging from the northern college town of Morgantown – near WVU – to the Greenbrier Valley in the southeastern corner of the state.
The latter is nestled in the state’s idyllic mountains – a draw for any whom appreciate the majesty of Mother Nature.
The public-private program is offered by Ascend West Virginia, and offers an upfront cash incentive of $10,000 – and an additional $2,000 if you stay for two years. ‘Ascenders’ can choose from one of five communities in the Misty Mountain State
‘You couldn’t ask for a more small-town charm with amazing music and vibrancy and an incredible recreation scene,’ said Brad D. Smith, the program’s founder and current president of Marshall University.
Once the CEO of software company Intuit, he founded the program three years ago – leaving behind a successful career in Silicon Valley.
With a 96.5 percent retention rate, he has yet to turn back.
Other participating communities include the Eastern Panhandle, Elkins – on the western edge of the Monongahela National Forest – and New River Gore, the country’s newest national park.