Multiple US cities are paying you $20,000 in cash and free housing
With more people working remotely, the appeal of staying in a big city with higher rents is starting to wane. Especially when towns across the US are paying people to move there. These cities are welcoming digital commuters with tons of perks – we mean cash, homes, free coworking spaces, and all sorts of other incentives. Smaller towns with larger elderly populations are desperate to find a new, young and vibrant crowd to keep them afloat – that’s where you come in.
Pack your bags, because some cities across the US are paying people $15,000 in cash and free housing to move there.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
The city of Tulsa is offering $10,000 to people who move there and work remotely. That means you can live in Tulsa but work for a company in another state. Pretty cool, right? Since the program launched in 2018, more than 2,900 people have moved to Tulsa through the program, generating $307 million in revenue and millions in tax revenue for the city. Win-win!
Towns in West Virginia
It’s almost too good to be true — but it isn’t! Picturesque towns in West Virginia are offering $12,000 in cash and free housing to people who move there. The Ascend West Virginia program has received over 42,500 applications so far, and participants get free co-working spaces and outdoor activities like rock climbing and golf. Sign up!
Topeka, Kansas
The city of Topeka is paying people up to $15,000 to move there and work. They have special programs for veterans, people who used to live in Topeka, and people who find a job that pays at least $50,000 a year. Since the program started in 2019, more than 6,000 people have applied and nearly 150 have moved to Topeka.
The Shoals, Alabama
In an area called The Shoals, there are multiple towns that are offering up to $10,000 to people who move there and work remotely. You just need to make at least $52,000 a year and move there within six months. The program has received more than 2,300 applications from all 50 states, and even some international applicants.
Rochester, New York
The city of Rochester offers $10,000 in grants and incentives for remote workers, plus a $9,000 home purchase grant. To qualify, you must live 300 miles away or in another state. The program launches in 2022 and aims to attract 600 new remote workers over three years.
Indiana
Many towns in Indiana offer relocation packages, such as Noblesville's $15,000 relocation package (including a $5,000 cash grant, free golf, and coffee with the mayor) and Evansville's $7,200 relocation package (including $5,000 cash, museum passes, and a membership to the City Forest). As of 2023, about 340 families have relocated to Indiana through these programs.
Kentucky
Several towns in Kentucky offer subsidies to move in, like Mayfield and Graves County, which offer $8,800 in subsidies plus $5,000 in cash, plus other benefits like half-price child care and free monthly egg deliveries. Some cities also offer an additional $2,500 bonus to workers who bring a spouse to work in the local health or education industries.
Alaska
Instead of offering cash incentives, the state of Alaska pays all residents a lump sum each year from its Permanent Fund dividend. In 2022, every Alaska resident received $3,284, the highest amount yet under the program. To qualify, you must have lived in Alaska for a full year before applying.
Application process
Visit the website of the state you want to go to, find the program, fill out the application form, prepare the required documents, and complete the application.
These are just a few of the many places in the U.S. that pay people to move there. If you're thinking about making a move, you might want to check out these deals. You can get free money, free housing, or even both! With so many great options, who knows—your next home might be in a city that pays you to live there.