Living in big cities in the United States often means higher housing costs and getting less space for your money. When the COVID-19 pandemic made remote work popular, many people began to reconsider living in places like New York City and San Francisco. These cities are known for their high cost of living and small apartments. Remote work gave people the chance to move to less expensive places while still keeping their jobs.
Being able to work from anywhere can help you save money and find a better quality of life. As of July 2024, several cities and states are offering financial incentives to attract new residents. Some of these incentives are as high as $12,000. Here is a 6 Places Across the U.s. That Will Pay You Thousands of Dollars to Move There:
6 Places Across the U.s. That Will Pay You Thousands of Dollars to Move There
1. West Virginia
Program Name: Ascend West Virginia
Incentive: Up to $12,000 or more
Details: West Virginia is offering new residents up to $12,000, along with other benefits like free outdoor activities and a co-working space. To qualify, you must live in one of the designated communities for at least two years. These communities include New River Gorge, Greenbrier Valley, Morgantown, Eastern Panhandle, and Greater Elkins. In the first year, you will receive $10,000 in monthly payments. At the end of the second year, you will get the remaining $2,000.
To be eligible, you must work remotely or be self-employed with a business based outside of West Virginia. You need to show proof of employment and income before being accepted into the program. You must be able to move to West Virginia within six months, be 18 years or older, and be a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
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2. Rochester, New York
Program Name: Greater ROC Relocate
Incentive: Up to $9,000 in homeowner grants
Details: Rochester is offering up to $9,000 to help new residents buy a home. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the U.S., and live at least 300 miles from Rochester. You also need to move to Rochester within six months of being accepted into the program. So far, 32 remote workers have moved to Rochester through this program.
3. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Program Name: Tulsa Remote
Incentive: $10,000 in rental grants or a lump sum for buying a home, plus a three-year membership to a local co-working space
Details: Tulsa started its program in 2018. It offers $10,000 to new residents, either to help with rent or as a lump sum for buying a home. You also get a three-year membership to a co-working space. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, authorized to work in the U.S., and have a full-time remote job outside of Oklahoma. You need to move to Tulsa within 12 months of being approved. You also must have lived outside of Oklahoma for at least one year before applying.
The application process includes a 30-minute virtual interview. If you are selected to proceed, you will need to complete a background check and verify your income. Once approved, you must show that you have signed a lease or bought a home in Tulsa. After these steps, you will be eligible to receive the grant money.
4. Topeka, Kansas
Program Name: Choose Topeka
Incentive: Up to $10,000 for rent or up to $15,000 for buying a home
Details: Topeka offers up to $10,000 to help with rent or up to $15,000 to help buy a home. To receive the incentive, your employer must participate in the GO Topeka employee transfer program and contribute between $2,500 and $15,000. After the first year, the program will reimburse part of the total relocation incentive.
Topeka also has two other programs offering $5,000 to former residents and $5,000 to those transitioning out of the military. For these programs, the funds can be used however the recipient chooses.
5. The Shoals, Alabama
Program Name: Remote Shoals
Incentive: Up to $10,000 given in three payments
Details: The Shoals area in Alabama is offering up to $10,000 to new residents, given in three separate payments. To qualify, you must earn $52,000 or more per year, be able to move to the Shoals area within six months, and work remotely full-time or be self-employed as an independent contractor outside Colbert and Lauderdale counties. You must also be at least 18 years old and eligible to work in the U.S. The program is currently on pause, but new applications will be accepted from September 1 to September 30, 2024. Selections will be made in December 2024.
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6. Illinois
Program Name: Make My Move
Incentive: Starting at $6,800
Details: Several communities in Illinois, including Jacksonville, Mattoon, and Pittsfield, are offering incentives and perks to attract new residents. Jacksonville is offering a package worth $9,300, which includes $5,000 cash for relocation. To qualify, you must earn at least $50,000 a year.
Mattoon’s offer includes $5,000 cash for relocation and money towards local restaurants. To be considered, you must earn at least $45,000 a year and live at least 100 miles outside of Mattoon when you apply. Once accepted, you must agree to live in the city for at least two years.
Similar to Jacksonville and Mattoon, Pittsfield is offering $5,000 cash for relocation. The incentives also include coverage for several months of some household bills. To qualify, you must earn $65,000 a year and live at least 100 miles outside of Pittsfield.
These programs aim to attract new residents by offering financial incentives and other benefits. Moving to these areas can help you save money and enjoy a better quality of life. If you can work remotely, consider these options to find a place that suits your needs and budget.