Living in the United States is quite costly nowadays. Many Americans want to save more money due to factors like long-lasting inflation, high interest rates, and expensive healthcare. Is there one option that is becoming more popular? Some smaller cities and towns in the US offer relocation packages to attract new residents.
These programs, also called worker relocation incentive programs, are available nationwide. They aim to attract workers who can move to different locations by offering them financial incentives and additional benefits like free gym memberships, access to co-working spaces, and even the opportunity to have dinner with the mayor. Some of the best offers are worth over $10,000, and some even come with incentives for homebuyers.
One worker incentive program called the Life Works Here program has ended. It was launched in November 2020 and it attracted remote tech workers to northwest Arkansas. The program offered $10,000 and a free bike. In 2023, Vermont ended its relocation incentive program that had been paying up to $10,000 to eligible workers for the past five years.
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US Cities will pay up to $15,000 to move there
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa Remote started in 2018 as the first program of its kind. It gives remote workers and entrepreneurs $10,000 to relocate to the city of Tulsa in the south-central US for one year.
Since then, around 2,900 people have been accepted into the program. As of December 2022, its members had earned nearly $307 million in direct employment income, according to the latest Tulsa Remote economic impact report. The program also calculated that Tulsa County would receive approximately $2.5 million in new sales tax revenue, while the state of Oklahoma would receive approximately $3.1 million.
West Virginia
Ascend West Virginia is a public-private initiative that involves five communities. It was founded by Brad D. Smith, a West Virginia native and former CEO of software company Intuit, along with his wife Alys. The program has been running for three years. It gives eligible recipients, also called Ascenders, a cash incentive of $12,000. They receive $10,000 in the first year and an extra $2,000 in the second year.
Recipients also get free passes for activities like rock climbing, ziplining, and golf to explore West Virginia’s rugged landscapes. They also have access to free co-working spaces. The spokesperson said that over 42,500 applications have been received for the relocation package, which is worth more than $20,000.
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Indiana
Indiana has been very proactive in attracting new workers by offering financial relocation packages and perks. According to MakeMyMove, many cities and regions have a package of benefits to offer. Since 2023, around 340 households have moved to Indiana using this platform.
There are many options available for people in Indiana who are looking for a new place to live. In Noblesville, a suburb of Indianapolis, there is a package worth $15,000. This package includes a $5,000 grant to help with relocation, a season of free golf at two courses, and the opportunity to have coffee with the mayor.
Topeka, Kansas
Choose Topeka started in 2019 and provides applicants with up to $15,000 in incentives through employer match funding. Since then, over 6,000 people have applied. Out of those, around 150 lucky newcomers have been chosen to move to the Sunflower State.
The Shoals, Alabama
Are you looking for a taste of Southern hospitality for your next adventure? There is a program called Remote Shoals in the Shoals area of Alabama’s northwestern region. It covers four main cities and two counties. Qualified workers can receive up to $10,000 through this program.
The program started in June 2019 and got its fourth round of funding in 2022, with a total investment of $1 million. In February 2022, it received 2,300 applications from all 50 states and some from other countries. The participants came from 22 different states.
Rochester, New York
If remote workers don’t want to work in New York City, they can consider Rochester. The Greater ROC Remote program in Rochester offers $10,000 in grants and incentives, and an additional $9,000 for home-buying grants. The program welcomed its first recipients in April 2022. It was modeled after Tulsa’s program and other similar programs. The aim is to have approximately 600 people participate (excluding family members) within a span of three years.
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