Many Americans relocated early during the pandemic due to a job loss or fear of catching the coronavirus. Then, many more relocated when they realized they could work remotely from just about anywhere.
A number of towns and small cities see an opportunity to lure such workers and families to migrate there, hoping to boost their populations and grow their economies. Some dangle offers of thousands of dollars to entice workers — often workers who can do their jobs remotely.
The following places in the U.S. are offering financial incentives to the right newcomers — which could be you.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore offers a couple of programs that may be attractive to remote workers. The Live Near Your Work program is a partnership with more than 100 local companies willing to help you buy a home in the city. The amount — which can be used toward down payments and closing costs — varies by employer, but may be anywhere from $2,000 to almost $20,000.
Another program called the Vacants to Value Booster doesn’t hinge upon employment at all. The city will help eligible homebuyers move into a house that has sat vacant for more than one year by providing $10,000 in down payment assistance. There are mortgage limits, but no restrictions folks based on income or previous homeownership.
Learn more: Visit the Live Near Your Work website.
West Virginia
West Virginia offers a program to attract remote workers. It will provide $12,000 over two years, workspace and free use of outdoor rental gear with which approved applicants can enjoy the state’s many outdoor recreation opportunities.
The program, Ascend West Virginia, received a $25 million gift from former Intuit CEO and West Virginia native Brad D. Smith and his wife, Alys.
Recipients’ stipends will be paid over two years:
- $10,000 in equal monthly payments through the first year
- An additional $2,000 paid at the end of the second year
You can apply now.
Learn more: Visit the Ascend West Virginia website.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Eligible applicants to the Tulsa Remote program must be able to relocate to the Tulsa area “within the next 12 months” and either have full-time remote employment or be self-employed outside of Oklahoma.
Accepted applicants will get a $10,000 grant and free desk space at a co-working space for three years. You must be at least 18 and eligible to work in the U.S.
Learn more: Visit the Tulsa Remote website.
Paducah, Kentucky
“Do what you do from Paducah,” the city says, and you could enjoy a number of benefits through its Remote Workers Incentive Program.
While the city isn’t directly handing out cash, it offers these benefits:
- Up to $2,500 in reimbursement for qualifying moving expenses, including a rental deposit, down payment, moving trucks, movers or moving supplies
- Up to $70 per month reimbursement for internet service, for one year
- A waiver of the city’s 2% payroll tax for one year
- A bundle of “tickets/passes, training, memberships, and/or experiences” to local cultural and educational institutions worth roughly $1,150
To qualify, neither you or your employer can currently be within 100 miles of the city, and you need to work full-time remotely in the city with your employer’s permission. It’s a minimum two-year commitment.
Learn more: Visit the city’s website.
Topeka, Kansas
Get up to $15,000 when you rent or buy a home in Topeka, Kansas — the state capital located in Shawnee County — within a year of moving there and being hired in the area or working remotely for an employer located outside the county. The website for the Choose Topeka campaign, below, has the rules.
Learn more: Visit the Choose Topeka website.
Newton, Iowa
To take part in the Newton Housing Initiative, buy or build a new home in that Iowa community and get up to $10,000 (the full amount is for homes valued at $240,000 and over). Home values don’t include the price of the land in the city, which is 35 miles east of the state capital, Des Moines.
You must begin construction on your new single-family home through 2026 and fully complete the construction. You’ll get the financial incentive from the city upon closing your home financing.
Learn more: Visit the Newton Housing Initiative page on the city’s website.
Bemidji, Minnesota
Move from more than 60 miles away for full-time remote work in Bemidji, and you likely qualify for the Greater Bemidji Remote Worker Relocation Program. That means six months of free internet through Paul Bunyan Communications, one year of free co-working space and membership to the area’s chamber of commerce.
You’ll also join a free program dedicated to helping relocating workers and their families settle in, feel welcome and connect with the community.
Altogether, these benefits are worth about $2,400.
Learn more: Visit 218 Relocate website.
The Shoals in Alabama
Get $10,000 in installments to live and work remotely in the Shoals, which comprises the Florence-Muscle Shoals metropolitan area in northwest Alabama.
To be eligible for the Remote Shoals program, you must:
- Earn at least $52,000 annually
- Move to the Shoals within six months of receiving the award
- Have full-time remote employment or be self-employed as an independent contractor outside of Colbert and Lauderdale Counties
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Be at least 18 years old
Learn more: Visit the Remote Shoals program website.
Mankato, Kansas
You can get a good start on living the small-town life with a free building lot in this north-central Kansas community of about 900 in Jewell County.
Among other requirements, applicants must:
- Have a written agreement with a contractor to start construction within six months of acquiring the land
- Have a lender’s preapproval
- Be interviewed by the City Council
- Build a three-bedroom (or more) single-family home with at least 1,200 square feet of living area
- Finish construction within two years after taking possession of the lot
Learn more: Visit the Free Land page on the Chamber of Commerce site.
Lincoln, Kansas
This rural agricultural community in Kansas with just a few thousand residents overlooks the Saline River. Lincoln is offering free lots that range from 14,000 square feet to 35,000 square feet. The lots are ready for construction and are located in a residential development with streets, water and sewer.
Applicants must agree to build a house of at least 1,300 square feet within an agreed-upon time frame and comply with design guidelines. Rules are given and questions answered at the link below to program information on the Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation website.
Learn more: Visit the Free Lots page of the Lincoln County website.
Alaska
If you really want to get away from it all, why not head for The Last Frontier?
Live there a full calendar year (with intention to stay there), and you can become eligible for an annual Permanent Fund Dividend. The precise amount depends on what the state government approves each year. The 2023 amount was set at $1,312, while the 2022 amount was $3,284.
The money is paid through the Alaska Permanent Fund, which residents can file an application with in the first quarter of each year.
Learn more: Visit the Permanent Fund Dividend page of the Alaska Department of Revenue website.
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