11 Places That Will Pay You to Move There
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Richard Haddad Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
If you’re considering a move and want to stretch your dollars, you might be surprised to learn that there are places that will pay you to move there.
Cities and regions across the U.S. are offering incentives to attract new residents, from cash bonuses and down payment assistance to free internet and local perks. These may not be the largest or most glamorous cities, but they offer affordability and charm that might be just what you’re looking for in a place to call home.
Relocation incentive programs can help ease the financial burden of a big move and open up new opportunities for your lifestyle or career.
In this post, we’ll highlight 11 places that are ready to roll out the welcome mat with move-in perks. We’ll also share how you can search for relocation programs in other cities and towns.
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Why do some places pay people to move there?
Many cities and regions face shrinking populations, worker shortages, or economic challenges. To boost growth and attract fresh talent, these places offer financial incentives to lure new residents.
The goal is to enhance local economies, stabilize housing markets, and revitalize communities. By offering these programs, they aim to bring in new homeowners, renters, remote workers, and entrepreneurs who can help fuel the area’s future prosperity.
Let’s look at 11 examples of places that will pay you to live there. For comparison, we’ve included median home prices calculated from local transaction data and estimated rent cost ranges provided by apartments.com.
Editor’s note: Programs and eligibility requirements can change. Check the program pages for updates.
1. Tulsa, Oklahoma 📍
- Median home price: $205,000
- Typical cost of rent: $700-$1,000 per month
Tulsa offers remote workers a unique opportunity through its “Tulsa Remote” program, designed to entice new residents with a $10,000 homebuying grant. The relocation program specifically targets remote workers who can bring their jobs with them, allowing them to enjoy Tulsa’s low cost of living while boosting the local economy.
Participants in the program receive the $10,000 incentive either in monthly installments or as a lump sum after purchasing a qualifying home. To submit an application and be considered for the program, you must meet five eligibility requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Currently have a full-time, remote job outside of Oklahoma
- Can relocate to Tulsa within 12 months of program approval
- Have lived outside of Oklahoma for 12 months before applying
With its vibrant arts scene and friendly Midwestern atmosphere, Tulsa is becoming an appealing destination for those looking to relocate and work remotely. Learn more on the Tulsa Remote FAQ page.
»Find a top-rated Tulsa real estate agent
2. Topeka, Kansas 📍
- Median home price: $189,000
- Typical cost of rent: $700-$1,000 per month
Topeka’s “Choose Topeka” program offers relocation incentives of up to $15,000 for those willing to settle in Kansas’ capital city. The program partners with Shawnee County employers to choose talented people to relocate to the community. Incentives are available to both remote workers and in-person employees, making it an attractive option for a broad range of professionals.
Participants receive the incentive in two ways:
- Up to $10,000 for those renting or buying a home in Topeka
- Up to $15,000 for those purchasing a home in Shawnee County
To qualify for the “Choose Topeka” program, applicants must:
- Confirm with your new employer that they participate in Choose Topeka
- Move to Topeka to work in a full-time position
- Purchase or rent a primary residence home in Shawnee County within a year
- Be a legal U.S. citizen or hold a legal alien status
- Complete the Choose Topeka survey after one year
- Participate in the Choose Topeka immersion program
- Ensure the employer’s application is received before permanent relocation
With affordable living and a growing arts and culture scene, Topeka is a great choice for anyone looking to plant roots in the Midwest. Learn more on the Choose Topeka application page. You can also explore the Boomerang and Transitioning Military Service Member programs.
»Find a top-rated Topeka real estate agent
3. Noblesville, Indiana 📍
- Median home price: $370,000
- Typical cost of rent: $1,001-$1,500 per month
Noblesville is offering remote workers an enticing relocation incentive through a partnership with MakeMyMove.com. New residents can receive a $5,000 relocation grant along with various local perks, such as a 1-year membership to a co-working space, park passes, a health and wellness stipend, and even VIP concert experiences at the nearby Ruoff Music Center. The total incentive package is worth up to $15,000.
To qualify for Noblesville’s relocation program, applicants must:
- Be employed full-time or self-employed and retain their current clients or position
- Earn at least $80,000 annually
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Currently reside outside the state of Indiana
- Relocate their primary residence to Noblesville within six months of being accepted
Noblesville offers remote workers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. The program also includes access to community events and networking opportunities to help newcomers feel at home. Learn more on the Noblesville relocation program page.
»Shop for homes in Noblesville
»Find a top-rated Noblesville real estate agent
4. Newton, Iowa 📍
- Median home price: $180,000
- Typical cost of rent: $700-$1,000 per month
Newton’s Housing Initiative offers a generous incentive for homebuyers looking to build or buy a new home in this charming Iowa town. Through the Newton Housing Development Corporation, eligible participants can receive up to $10,000 in cash, plus a custom “Get to Know Newton” welcome package valued at $2,500.
This program is designed to attract new residents and boost local development by providing financial support for those constructing or buying new construction single-family homes in the city.
To qualify for Newton’s homebuyer incentive program, applicants must:
- Build or buy a new single-family home within the city limits of Newton
- Ensure the home is valued at $240,000 or more (net of land value)
- Home value must be backed by an appraisal or assessment.
- Must be an owner-occupied primary residence (not a rental property)
- Begin construction by 2026 (subject to funding availability)
- Meet other standard requirements for city approval
This initiative has made Newton an appealing destination for homebuyers seeking affordable new builds with great community perks. Learn more on the Newton program page or at this link on newtongov.org.
5. Paducah, Kentucky 📍
- Median home price: $170,000
- Typical cost of rent: $700-$1,000 per month
Paducah’s Remote Workers Incentive Program offers up to $6,500 in perks for remote workers looking to relocate to this vibrant river city. The package includes financial incentives and unique local experiences to help new residents immerse themselves in the community.
Participants in the program are eligible to receive:
- Up to $2,500 in relocation reimbursement for moving expenses such as a renter’s deposit, down payment on a home, or moving services
- Up to $70 per month for 12 months to cover internet service expenses
- A waiver of the city’s 2% payroll tax for one year
- Cultural and educational amenities valued at approximately $1,150, including tickets, memberships, and passes to local attractions
To qualify for the Paducah Remote Workers Incentive Program, applicants must:
- Be 21 years or older
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Live at least 100 miles outside of Paducah at the time of application
- Work full-time for a company located more than 100 miles away
- Be able to perform most work remotely
- Obtained a primary residency in the city within three months of acceptance
- Contract to retain primary residence for at least one year beyond the initial 12-month program
- Not be a participant in any other publicly-funded program or initiative
Paducah’s combination of history, arts, and riverfront charm makes it an enticing place for remote workers to call home. Learn more on the Paducah Remote Workers Incentive Program page on paducahky.gov.
»Find a top-rated Paducah real estate agent
6. Bemidji, Minnesota 📍
- Median home price: $260,000
- Typical cost of rent: $700-$1,000 per month
Bemidji’s 218 Relocate Remote Worker Program offers an appealing package for remote workers looking to relocate to this picturesque northern Minnesota city. The program provides a range of $2,000-$4,000 in relocation reimbursement, covering expenses such as moving costs, home office setup, and high-speed internet service.
Participants also receive additional perks, including:
- A one-year membership to the LaunchPad coworking space in downtown Bemidji ($1,500 value)
- 1-year membership to the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce
- Access to teleworking support tools through Effective Remote Work
To qualify for the 218 Relocate program, applicants must:
- Work remotely full-time for a company located outside of the Bemidji area
- Relocate from a distance of 60 miles or more
- Become a full-time resident within the Bemidji area (56601 zip code)
- Perform the majority of their work remotely from a home office or coworking space
- Obtains internet service through the city’s partner service
Bemidji offers an attractive balance of small-town charm and cutting-edge remote work infrastructure, making it an ideal spot for telecommuters. Learn more on the 218 Relocate’s FAQ page.
»Find a top-rated Bemidji real estate agent
7. Shoals region, Alabama 📍
- Median home price: $250,000-$315,000
- Typical cost of rent: $700-$1,500 per month
The Remote Shoals program invites remote workers to relocate to the beautiful Shoals region in northwest Alabama, which includes the cities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. The program offers up to $10,000 to qualified remote workers looking to enjoy the region’s vibrant music history, creative culture, and affordability.
Participants in the program receive the $10,000 incentive in installments:
- 25% upon relocating to the Shoals
- 25% after six months of residency and remote work
- 50% after completing one year of residency
To qualify for the Remote Shoals program, applicants must:
- Be 18 or older and eligible to work in the U.S.
- Be employed full-time as a remote worker or be self-employed
- Earn at least $52,000 annually
- Relocate to the Shoals area within six months of being selected
- Live outside of Colbert and Lauderdale counties at the time of application
With its rich musical heritage, creative community, and stunning natural surroundings, the Shoals offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city access. Learn more on the Remote Shoals program page
Editor’s note: According to the Remote Shoals website, applications are currently paused and will reopen on Sept. 1, 2024. You can still fill out the online form and request to be notified when applications reopen.
»Shop for homes in the Shoals (Colbert County) area
»Find a top-rated Alabama real estate agent
8. West Virginia region 📍
- Median home price: $190,000-$325,000
- Typical cost of rent: $700-$1,100 per month
The Ascend West Virginia program offers an enticing package for remote workers seeking adventure and a change of pace in the Mountain State. Valued at over $20,000, this program provides a combination of financial and lifestyle incentives designed to help new residents thrive in West Virginia’s scenic and vibrant communities, such as Greenbrier Valley, Morgantown, and the Eastern Panhandle.
Participants in the program receive:
- $12,000 in cash, paid over two years ($10,000 in the first year, $2,000 at the end of the second year)
- A year of free outdoor recreation worth over $2,500, including activities such as hiking, rafting, ziplining, and more
- Free access to coworking space and over $1,200 in free outdoor gear rentals
- Professional development opportunities, social programming events, and outdoor experiences such as group bike rides and paddleboard yoga.
To qualify for the Ascend WV program, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old and work remotely for a company located outside of West Virginia
- Relocate to one of the participating areas, such as Morgantown, Greenbrier Valley, or the Eastern Panhandle
- Be willing to participate in virtual interviews
- Be ready to enjoy a work-life balance filled with outdoor adventures and community events
West Virginia’s breathtaking landscapes and welcoming communities make it a perfect destination for remote workers seeking a fresh start. To learn more about the Ascend WV program, visit this FAQ page.
9. Baltimore, Maryland 📍
- Median home price: $230,000
- Typical cost of rent: $1,001-$1,800 per month
The Live Near Your Work program in Baltimore encourages homeownership near places of employment by offering financial assistance toward down payments and closing costs. Incentives vary depending on which company you work for and range from $2,000 to nearly $20,000 to help reduce the upfront costs of purchasing a home.
Participants in the program benefit from:
- Money for a down payment and closing cost assistance, with different values attached to participating employers
- Eligibility for additional incentives based on employer contributions and specific terms set by each organization
To qualify for the Live Near Your Work program, applicants must:
- Be employed by a participating employer in Baltimore
- Earn a homeownership counseling certificate before making a purchase offer
- Live in the home as your primary residence
- Contribute at least $1,000 of your own money toward the purchase
- Your mortgage cannot exceed $667,000 for a single-family home (FHA mortgage limit)
- You must apply and be approved before closing on your home (funds are not retroactive)
- Must finance your home on a fixed-rate mortgage without a co-signer
The Live Near Your Work program supports both first-time homebuyers and existing homeowners looking to live closer to their jobs. Learn more on the Live Near Your Work page
»Find a top-rated Baltimore real estate agent
10. Greater Rochester, New York 📍
- Median home price: $190,000-$230,000
- Typical cost of rent: $1,001-$1,500 per month
The Greater ROC Relocate program offers an attractive incentive package for remote workers and professionals looking to make Rochester, New York, their new home. The program provides up to $9,000 in grants toward purchasing a home, helping new residents ease into homeownership in this vibrant region.
Participants in the program benefit from:
- Up to $9,000 in additional grants for home purchase assistance
- Tailored support to ensure a seamless integration into the Rochester community
- Access to professional networking events and resources to help establish a solid footing in the region
To qualify for the Greater ROC Relocate program, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old and eligible to work in the U.S.
- Live at least 300 miles from Rochester prior to applying
- Relocate to the Greater Rochester region within six months of program acceptance
With its affordable cost of living, diverse amenities, and welcoming community, Rochester provides an excellent opportunity for new residents to settle down and thrive. Learn more on the Greater ROC Relocate page
»Shop for homes in the Greater Rochester (Monroe County) area
»Find a top-rated Monroe County real estate agent
11. Jacksonville, Illinois 📍
- Median home price: $150,900
- Typical cost of rent: $700-$1,200 per month
The Jacksonville, Illinois, MakeMyMove campaign offers remote workers and other new residents an incentive package valued up to $9,300, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a blend of small-town charm and affordability. The program includes $5,000 in cash to assist with relocation costs and $300 in “Chamber Checks” to spend at local businesses, further integrating newcomers into the Jacksonville community.
Participants in the program also enjoy a variety of unique perks, such as:
- A steak dinner for two at Future Champions Sports Complex and tickets to local cultural events
- A swag basket filled with local products and gifts from the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Personal guided tours of local schools and a real estate consultation to help ease the transition
- Additional perks from discounts on broadband service, golf courses, and a complimentary checking account
To qualify for the Jacksonville relocation program, applicants must:
- Earn at least $50,000 annually
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live at least 70 miles outside of the Jacksonville region prior to applying
- Relocate to Jacksonville within six months and remain a resident for at least one year
Jacksonville offers a warm, welcoming community with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a growing local economy. Learn more on the Jacksonville MakeMyMove page
»Shop for homes in Jacksonville
»Find a top-rated Jacksonville (Morgan County) real estate agent
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Search for more places that will pay you to move there
If you’re interested in exploring more cities or towns that offer relocation incentives, several websites have made it easier to find these opportunities.
- MakeMyMove is a popular platform that connects remote workers with communities offering cash incentives, bonuses, and networking opportunities to attract new residents. Their searchable platform features cities and towns across the U.S. welcoming newcomers with exciting offers.
- Citizen Remote focuses on helping remote workers navigate the logistics of relocating abroad, from visas to housing and beyond.
Whether you’re looking to move within the U.S. or internationally, these platforms can help you find your perfect destination and get paid to make the move.
Partner with a top agent to buy and sell
Relocating to a new city offers exciting possibilities, especially when incentives sweeten the deal. Whether you’re moving to a place that will pay you to move there or looking to sell your current home, having the right real estate agent makes all the difference.
With HomeLight’s Agent Match platform, you can connect with top local agents who are ready to guide you through the buying or selling process, ensuring you get the best possible outcome. We analyze nearly 30 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.
If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, check out HomeLight’s modern Buy Before You Sell program, which streamlines the process to make your best move. See this short video to learn more.
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