REVEALED: The cities that will PAY you to move there
Some US towns are so eager to grow their populations that they're paying Americans to move there.
From the Great Plains to Appalachia, cities and small towns are finding creative ways to lure newcomers — offering cash, housing grants, and even perks like free coworking spaces. Scroll down for the full list — in a fantastic interactive map or a list.
Some of the most tempting deals on offer are coming from states with slower population growth, or even population decline, such as West Virginia.
Most of the programs are in places that are not major cities, but smaller metros in more rural settings — for example Newton, Iowa, multiple counties in Kansas, and smaller communities in West Virginia.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, has one of the country's best-known programs, offering up to $10,000 and a free coworking membership for remote workers willing to relocate.
Launched in 2018, Tulsa Remote has drawn over 3,800 participants. 'While it began as an experiment to diversify our city's economy, the program has emerged as a major vehicle for growth and opportunity,' Justin Harlan, Tulsa Remote's managing director, told the Daily Mail.
Independent research shows that for every $1 spent on the program, Tulsa Remote returns more than $4 to the local economy — with most benefits going to middle- and lower-income earners.
'Tulsans are already seeing the impact through local spending, job creation and new tax revenue,' Harlan said.
Tulsa, Oklahoma (pictured) has one of the country's most well-known incentive programs, offering a $10,000 grant for remote workers relocating
The program began in 2018 and has since drawn 1,400 people to Tulsa (pictured) - the second largest city in Oklahoma
Justin Harlan, Tulsa Remote's managing director
'Tulsans are already seeing the benefits of this program through increased local spending, job creation, and new tax revenue,' Harlan said.
The deal with the highest approximate value for re-locaters is in Belleville, Kansas — which is offering up to $35,000 in grants to attract new residents willing to build homes there. This includes a $25,000 base grant and a $10,000 bonus if your home is among the first five built under the program.
With a population of under 2,000 people, the city is clearly trying to expand.
Through a program called MakeMyMove, Belleville provides additional incentives for eligible remote workers beyond homebuying assistance — including up to $1,500 per year for five years to help repay student loans, and up to $3,000 for those employed by Republic County to cover moving expenses.
Another Midwest area offering major perks for prospective residents is Jackson, Michigan. The city is granting up to $25,000 in down‑payment assistance for eligible buyers.
Jackson is a larger city, with 30,920 residents, but is aiming to grow the population through a variety of initiatives in a direct response to decades of significant population decline.
As part of its 100 Home Program, the city aims to build 100 one- and two-bedroom homes on vacant residential lots throughout Jackson, with each home priced at $175,000.
Topeka, Kansas, is offering up to $15,000 for home‑buyers or up to $10,000 for renters under the 'Choose Topeka' program to encourage more people to move into the city.
Independent research has found that for every $1 spent on attracting remote workers, Tulsa Remote returns more than $4 to Tulsans
Jackson, Michigan (pictured) is another Midwest area offering major perks for prospective residents. Jackson is a larger city, with 30,920 residents, but is aiming to grow the population
Topeka, Kansas (pictured) is offering up to $15,000 for home‑buyers or up to $10,000 for renters under the 'Choose Topeka' program to encourage more people to move into the city.
The state capital has teamed up with employers to offer cash to those willing to move there and, as an added bonus, sandwich chain Jimmy John's will throw in an extra $1,000 for anyone who moves within delivery range of one of its locations.
Morgantown, West Virginia, has a program offering $12,000 cash for remote workers and other perks, such as a coworking-space membership and free outdoor-gear rentals.
To be eligible, potential residents must be over the age of 18 and willing to relocate to the city for two years.
The vibrant college town home is home to West Virginia University and has a population of 30,000.
All of these incentives have become more realistic options for Americans since working remotely became popular during and after the pandemic.
