How seven US cities are offering residents up to $50,000 to move there

As the cost of living rises across the country, some towns, cities and even states are offering large financial incentives of up to $50,000 to attract new residents to live there.

It may sound too good to be true, but there are a large number of relocation agreements across the country aimed at attracting newcomers to move.

Compensation ranges from cash to tax breaks up to five figures, which could go some way to easing the overall cost of moving to a new place.

Columbus, Georgia – $5,000

For those looking for a southern twist on an emerging metro, look no further than Columbus, Georgia’s second most populous city, which is accepting relocation applications.

Located in the western part of the state near Alabama, Columbus offers both a low cost of living and a trendy city feel, as well as $5,000 cash and several other benefits for new residents.

These include six months of co-working space, a coffee date with the mayor and a two-night stay prior to your move – all fully paid for by the city.

The organizers claim that this opportunity is perfect for those with startups or those who work remotely.

Qualified applicants must earn at least $75,000 annually and make Muscogee County their primary residence.

Benefits include $5,000 toward relocation, six months of membership in a co-working space, and an annual community outing. Applications are closed for 2024, but will reopen in January 2025.

When you’re not at work, rafting on the Chattahoochee River is a popular pastime, or perhaps visit one of the city’s many eateries, museums, and parks.

A major metropolis that exudes an unmistakable hometown heart, the city also offers an abundance of affordable housing options.

Furthermore, the typical value for a two-bedroom is around $120,000 – less than half the US average.

Lincoln County, Kansas – $4,500

Lincoln County, in the middle of rural Kansas, has fewer than 3,000 residents in an area about 130 miles from Wichita.

The province is offering new residents $4,500 in cash.

Additional benefits include $500 internet credit, a gym membership and a monthly basket of farm-fresh eggs.

Remote workers who earn at least $50,000 annually and who agree to live in Lincoln County for at least a year may also qualify for a free plot of land and an additional $5,000 if their spouse finds work locally.

This program, administered by Make My Move and Innovation Centerhas attracted interest from 23 other provinces.

“The money is just the hook,” Kelly Gourley, executive director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation, said in a statement. “It doesn’t make someone like where he or she lives; it’s what comes next that makes someone feel good about the move.”

Mississippi County, Arkansas – $50,000

Mississippi County, Arkansas, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Little Rock, is offering new and existing residents up to $50,000 to build or renovate homes.

To deliver quality, participants must work for companies such as US Steel or Big River Steel and commit to living in the county for at least four years.

Since launching in 2022, the province has attracted 80 new buyers, many of whom are first-time buyers.

The Work here, live here initiative is a collaboration between local industries, community groups and financial institutions.

“Once we start seeing population growth — and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t with all the jobs we’ve created — then quality of life will follow,” said Randy Scott, president of Farmers Bank and Trust . Business insider. “You get the restaurants, you get the stores, you get the amenities.”

Newton, Iowa – $10,000

Newton, Iowa, located just 30 minutes from Des Moines, is offering $10,000 to homebuyers purchasing properties worth at least $240,000.

The money will be released after City of Newton building inspectors issue a certificate of occupancy.

There are no length of stay requirements and new residents receive a $2,500 welcome package.

‘There are no requirements for the ‘term of residence’; This means that while you must acquire ownership of the home, you do not have to live in the home for any period of time,” said City Development Specialist Craig Armstrong.

The Shoals, Alabama – $10,000

The Shoals in northern Alabama, which includes Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia, is offering $10,000 to remote workers who move there.

The money will be distributed in installments to help cover moving costs and encourage long-term residency.

The first $2,500 should help with moving costs. Another $2,500 is distributed after six months, while the final $5,000 is distributed after a year.

Eligible applicants must earn at least $52,000 annually and commit to relocating within six months. Requests for Remote shoals will reopen in September 2024.

Tulsa, OK – $10,000

The Tulsa Remote Program offers $10,000 to remote workers who move to Oklahoma.

Program requirements currently include full-time remote employment and living outside of Oklahoma for a full year before applying.

If selected, participants will receive their money after a lease is signed or a qualifying home is purchased and approved. In addition to the fair, participants receive a 36-month membership to a co-working space.

The program also provides a $500 travel allowance and gives those planning to relocate a $150 Airbnb credit to familiarize themselves with the city before moving.

In Oklahoma, the median home value is $195,594.

West Virginia – $20,000

The Ascend West Virginia program offers $12,000 to remote workers who move to the Mountain State.

Applicants must be 18 years or older and already working a full-time remote job to be eligible for the program.

If selected, participants will receive $10,000 during their first year, paid in monthly installments. They will then receive $2,000 upon completion of their second year in West Virginia.

Cities like Morgantown and Greenbrier Valley are offering additional incentives that bring the total to $20,000.

According to Zillow, the median home value in West Virginia is $154,371.

According to Zillow, the median home value in West Virginia is $154,371.

Perks for outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, golfing, rock climbing, horseback riding and even skiing round out the rest of the package – offered in the form of free passes provided upon move-in.

“Ascenders” can choose from one of several communities, ranging from the northern college town of Morgantown – near WVU – to the Greenbrier Valley in the southeastern corner of the state.

The latter is tucked away in the state’s idyllic mountains – a draw for anyone who appreciates the majesty of Mother Nature.

“You couldn’t ask for more small-scale charm with great music and vibrancy and an incredible recreation scene,” says Brad D. Smith, program founder and current president of Marshall University.

Once CEO of software company Intuit, he founded the program three years ago, leaving a successful career in Silicon Valley.

With a 96.5 percent retention rate, he has yet to return.

Other participating communities include the Eastern Panhandle, Elkins – on the western edge of the Monongahela National Forest – and New River Gore, the nation’s newest national park.