There are numerous relocation offers being made across the country to attract newcomers by paying them to move there.
House hunters are hesitant to take the plunge as sales prices remain at record highs, according to Red fin.
The number of homes under consideration fell by 5.7 percent compared to last year and the number of mortgage applications fell by 15 percent.
However, some cities are trying to attract buyers by offering financial incentives to attract new residents.
“Not only would financial compensation help such households gain a foothold in the housing market, many of the places offering such incentives also have relatively low house prices,” he said. Makelaar.com chief economist Ralph McLaughlin.
Cities across the US – including several in West Virginia (pictured) – offer financial incentives to move
“The double bonus of a cash subsidy combined with lower house prices can be very attractive to households that have few personal or professional costs associated with severing physical ties to their current location,” McLaughlin said.
These Are the Cities in the US Where You Get Paid to Move…
Rochester, New York
The Larger ROC relocation The program provides grants of up to $9,000 for the purchase of a home in the region and up to $10,000 for people in specific professional sectors.
The program started in 2022 and attracts around 25-30 participants to the nine-province region each year.
Barbara Egenhofer, director of talent strategy at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said the goal of the initiative is to attract about 600 participants over three years and give them the opportunity to work in a promising city.
The Greater ROC Relocate program offers up to $9,000 in grants toward the purchase of a home in the region and up to $10,000 for those in specific career fields
“The shift to remote work over the past two years has created new opportunities for places like Greater Rochester,” she said of the concept.
“Regions like ours that offer the high quality of life and amenities of a big city without the costs of a big city can compete for talent in new ways. Innovative programs like Greater ROC Remote can absolutely help us move the needle and grow our labor pool.”
To be eligible, applicants must live more than 300 miles from downtown Rochester or in a state other than New York, have a fully remote job, and be 18 years or older.
Candidates who have had an interview are also eligible to visit Rochester in person, with expenses reimbursed up to $500 (and $750 for a couple).
Jacksonville, Illinois
This Illinois area is offering a $9,300 relocation perks package, according to MakeMyMove.
New residents receive $5,000 cash after their first year and other benefits include $300 in “Chamber Checks” from the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.
Three months of fibre broadband, a free teeth whitening package, a one-year driving range subscription and a three-month gym membership are also available.
New residents of Jacksonville, Illinois can receive a $9,300 package of perks for moving
“Our communities, centrally located in Illinois, offer small-town charm with big-city amenities,” Kristin Jamison, president of the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corp., told Realtor.com.
“We launched this program at the end of May 2024 and I am impressed by the positive reception. So far, 200 people have applied and we have made an offer to five professionals.”
Eligible candidates must be 18 years or older, earn at least $50,000, live within 70 miles of Jacksonville at the time of application, and relocate within six months of acceptance.
Topeka, Kansas
Choose Topeka offers applicants incentives of up to $15,000 to move to the Sunflower State.
People who want to take a job in the city will receive $10,000 in rent subsidies and up to $15,000 toward the purchase of a home.
Additionally, military veterans and former Topeka residents will receive $5,000 if they accept a job that pays at least $50,000 a year, the minimum time required for residency.
Choose Topeka offers applicants incentives of up to $15,000 to move to the Sunflower State
‘People appreciate the accessibility and friendliness of our community. “With a population of approximately 175,000, Topeka is a city where it’s easy to get around,” said Robert Ross, senior vice president of marketing and communications for the economic development agency that manages the program.
“Recipients quickly learn that ‘Midwest nice’ is a way of life.”
Eligibility requirements include confirming that your new employer participates in the incentive program, participating in the Choose Topeka Immersion program, and completing a survey after one year.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Sooner State wants to attract home workers by offering them $10,000 toward rent or to purchase a home through the Tulsa from a distance program.
Since the program launched in 2018, it has hired more than 3,000 people, generating more than $300 million for the city’s fast-growing labor market.
Tulsa wants to attract home workers by offering them $10,000 to rent or buy a home
Recipients also receive 36 months of free co-working space membership, wellness resources and access to a community events calendar.
“We’ve also seen a strong multiplier effect from friends and family members joining members in Tulsa. The city gains three residents for every two participants in the Tulsa Remote program,” said Justin Harlan, Managing Director of Tulsa Remote.
As with several others, applicants must be at least 18 years old and move to Tulsa within 12 months of approval. They must also have lived outside of Oklahoma for at least one year.
Multiple cities, West Virginia
The Ascend to the west Virginia program offers $12,000 to home-based workers who move to the Mountain State.
Cities like Morgantown and Greenbrier Valley offer additional incentives, bringing the total up to $20,000.
Outdoor activities such as white water rafting, golfing, rock climbing, horse riding and even skiing complete the package. These are offered in the form of free passes that you receive when you move.
The Ascend West Virginia program offers $12,000 to remote workers who move to the Mountain State, plus other cities have additional cash offers
“You couldn’t ask for a smaller atmosphere, with great music, vibrancy and fantastic recreational offerings,” said Brad D. Smith, the program’s founder and current president of Marshall University.
To be eligible for the program, candidates must be at least 18 years old and already have a full-time remote job.
If selected, participants will receive $10,000 over their first year, paid in monthly installments. They will then receive $2,000 upon completion of their second year at West Virginia.