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

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

It may sound too good to be true, but there are a host of relocation deals across the country aimed at enticing newcomers to settle down.

Compensations range from cash to tax breaks of up to five figures, which could go some way to easing the overall cost of moving to a new location.

Columbus, Georgia – $5,000

For those looking for a Southern touch in a booming 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 downtown atmosphere, as well as $5,000 cash and several other benefits for new residents.

These include six months of coworking space, a coffee date with the mayor, and a two-night stay before your move — all fully paid for by the city.

According to organizers, the opportunity is perfect for those who have startups or work remotely.

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

Benefits include $5,000 for moving, six months of coworking space membership and an annual community outing. Applications are closed for 2024 but will reopen in January 2025.

When you’re not working, rafting along the Chattahoochee River is a popular pastime, or perhaps visiting one of the city’s many restaurants, museums, and parks.

A major metropolis with an unrivaled downtown core, the city also offers an abundance of affordable housing options.

Additionally, the typical value of a two-bedroom is around $120,000, less than half the average in the United States.

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 county is offering $4,500 cash to new residents.

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

Remote workers earning at least $50,000 a year and agreeing to live in Lincoln County for at least a year can also qualify for free land and an additional $5,000 if their spouse finds a local job.

This program, managed by Make My Move and Innovation Center, has attracted interest from 23 other countries.

“Money is just a hook,” Kelly Gourley, executive director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation, said in a statement. “It’s not going to make someone love where they live; it’s what comes after that makes someone feel good about moving.

Mississippi County, Arkansas – $50,000

Mississippi County, Arkansas, about two and a half hours from Little Rock, is offering up to $50,000 to new and existing residents for home construction or renovation.

To qualify, 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 its launch in 2022, the county 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 to have an increase in population – and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t with all the jobs we’ve created – then the quality of life will follow,” Randy Scott said , president of Farmers Bank and Trust, to Business Insider. “You’ll have the restaurants, you’ll have the retail stores, you’ll have the amenities. »

Newton, Iowa – $10,000

Newton, Iowa is just 30 minutes from Des Moines and is offering $10,000 to buyers who purchase properties worth at least $240,000.

The money is released after city of Newton building inspectors issue a certificate of occupancy.

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

“There are no “length of residence” requirements; that is, although you have to take title to the house, you are not obligated to stay in the house for a set amount of time,” said Craig Armstrong, city development specialist.

The Shoals, Alabama – $10,000

The North Alabama Shoals, which encompasses Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia, is offering $10,000 to remote workers who relocate there.

Funds are distributed in installments to help cover moving costs and encourage long-term residency.

The first $2,500 is supposed to help cover moving costs. An additional $2,500 is distributed after six months and the remaining $5,000 is distributed after one year.

Eligible applicants must earn at least $52,000 per year and commit to relocating within six months. Applications for Remote Shoals will reopen in September 2024.

Tulsa, Oklahoma – $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 signing a lease or purchasing and approving an eligible home. In addition to the grant, participants receive a 36-month subscription to a coworking space.

The program also offers a $500 travel reimbursement and gives those planning to move a $150 Airbnb credit to familiarize themselves with the city before moving.

In Oklahoma, the average 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 have a full-time remote job to be eligible for the program.

If selected, participants will receive $10,000 in their first year, paid in monthly installments. They will then receive $2,000 after completing their sophomore year at West Virginia.

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

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

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

Outdoor perks like whitewater rafting, golf, 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.

“Ascendants” 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 nestled in the state’s idyllic mountains – a draw for anyone who appreciates the majesty of Mother Nature.

“You couldn’t ask for smaller-town charm with incredible music and vibrancy and an incredible entertainment scene,” said Brad D. Smith, program founder and current president of Marshall University.

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

With a retention rate of 96.5 percent, he hasn’t turned back yet.

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