In an era where remote work is an option for many people and geographical boundaries are becoming less of a barrier, many places are seizing the opportunity to attract new residents through innovative incentives.
From tax breaks to cash incentives, these programs are designed to attract a diverse range of talent and strengthen local economies. Some of these incentives are substantial, reaching five figures, while other perks offer free recreation equipment or assistance with down payments. Many places are primarily focused on bringing in remote workers. However, there are states that offer financial incentives for individuals willing to accept local, in-person job opportunities.
So, whether you’re considering moving across the country for a change of scenery, or for some extra income, there may be a few destinations on this list that catch your attention. In this Redfin article, we take a closer look at 10 states and cities that pay you to move there.
3 states that pay you to move there
1. Alaska
If moving closer to the great outdoors sounds appealing to you, nothing beats the rugged, beautiful landscape of Alaska. But with Alaska being so far away, you may wonder: how much does Alaska pay you to live there, and why?
Simply put, Alaska needs people. So much so that new Alaskans will receive an annual dividend simply for living there for a full calendar year and intending on becoming a resident indefinitely. To see if your forever home is in Alaska, look up homes for sale in Alaska and Alaska rentals in popular cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks.
If you’re still on the fence about living in Alaska, consider this: there’s no state tax, so you won’t have to pay any income or sales tax (local sales tax may apply though). Additionally, the median home price is $347,300, compared to the national median price of $402,242. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery and wildlife and have access to some of the world’s best seafood.
| Initiative | Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) |
| Benefits & Information | Variable, depending on what the state government approves each year. 2023’s dividend was $1,312 per person. |
| Program Requirements | To receive the PFD, you must:
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| How to Apply | Visit the PFD website and apply online between January 1-March 31 after you’re eligible. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can be approved. |
Arkansas’ moving incentive program is aimed at attracting top talent to move to the region, and they’ll even throw in some outdoor gear to explore the area’s vast wilderness. Plus, with an average median home price of $238,900, a high per capita income, and a low cost of living, it’s no wonder it’s known as one of the best places to live in America.
If calling Northwest Arkansas your new home state has a nice ring to it, check out homes for sale or apartments for rent in Arkansas to see if your next dream home is available.
2. West Virginia
Famous for more than just its “country roads”, West Virginia offers one of the most lucrative programs to attract new residents to the state. This West Virginia moving incentive is called Ascend West Virginia, and they’re currently accepting applications from people who want to get paid to move to West Virginia. The program focuses on the Greenbrier Valley, Morgantown, Greater Elkins, Eastern Panhandle, and New River Gorge communities.
In addition to a huge chunk of change, new transplants can also receive outdoor recreational equipment along with other benefits to sweeten the pot. With a median sale price 26% below the national average at $297,600, housing in West Virginia is very affordable even without receiving the money to move there.
This program is quite popular, so get a head start on some house or apartment hunting by scoping out West Virginia rentals and homes for sale in West Virginia before applications fill up.
| Initiative | Ascend West Virginia |
| Benefits & Information | If you qualify for Ascend West Virginia, you can expect to receive up to $12,000 cash, plus other benefits such as free outdoor recreational equipment, professional development opportunities, and co-working space. The total package offered with Ascend West Virginia is valued at $20,000. |
| Program Requirements | Like other programs, you’ll have to meet some requirements to apply for Ascend WV. You must:
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| How to Apply | Head to the Ascend West Virginia website. |
3. Vermont
If you currently work remotely, you may want to put the Green Mountain State at the top of your list. As one of the smallest states by population, with around 625,000 residents, the state is enticing remote workers to move there by offering an employment grant with awards up to $7,500. While this attractive relocation incentive doesn’t cover your moving expenses, it’s worth noting that the median sales price of a home in Vermont is $389,000, lower than the national median of $402,242.
If you want to test drive the home state of Ben & Jerry’s before committing, there are plenty of rentals in Vermont to consider. And if you enjoy your time, Vermont’s beautiful outdoor space and affordable housing make it a great place to call home.
| Initiative | New Remote Worker Grant |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $7,500 (up to $5,000 if moving to Barre or Burlington). |
| Program Requirements | To qualify for the New Remote Worker Grant, you have to:
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| How to Apply | Visit Think Vermont’s Relocation Incentives page. |
Note: the New Relocating Worker Grant, listed in our previous article, is no longer accepting applications.
7 cities that pay you to move there
1. Hamilton, OH
Hamilton has a great program to offer if you’re one of the many college graduates seeking remote work out of state. With student loans being the biggest deterrent to growth for college graduates, the city is offering to pay down debts to boost its college-educated workforce.
The affordable housing market is also one of the perks of moving to the city; the median sale price for homes in Hamilton is just $207,450. But if you want to see what else the city has to offer before moving there, you can always rent an apartment in Hamilton to see if it’s the right fit for you.
| Initiative | Talent Attraction Program (TAP) |
| Benefits & Information | If your application to TAP is accepted, you’ll receive $400 per month up to $15,000 total. That’s almost three years’ worth of monthly payments. |
| Program Requirements | Requirements for TAP are unique. To qualify, you must:
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| How to Apply | Check out the TAP website. |
2. Lincoln, KS
Instead of cash incentives, Lincoln takes a unique approach to attract new residents by offering free land to those looking to put down roots. Each lot ranges from 14,000 to 35,000 square feet and is located within a fully decked-out residential development within the city limits. Keep in mind that you are responsible for the costs associated with building a new home, however.
But if building a home isn’t for you, Lincoln is made even more attractive by its affordable housing market. The median sale price for homes in Lincoln County is just $57,000.
| Initiative | Free Home Site Program |
| Benefits & Information | Variable, as plots of land range from 14,000-35,000 square feet. |
| Program Requirements | While the Free Home Site Program doesn’t offer a stipend, they do offer free tracts of land. In order to qualify, you must be an individual or family relocating to or flipping a home in Lincoln, KS. |
| How to Apply | Visit the Lincoln County website for more information. |
3. Newton, IA
The city of Newton is attracting new residents to settle into their community for the long haul with a major housing initiative. With the Get to Know Newton program, you’ll receive a stipend amount based on the value of the home you buy. So, if you pay $240,000 or more for a home, you’ll receive a $10,000 cash incentive, as well as the Get to Know Newton welcome package.
Choosing Newton as your home also means more affordable housing. The median home price for homes for sale in Newton is $108,500 – far below the national median. But if you’re looking to scope out the city before making your decision, there are plenty of rentals in Newton to consider.
| Initiative | Get to Know Newton |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $10,000, plus extras if you qualify. |
| Program Requirements | In order to qualify for Get to Know Newton, you must purchase a new home (not just a property) in Newton, Iowa, which is just outside Des Moines. Rental properties are excluded. |
| How to Apply | Visit Newton’s official website |
4. Rochester, NY
Rochester, known for its snowy winters, natural splendor, and abundance of museums and amenities, wants to grow. The city is doing it through the Greater ROC Remote initiative, which aims to bring a talented remote workforce to the shores of Lake Ontario. The initiative offers cash, incentives for buying a home, and will pay for you to visit if you’re not willing to move sight-unseen.
Apart from being a very affordable place to live, it’s full of amenities and attractions, like the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, the Seneca Park Zoo, and the Canandaigua Wine Trail.
| Initiative | Greater ROC Remote |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $10,000 in cash, and up to $9,000 in additional homebuyer incentives. |
| Program Requirements | To qualify for the incentives, you must:
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| How to Apply | Visit the Greater ROC Remote website. Note: Applications are paused as of March 2024. |
5. The Shoals: Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia, AL
If you’re a remote worker looking for a change of scenery, a vibrant food scene, outdoor activities, and more, consider The Shoals area in Alabama. The Shoals is made up of four different cities: Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia, and all four are accepting applications for new residents interested in participating in the Remote Shoals program.
Can’t part with the hustle and bustle of urban life? No worries. The Shoals is only a two-hour drive from Birmingham, Nashville, and Memphis, and an hour flight to Atlanta via Boutique Airlines, giving you easy access to major cities.
With low property taxes and below-average house prices, the overall cost of living in these cities is significantly lower than other similarly sized metro areas in the state. But if you’re having trouble picking and need to test drive each city, you can also consider renting an apartment in Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, or Tuscumbia.
| Initiative | Remote Shoals |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $10,000. You’ll receive 25% of the stipend before your move, another 25% six months after you relocate, and the remaining 50% one year after your move. |
| Program Requirements | To qualify for Remote Shoals, you must:
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| How to Apply | Visit the Remote Shoals website. |
6. Topeka, KS
Known for its arts and outdoor scene, moving to Topeka, KS, could be a decision that pays off in spades. The Choose Topeka Initiative offers cash funds to remote workers moving from out of state for an “on site” position, as well as to remote workers who relocate as long as their employer is located outside of Shawnee County.
New applicants with on site positions, where your employer is a participant in a relocation incentive and located in Shawnee County, are eligible to receive up to $10,000 for renting and up to $15,000 for buying a home. Remote workers, where your employer is located outside of Shawnee County, can receive up to $5,000 for rent in the first year and up to $10,000 in funds towards a home purchase.
There’s also no denying the savings that come with living in Topeka compared to other major cities. The median home price in Topeka is $147,000, less than half the national median, and the city boasts a 14% lower cost of living compared to the national average.
Ready to make the move? Start your home search by looking up apartments for rent in Topeka, as well as homes for sale in Topeka.
| Initiative | Choose Topeka |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $10,000 if renting a home, and up to $15,000 if buying a home. Additional benefits for transitioning military service members. |
| Program Requirements | To qualify for Choose Topeka, you must:
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| How to Apply | Visit the Choose Topeka website to apply. |
7. Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma is paying to relocate remote workers through a program called Tulsa Remote. With a low cost of living, a thriving remote community, and countless opportunities to explore the city, it’s no wonder why Tulsa has been attracting a steady stream of new residents. In fact, the Tulsa Remote alone has brought 2,900 people to the area and generated hundreds of millions of dollars.
If you’re looking to buy a house in Tulsa, it’s worth noting that the median home sale price in Tulsa is $206,500 – 49% below the national median price. Plus, through Tulsa Remote, you’ll receive cash and other benefits for your Oklahoma relocation.
But if you’re not ready to make the leap to homeownership, no worries. Consider renting an apartment in Tulsa or checking out houses for rent to get a feel for what it’s like to live in Tulsa before putting down roots.
| Initiative | Tulsa Remote |
| Benefits & Information | $10,000 relocation incentive. You’ll receive $2,500 up front and the rest of the $10,000 within your first year after moving to Tulsa. Recipients also receive a one-year membership at a city coworking site, as well as housing and community resources. |
| Program Requirements | To qualify for Tulsa Remote, you have to meet a few requirements. You must:
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| How to Apply | Visit Tulsa Remote’s website |
Final thoughts
With the option to work remotely still a possibility for many people, many states are offering enticing financial incentives for people looking to relocate. If you’re a remote worker moving out of state or looking for a fresh start and new job, you may find that moving to one of these places could be a decision that pays off – literally. And with the lower cost of living and median home prices in many of these cities, you’ll likely gainmany more economic benefits in addition to the money you receive for moving.
There are dozens of other offers and incentives for people willing to relocate, but most require specific education or other requirements. Visit MakeMyMove to see a full list.
Disclaimer: Program details and housing data as of March 2024. This article is for informational purposes only. Redfin does not endorse any of the programs mentioned. Redfin strongly recommends that consumers make informed decisions, and independently verify that a state, city, or financial offering will meet their needs.