A map shows towns, counties and cities in a number of states offering cash incentives for people to move there, in a bid to draw in people whose jobs allow them flexibility in the locations they work.
While there are many places that offer incentives to relocate, a growing number are offering lump sums or monthly payments to entice remote workers since the coronavirus pandemic saw many jobs go online.
Even though there are signs some of the programs are providing an economic benefit to the local area, experts say that they can leave residents already living there feeling snubbed.
"These programs can sometimes lead to discontent among local residents, who may feel overlooked in favor of new arrivals receiving incentives," Kyle Samuels, CEO of Creative Talent Endeavors, an advisory and executive recruitment firm, told CNN. "This could foster community divisions and potentially increase the cost of living, making it harder for long-term residents."
Indiana
According to MakeMyMove, an online marketplace for remote workers considering a change of scenery, there are more than a dozen programs across Indiana, with incentives offered for people willing to move to South Bend, Muncie, Noblesville and Tipton, among other locales.
Cash incentives range from $5,250 to $15,000 depending on the program, as well as added benefits such as annual passes for Indiana state parks, quarterly movers events like hikes and wine tours, and tickets to events.
Kentucky
Similarly, there are several locations across Kentucky willing to offer cash of up to $8,800 for people to move, including Frankfort, Pikeville and Prestonburg, MakeMyMove listings show.
Places like Pikeville offer $5,000 for remote workers to relocate, plus an extra $2,500 if they bring a spouse willing to work locally in education and healthcare.
Those willing to move to Mayfield or Graves counties will also see benefits including a discount for after-school childcare, lunch with the local mayor, a dozen free locally sourced eggs a month, and rotary club membership.
Rochester, New York
Rochester, a city on Lake Ontario in western New York, opened its Greater ROC Remote program in April 2022, offering a $10,000 relocation incentive plus a further $9,000 to go towards buying a home.
Remote workers in New York must live at least 300 miles from downtown Rochester to be eligible, but anyone from another state can apply. Applicants must be able to move within six months of being accepted.
The Shoals, Alabama
The Shoals, comprising two counties in northwestern Alabama, launched Remote Shoals in June 2019 to entice eligible workers to relocate to the region with $10,000 in cash.
Workers must be earning at least $52,000 a year, be self-employed or a fully remote worker, and able to move within six months, but can enjoy the region's low cost of living and being within a two-hour drive of Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, as well as Birmingham, Alabama.
Kansas
Choose Topeka, which started in 2019, isn't just for remote workers, but more broadly people who are willing to relocate to the northeast Kansas city.
It offers applicants up to $15,000 to buy a home there and $10,000 to rent, provided their employer is willing to contribute half the incentive.
It also offers $5,000 to "boomerang" residents who have moved away and are looking to return, as well as $5,000 for individuals who have recently left military service.
According to MakeMyMove, Lincoln County in central Kansas also offers a $4,500 cash incentive to move there, plus other benefits.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa Remote boasts having generated over $300 million in employment income for Tulsa through enticing 2,165 remote workers to the Oklahoma city, as of December 2022.
It offers prospective movers $10,000, provided they are in full-time employment, live outside the state and can move within a year of being approved.
West Virginia
Ascend West Virginia, a public-private initiative, offers $12,000 for people to move to five rural communities across the state: New River Gorge, Greenbrier Valley, Morgantown, Greater Elkins and the eastern panhandle.
The program also offers free outdoor activities including hiking, whitewater rafting and skiing, as well as coworking spaces for participants.
According to MakeMyMove, Charleston also offers $5,000 to relocate there.
Illinois and Beyond
Listings show that Pittsfield, an historic city in western Illinois, offers $5,000 to move there, while movers can get $6,100 plus other benefits for moving to the Jacksonville area.
Similarly, Columbus in Georgia is offering $5,000 to relocate there, plus six months' access to a coworking space, coffee with the mayor and social activities.
Poplar Bluff, in southeastern Missouri, also offers $5,000 plus other benefits to move there.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Aleks Phillips is a Newsweek U.S. News Reporter based in London. His focus is on U.S. politics and the environment. ... Read more
