Some US towns are taking extraordinary measures to attract new residents, offering financial incentives, housing support, and unique perks to entice people to move there. From the Great Plains to Appalachia, cities and small towns are implementing creative strategies to reverse population decline or boost growth. These initiatives include cash payments, housing grants, and even free coworking spaces.
The trend is particularly noticeable in areas with slower population growth or declining numbers, such as West Virginia. Most of these programs target smaller metropolitan areas and rural communities rather than major cities. For example, Newton, Iowa, multiple counties in Kansas, and smaller communities in West Virginia have all launched initiatives to attract newcomers.
One of the most well-known programs is Tulsa Remote in Oklahoma, which offers up to $10,000 and a free coworking membership for remote workers willing to relocate. Launched in 2018, the program has attracted 1,400 new residents. According to Justin Harlan, managing director of Tulsa Remote, the initiative has become a significant driver of economic growth. Independent research suggests that for every $1 invested in the program, Tulsa generates over $4 in economic returns, with most benefits going to middle- and lower-income earners.
Another standout program is in Belleville, Kansas, where residents can receive up to $35,000 in grants to build homes. This includes a $25,000 base grant and an additional $10,000 if their home is among the first five built under the program. The city, with a population of under 2,000, is clearly aiming to expand its community.
Belleville also offers additional incentives through its MakeMyMove program, including up to $1,500 per year for five years to help repay student loans and up to $3,000 for those employed by Republic County to cover moving expenses.
In Jackson, Michigan, the city is granting up to $25,000 in down-payment assistance for eligible buyers. As part of its 100 Home Program, Jackson aims to build 100 one- and two-bedroom homes on vacant lots, each priced at $175,000.
Topeka, Kansas, is offering up to $15,000 for homebuyers or $10,000 for renters under the “Choose Topeka” program. The city has also partnered with employers to offer cash incentives for those willing to move there. Additionally, sandwich chain Jimmy John’s will give an extra $1,000 to anyone who moves within delivery range of one of its locations.
Morgantown, West Virginia, provides $12,000 in cash for remote workers, along with a coworking-space membership and free outdoor-gear rentals. Eligible residents must be over 18 and commit to relocating for two years.
These incentives have gained traction since remote work became more common during and after the pandemic. Here are some notable examples:
- Baltimore, Maryland: $5,000 for down-payment and closing costs via a lottery for home buyers.
- Belleville, Kansas: Up to $35,000 in construction grants for building a home; plus student-loan and mover incentives.
- Bemidji, Minnesota: Free six months of internet, one-year coworking membership, and other perks for remote workers relocating from 60+ mi away.
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa: $5,000 for non-Iowa residents who relocate, work remotely, and earn at least $55,000.
- Columbus, Georgia: $5,000 cash plus coworking membership, hotel stay, etc., for remote workers earning $75,000+ and relocating from 75+ mi.
- Fort Wayne, Indiana: Down-payment help: up to 5% of home’s purchase price for buyers who meet requirements.
- Hamilton, Ohio: Up to $15,000/year toward student loans for recent graduates who move to the city.
- Hutchinson, Kansas: Up to $2,500 matching funds for renters moving into certain neighborhoods and buying first home.
- Jackson, Michigan: Up to $25,000 down-payment assistance for eligible homebuyers.
- Kentucky (34 counties): $7,500 total ($5,000 + $2,500 bonus) for remote workers and partners in education/healthcare moving to 34 rural counties.
- Ketchikan, Alaska: Up to $2,000/year payment plus free high-speed internet for relocating remote workers.
- Macon-Bibb, Georgia: $2,500 cash plus gym membership and coworking membership for out-of-state remote workers.
- Maine (the entire state): Tax credit up to $2,500/year (up to $25,000 lifetime) toward student-loan payments for eligible graduates.
- Manilla, Iowa: Free plots of land and elimination of taxes for 5 years for people who build homes.
- Morgantown, West Virginia: $12,000 cash + coworking membership + outdoor gear rentals for remote workers relocating for 2 years.
- Newton, Iowa: $10,000 cash to homebuyers of homes $240,000+; tax abatement for cheaper homes.
- Noblesville, Indiana: $5,000 relocation grant + $500 health stipend + coworking membership for new residents meeting remote-work income threshold.
- Quincy, Illinois: Property-tax rebate up to $5,000 for job holders; rental rebate up to $3,500 for renters after 6 months.
- Perry County, Indiana: $7,000 cash (split payment) + welcome basket for remote workers relocating to the rural county.
- Switzerland County, Indiana: $5,000 for eligible out-of-state remote workers to relocate to the county.
- The Shoals, Alabama: $10,000 for remote workers — $2,500 upfront, $2,500 at 6 months, $5,000 after 1 year.
- Texarkana (TX/AR): $5,000 relocation bonus + free symphony tickets + tuition discount for new residents meeting income rules.
- Topeka, Kansas: Up to $15,000 toward home purchase or rentals for new residents; up to $10,000/home purchase or $5,000 rent for remote workers.
- Tucson, Arizona: Relocation perks worth ~$7,500: $1,500 toward moving, free internet for a year, coworking trial, cultural membership.
- Tulsa, Oklahoma: $10,000 grant for remote workers relocating, plus travel reimbursement & other perks.
- West Memphis, Arkansas: Up to $10,000 cash for homebuyers (or $5,000 for renters) plus a hotel stay and dinner with the mayor.
