Life in America can be expensive these days, with seemingly endless inflation, high interest rates, and the exorbitant cost of healthcare. Amid these financial difficulties, many Americans are looking for ways to maximize their income and improve their quality of life. One option that is gaining ground is the offering of relocation packages by smaller US cities and towns, with the goal of attracting new residents.
These worker relocation incentive programs, also known as remote worker relocation programs, offer financial incentives and other benefits to workers with geographic flexibility. These benefits can include cash incentives, free gym memberships, access to co-working facilities, and even dinners with the mayor. Some programs also offer incentives for homebuyers.
According to MakeMyMove.com, an online marketplace that connects remote workers with locations offering these programs in the U.S., the number of cities offering such incentives has more than doubled in recent years. The pandemic has triggered a radical change in work culture, and in 2023, more than 50,000 people applied for programs nationwide through this platform.
Below, we present some of the cities that offer attractive programs for those looking to turn their lives around and want to move.
Some of the cities in the United States that pay you close to $15,000 to move to them
1)Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa Remote, one of the best-known programs, is in force in this city and offers remote workers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to receive $10,000 to move to the city for a year. In addition to the financial incentive, participants can also benefit from a variety of community services and activities.
2) Viriginia
Ascend West Virginia is a public-private initiative that offers eligible recipients up to $12,000 in cash incentives, plus outdoor benefits such as free passes to rock climbing, zip lining and golf. The initiative includes 5 participating communities that offer a variety of options for those looking for a change of scenery.
3) Indiana
Indiana has been one of the most active states in promoting worker relocation incentive programs. Dozens of cities and regions in Indiana offer incentive packages that include $5,000 to $15,000 in cash, museum passes and other perks to qualified applicants.
4) Topeka, Kansas
Choose Topeka is another notable program that offers up to $15,000 in incentives through employer matching funds to qualified applicants who accept a job offer in Topeka. This program aims to not only attract remote workers, but also transitioning veterans and people who have recently left military service.
5) Shoals, Alabama
Remote Shoals is a program in the Shoals area of Alabama that offers up to $10,000 to skilled workers moving to the region. The program launched in 2019 and has received positive response from applicants across the country.
6) Rochester, New York
Greater ROC Remote is a program in Rochester, New York, that offers $10,000 in grants and incentives, plus an additional $9,000 for home purchase grants. The program seeks to attract remote workers and revitalize the local economy.
7) Alaska
Provides an annual sum to current residents of the state as part of its Permanent Fund Dividend. Although the amount varies each year, in 2022 each resident received $3,284. This initiative seeks to encourage residents to remain in Alaska and contribute to the economic development of the state.
8) Michigan
The Michigander Scholars is a program in Michigan that offers scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to qualified recipients who complete an internship and/or accept a full-time position in specific industries. This program seeks to attract talent to the state’s burgeoning electric vehicle, mobility and semiconductor industries.
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