Get Paid to Move: Cities and States Offering Relocation Incentives

Updated June 22, 2025

Looking for a change of scenery and a financial boost? Several cities and states across the United States are ‍offering ⁣incentives to attract new residents. These programs aim to​ revitalize communities by drawing in talent, especially ​in areas that have experienced⁢ population decline or struggle to compete with larger urban centers.

Evan Hock, co-founder and COO of MakeMyMove, notes that increased mobility through remote work has‍ empowered individuals to choose where they live. Manny are ‌seeking affordability and a stronger sense of community, leading⁤ them to consider locations offering financial incentives.

Hock advises prospective applicants ⁣to visit potential‌ new locations before applying for any program.He also ‍emphasizes that seats are⁣ limited, so those interested should apply promptly.

Here ‍are some of the cities and states offering‌ financial incentives as of ⁤June 2025:

West Virginia

The Ascend West Virginia program offers up to $12,000, along with an outdoor recreation package and ⁣co-working space access. To qualify, applicants must live in designated communities for at least two years and work remotely for a company outside​ of West Virginia or be ⁢self-employed​ outside of the state. They must also be at least 18 years old, ⁣a U.S. citizen or green card⁤ holder, and able to relocate within six months.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa Remote provides $10,000⁤ in rental grants or a lump‌ sum after purchasing a home, plus a⁢ three-year co-working space membership. Applicants must be at least 18, authorized to work in‍ the U.S., have‍ full-time remote employment outside of Oklahoma, and ⁣relocate to Tulsa within‌ 12 months of approval. They also must have ⁣lived ‌outside the state for at least one year before applying.

Topeka,Kansas

Choose Topeka offers up to ‌$10,000 for rent or $15,000 toward buying ‍a home. To receive the incentive, the applicantS ​employer must participate in the‍ GO Topeka employee transfer program. The ‌city also offers $5,000​ to former ‍Topeka residents and those transitioning out of the military,with ​no restrictions on how the funds are used.

Baltimore,Maryland

Buying Into Baltimore provides $5,000 in ⁢down payment⁢ and closing cost assistance as a five-year forgivable loan. Homebuyers must attend a Live Baltimore Trolley Tour event and meet all requirements. After the event, ‍applicants have 12 business days to make an offer on a home, have the offer accepted and submit the required paperwork to be eligible for a lottery drawing.The property must be used as a primary residence.

Hamilton, Ohio

The Talent Attraction Program Scholarship, a “reverse scholarship,” offers up to $15,000 to ​recent graduates in STEAM fields to assist with student loan debt. ⁤Applicants must have graduated within the last seven years, not currently reside in Hamilton, and plan⁢ to⁤ move there. They must also‌ demonstrate employment within Butler County or have a ​full-time remote position. Preference is⁢ given to those who⁣ desire to contribute to the‍ community.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Choose Ketchikan provides up to $2,000, plus up to three months of free internet. Applicants⁢ must be at least⁢ 18 years old, fully employed, and live outside Alaska while working remotely for a company also outside Alaska. After a year‌ of ⁢residency,new residents also become eligible for the⁤ Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend.

Newton, ​Iowa

The Newton Housing Initiative offers $10,000 cash to individuals purchasing homes valued at more than $240,000. Rental properties are not eligible. The “Get ⁢to Know Newton Welcome​ Package” includes gifts from local businesses and event invitations.

What’s next

As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, expect more‌ cities and states ​to introduce similar incentive programs to attract new residents and bolster their economies. Keep an eye out for‍ new opportunities in the coming months.