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.