Which States Will Pay You to Move There?

With remote work on the rise, many homeowners now have the freedom to work from anywhere while keeping their current jobs. This has led to an increase in relocation across the country, with people seeking more affordable housing or moving closer to family. 

Some states have capitalized on this trend by offering cash incentives and other perks to attract new residents. From cold, hard cash to forgivable loans and free memberships, these programs aim to entice remote workers and boost local economies. If you’re looking to save money and potentially get paid to relocate, here are 10 states with incentive programs worth considering.

Alabama

The Shoals region in northern Alabama offers a generous cash incentive through its Remote Shoals Program. This picturesque area along the Tennessee River is looking to attract talented professionals with a $10,000 incentive.

Remote Shoals Program Details

To qualify for the Remote Shoals Program, applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Make $52,000 or more annually
• Have a job that originates outside Colbert and Lauderdale counties

The $10,000 incentive is distributed as follows:

• 25% ($2,500) up-front to help with moving expenses
• 25% after the first six months
• The remaining 50% after one year of residency

Why Choose The Shoals?

Beyond the financial incentive, The Shoals region offers several attractive features:

• Rich musical heritage: The Shoals is famous for its significant contribution to music history, including the renowned Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Music enthusiasts can enjoy a vibrant music scene, making it a culturally enriching place to live.
• Affordable cost of living: The Shoals offers an affordable cost of living, particularly for housing and general expenses, making the area an attractive option for all.
• Scenic beauty and outdoor activities: Nestled along the Tennessee River, The Shoals boasts beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Residents can enjoy fishing, boating, and exploring numerous parks and trails.
• Community and educational opportunities: The area is known for its friendly community and strong support for local businesses and education. With institutions like the University of North Alabama providing educational opportunities and cultural events, residents benefit from a blend of small-town charm and collegiate energy.

Alaska

Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend is one of the oldest and most established incentive programs in the United States. This unique program pays residents annually just for living in the state.

Permanent Fund Dividend Details

To qualify for Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend, residents must:

• Live in Alaska for one full calendar year before applying
• Maintain Alaska residency and live in the state for the entire year they wish to claim the incentive

The amount paid out changes yearly based on state revenue but averages around $1,600 annually.

Benefits of Living in Alaska

In addition to the annual dividend, Alaska offers:

• Stunning natural scenery: Alaska’s landscape is breathtaking, featuring vast wilderness, dramatic mountain ranges, and an abundance of wildlife. Living in Alaska provides unparalleled access to natural wonders like Denali National Park, the Northern Lights, and countless pristine lakes and rivers.
• Outdoor recreation: The state offers world-class fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, and kayaking. Its expansive and diverse terrain provides endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.
• Economic benefits: Alaska has no state income tax or sales tax, which significantly lowers the cost of living. Residents also receive an annual payment from the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), derived from the profits of Alaska’s mineral royalties.
• Unique cultural experience: Alaska is home to a rich mosaic of cultures, which celebrate their history through various festivals, art, music, and community events.

Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas is attracting remote workers with its Life Works Here incentive program. This region, known for its growing tech and medical industries, offers a substantial relocation package.

Life Works Here Program Details

To qualify for the Life Works Here program, applicants must:

• Be at least 24 years old
• Have two years of work experience
• Be employed full-time
• Currently reside outside Arkansas
• Be a U. S. citizen
• Be able to relocate within six months of acceptance

The program offers:

• $10,000 cash incentive (can be awarded in cryptocurrency)
• A mountain or road bike

Why Choose Northwest Arkansas?

Northwest Arkansas has several appealing features for new residents:

• Thriving economy: The region hosts the headquarters of major corporations like Walmart, as well as a growing number of startups and tech companies.
• Affordable cost of living: Northwest Arkansas maintains a cost of living that is below the national average. This affordability extends to housing, utilities, and daily expenses.
• Rich cultural scene: With amenities such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Walton Arts Center, Northwest Arkansas residents have access to world-class art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events.
• Natural beauty and outdoor activities: The region is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Ozark Mountains, lakes, and many state parks, making it a paradise for outdoors enthusiasts.

Iowa

Newton, Iowa, created the Newton Housing Initiative to stimulate new home construction and purchases. This program offers cash incentives and local perks to those investing in the community’s infrastructure.

Newton Housing Initiative Details

To qualify for the Newton Housing Initiative, applicants must:

• Purchase or construct a new home valued at $190,000 or more
• Have the home’s value confirmed by an official appraiser
• Complete construction before receiving the incentive (confirmed by a certificate of occupancy)

The program offers:

• $10,000 cash incentive
• “Get to Know Newton” welcome package valued at around $2,500

Living in Newton

Newton may be a smaller city, but it offers several benefits:

• Strong sense of community: Newton has a close-knit community atmosphere where neighbors know each other and actively participate in local events and initiatives.
• Economic opportunities: With a history rooted in manufacturing and recent developments in the renewable energy sector, Newton provides diverse job opportunities. The city’s economic landscape is bolstered by the presence of several major employers and initiatives aimed at economic development and sustainability.
• Affordable housing: Newton offers an affordable housing market, making it attractive for families, first-time homebuyers, and retirees. The cost of living is also lower than in many urban centers.
• Recreational and cultural activities: The Jasper County Historical Museum and the annual Bowlful of Blues festival are just a couple of the cultural highlights that enrich life in Newton, which also boasts a variety of parks and golf courses and has a robust arts community.

Kansas

Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, has created the Choose Topeka program to attract new talent. This program offers one of the most diverse and substantial incentive packages on this list.

Choose Topeka Program Details

For on-site workers:

• Up to $10,000 if renting a home in the first year
• Up to $15,000 if buying a home in the first year

For remote workers:

• Up to $5,000 if renting a home in the first year
• Up to $10,000 if buying a home in the first year

To qualify, applicants must:

• Move to Topeka for a full-time position (on-site workers)
• Purchase or rent a home in Shawnee County within a year of moving
• Be eligible to work in the United States

For remote workers, additional requirements include:

• Being employed full-time with a company via a remote work position or being self-employed
• Having an employer located outside Shawnee County

Benefits of Life in Topeka

Topeka offers numerous attractions for new residents:

• Affordable housing and low cost of living: Topeka offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to many cities, especially for housing.
• Cultural and historical richness: Topeka holds a special place in American history with its civil rights significance, exemplified by the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.
• Strong community and civic engagement: Topeka is known for fostering a close-knit environment where residents can feel a strong sense of belonging and influence local developments.
• Proximity to major urban centers: Located about an hour from Kansas City, Topeka residents can enjoy the benefits of a quieter, more affordable lifestyle while having access to the amenities in a larger metropolitan area.

Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland, has created programs to encourage homeownership and revitalize older buildings. These initiatives offer financial assistance to prospective homebuyers.

Buying Into Baltimore Program

The Buying into Baltimore program offers a $5,000 forgivable loan to homebuyers. To qualify, applicants must:

• Attend and complete Live Baltimore’s Trolley Tour event.
• Contribute at least $1,000 of their own money to the home purchase.
• Earn a homeownership counseling certificate before making an offer.
• Have a mortgage amount not exceeding $420,680.
• Live in the home as their primary residence.

Vacants to Value Program

The Vacants to Value program provides $10,000 toward down payment and closing costs for those purchasing vacant or abandoned homes. Qualifications include:

• Buying an eligible property designated as vacant or abandoned
• Contributing at least $1,000 of their own money to the purchase
• Earning a homeownership counseling certificate
• Having a mortgage amount not exceeding $420,680
• Living in the home as a primary residence

Why Choose Baltimore?

Baltimore offers several attractions for new residents:

• Rich historical significance: Baltimore boasts a deep historical heritage, with landmarks like Fort McHenry, where The Star-Spangled Banner was written, and its famed Inner Harbor. The city celebrates its history through numerous museums, historic ships, and cultural sites.
• Diverse and vibrant neighborhoods: Baltimore is home to a mosaic of neighborhoods, each with a special character and charm, from the historic row houses of Federal Hill to the artsy and eclectic vibe of Hampden.
• Culinary scene and seafood: Known for excellent seafood, especially its crabs, Baltimore offers a rich culinary scene that features high-end dining and casual eateries. The city is also gaining recognition for its growing brewery and distillery movements.
• Access to premier education and healthcare: World-renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital call Baltimore home. The proximity to leading research and healthcare facilities is a significant draw in Baltimore for professionals and families.

Michigan

Michigan’s Move to Michigan program aims to draw remote workers to its Southwestern region with substantial cash incentives and additional perks.

Move to Michigan Program Details

The program offers a $10,000 cash incentive (or $15,000 for those with children enrolled in public schools). You also get a choice of two other benefits from a list of local memberships and passes:

• An annual pass to the Berrien County Parks, St. Joseph, and Benton Harbor BeachesAnnual membership to the Renaissance Athletic Club
• An annual membership to the Harbor Shores Driving Range and Practice area
• An annual pass to the South Shore Rail
• Membership to The Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan Speaker Series
• One-year membership to a co-working space
• One year’s worth of car services
• Two corporate VIP passes to the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

To qualify for this program, you must not be a current resident of Michigan, provide evidence of full-time remote employment to a company outside of Michigan, and buy or build a home worth at least $200,000. You must also move into the Southwestern Michigan region, specifically one of the following areas:

• The City of St. Joseph
• The City of Benton Harbor
• St. Joseph Charter Township
• Royalton Township
• Benton Charter Township
• Oronoko Charter Township
• Lake Charter Township
• Lincoln Charter Township
• The Village of Stevensville

Benefits of Southwestern Michigan

This region offers several attractions:

• Beautiful lakefront living: The region is famous for its picturesque lakeshore along Lake Michigan, which offers residents beautiful views, beach access, and many water-based activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Towns like St. Joseph and South Haven have charming beachfront communities.
• Vibrant agricultural community: Southwestern Michigan is a hub for agriculture, particularly fruit orchards and vineyards. The area supports a thriving local food scene, with farmers’ markets, wineries, and farm-to-table dining.
• Recreational opportunities: The area is rich in outdoor recreational opportunities beyond the lake, with numerous trails, state parks, and natural areas for hiking, biking, and camping.
• Cultural attractions and festivals: Southwestern Michigan hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals that celebrate the area’s heritage and community spirit, such as the National Blueberry Festival in South Haven.

Minnesota

Harmony, Minnesota, encourages new home construction and renovation of older homes through its Residential Homes Construction Rebate program.

Residential Homes Construction Rebate Details

This program offers a scaling rebate based on the home’s market value, ranging from $2,000 for homes valued at $50,000 to $75,000 up to $12,000 for homes valued at $250,001 or more. The rebate is first come, first served and will continue until allotted funds run out. The more expensive the home or remodel, the higher the rebate amount.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Build a home or renovate an old home appraised at $50,000 or more
• Be current on all city obligations (taxes, fees, utilities, etc. )

Living in Harmony

Out of all the locations on this list, Harmony is by far the smallest. Known as the “biggest small town of Minnesota,” as of writing this, it has a population of only 1,028. But don’t let its small size fool you. Harmony is a wonderful setting:

• Peaceful small-town atmosphere: Harmony lives up to its name with a quiet environment that’s ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
• Proximity to natural attractions: Located near the Minnesota-Iowa border, Harmony is close to natural attractions like the Niagara Cave, one of the Midwest’s largest limestone caverns. The surrounding area provides for enjoyable hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the serene Midwest landscape.
• Affordable cost of living: Harmony’s housing and living expenses are below the national average, making it attractive to retirees and growing families.
• Cultural and recreational activities: The town is known for its Amish tours, which provide insights into the Amish way of life, and the annual Harmony Arts Festival, which celebrates local art and community.

Oklahoma

Tulsa, Oklahoma, created the Tulsa Remote program to attract remote workers with a substantial cash incentive and additional perks.

Tulsa Remote Program Details

The program offers:

• $10,000 cash incentive
• Free one-year membership to a local co-working space
• Assistance in finding housing
• Access to community-building opportunities

To qualify, applicants must:

• Move to Tulsa
• Work remotely full-time for a company outside Oklahoma
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen or possess full residency with work eligibility

Benefits of Living in Tulsa

Tulsa offers several advantages for new residents:

• Affordable living: Tulsa is known for its affordability, particularly in terms of housing costs, which are significantly lower than the national average. This affordability extends to general living expenses, making it easier for individuals and families to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
• Rich cultural scene: Tulsa is home to the Philbrook and Gilcrease museums, and it has a dynamic music scene that includes the historic Cain’s Ballroom and the annual Tulsa International Mayfest.
• Educational opportunities: The University of Tulsa, Oral Roberts University, and Tulsa Community College are all local. Also, the city’s public schools benefit from initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes, such as the Tulsa Teacher Corps.
• Outdoor recreation: The Gathering Place, a large and innovative park along the Arkansas River, provides an array of activities and has been named one of the country’s best new attractions. Tulsa also boasts many parks and recreational areas.

West Virginia

West Virginia has introduced innovative programs designed specifically for remote workers. Among these, the Ascend West Virginia Program stands out with its generous offerings. Through this initiative, remote workers can obtain a $12,000 cash stipend over two years by relocating to one of several featured communities.

The program pays out one of the highest total amounts of any on this list. It provides added incentives with an outdoor experience package, a free co-working space, and access to networking and social engagement events.

Ascend West Virginia Program Details

The program provides:

• $12,000 cash stipend over two years ($10,000 in monthly payments the first year, $2,000 lump sum at the end of the second year)
• Outdoor experience package valued at $2,500
• Free co-working space
• Access to networking and social engagement events

Benefits of Moving to West Virginia

Beyond financial incentives, West Virginia offers abundant natural beauty, with state parks, rivers, and mountains providing ample outdoor recreational activities in addition to other benefits:

• Affordable cost of living: Housing, utilities, and daily expenses are generally more affordable here.
• Natural beauty and outdoor recreation: The state boasts stunning natural landscapes, including the Appalachian Mountains, numerous state parks, and rivers. It has ample spots for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking.
• Rich cultural heritage: West Virginia has a deep-rooted history and rich cultural heritage, particularly in music, arts, and traditional crafts. Events like the Appalachian String Band Music Festival highlight the state’s commitment to celebrating its history and fostering a sense of community.
• Low population density: For those seeking a quieter, less congested place to live, West Virginia fits the bill. The state has a relaxed pace of life, less traffic, and lower stress levels.