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States That Will Pay You to Move There 2023

Several states and cities in the United States offer incentives and financial benefits to attract newcomers in 2023, including West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Vermont.

by Rajesh

Updated Nov 11, 2023

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States That Will Pay You to Move There 2023

States That Will Pay You to Move There 2023

West Virginia

Incentives: West Virginia offers a range of incentives for those willing to move to specific areas in the state. These incentives include,

  • Up to $12,000 in cash: You can receive a significant cash payment.
  • Access to a free co-working space: This is a great benefit for remote workers.
  • Free outdoor recreation activities and discounts on gear rentals: Ideal for nature enthusiasts.
  • Acclimation and professional development assistance: Support for your transition.

Eligibility: To qualify for West Virginia's program, you need to meet specific requirements. These include being at least 18 years old and having a full-time remote position with a company headquartered outside West Virginia.

Greater Lafayette, Indiana

Incentives: Greater Lafayette, home to Purdue University, has its own set of attractive incentives for newcomers:

  • $5,000 relocation stipend: Financial assistance for moving, housing, and childcare.
  • Free co-working space membership: A great resource for remote workers.
  • Access to professional development and networking programs: Opportunities for career growth.

Eligibility: To be eligible for this program, you should be a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old, living outside Indiana, making at least $50,000 per year, and able to move to the Greater Lafayette area within six months.

Owensboro, Kentucky

Incentives: Owensboro, located in southwestern Kentucky, aims to attract flexible and motivated workers with these incentives:

  • Affordable cost of living.
  • High-quality schools.
  • Standard of living.
  • Offers available to full-time employees or self-employed workers making at least $60,000 per year.

Lincoln County, Kansas

Incentives: Lincoln County, Kansas, offers a range of benefits to simplify the lives of active professionals:

  • A rural lifestyle with various recreational activities.
  • Affordable homeownership opportunities.
  • Low crime rates, making it an ideal place to raise a family.

Eligibility: Similar to other destinations on the list, eligibility can be determined by applying, getting pre-qualified, confirming eligibility, and accepting an offer.

Richmond, Indiana

Incentives: Richmond offers a package that includes:

  • $5,000 cash incentive.
  • Access to a local co-working space.
  • Real estate and relocation assistance.
  • A choice of lifestyle packages, such as arts, history, outdoor recreation, fitness, or sports.

Mattoon, Illinois

Incentives: Mattoon, Illinois, offers the "Move to Mattoon" program with benefits like:

  • Up to $5,000 for moving expenses.
  • Gift cards from local businesses.
  • Free co-working space membership.
  • A six-month family membership at the local YMCA.
  • Free internet for six months.

Eligibility: Applicants must live more than 100 miles away from Mattoon, commit to living within the city for two years, pass a background check, and be a remote employee making at least $45,000 per year.

Southwest Michigan

Incentives: Southwest Michigan offers generous incentives, including up to $15,000 for purchasing a new home, complimentary car service, athletic club memberships, and more.

Shoals, Alabama

Incentives: The Shoals Economic Development Authority's Remote Shoals Program offers up to $10,000 in incentives for qualified applicants who earn $52,000 or more per year as full-time remote employees or independent contractors.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Incentives:

  • Cash Incentives: Up to $10,000 in cash or home purchase assistance (Tulsa Remote).
  • Free Outdoor Activities: Year of free outdoor activities (West Virginia's Ascend).
  • Relocation Grants: Up to $7,500 for moving to Vermont.
  • Student Loan Forgiveness: Up to $40,000 in student debt forgiveness (Maine Smart Buy).
  • Property Tax Rebates: Available in some Kansas towns.

Eligibility: It typically requires full-time remote employment for an out-of-state employer and being over 18 years old, but specific criteria may vary by program.

Vermont

Incentives: Vermont's Think Vermont program offers financial incentives up to $7,500 to make moving easier. Eligibility includes having a remote position out of state or an accepted position with a local employer.

International Locations

Chile: Offers incentives for tech workers, including $80,000 equity-free, work visas, training, and office space.

Albinen, Switzerland: Offers payments to adults and children to reside in the town for ten years.

These programs are designed to attract a variety of individuals, including college graduates, freelancers, and potential homebuyers, to various cities, states, and even international locations. Each location has specific eligibility criteria and offers a unique set of benefits to entice newcomers.

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What State Pays You the Most to Move There?

Here is the list of State Pays You the Most to Move There,

City

Incentive Amount (Dollars)

Southwest Michigan

Up to $15,000

West Virginia

Up to $12,000

Tulsa, Oklahoma

$10,000

Shoals, Alabama

Up to $10,000

Vermont

Up to $7,500

Greater Lafayette, Indiana

$5,000

Richmond, Indiana

$5,000

Mattoon, Illinois

Up to $5,000

Owensboro, Kentucky

Not specified

Lincoln County, Kansas

Not specified

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Why Are There Places That Will Pay You to Move There?

Various motives drive towns, cities, and countries to offer incentives for ex-pats to settle within their borders. The prevailing theme is investment – these locations aspire to attract skilled professionals to enhance their local communities. If you possess expertise, they willingly provide relocation incentives in exchange for bringing your skills to their area.

This approach yields dual benefits: a financial boost to launch your overseas life and expedited visa procedures. Yet, a drawback emerges in the form of potential residency obligations. Disliking your new environment and relocating prematurely could jeopardize the incentive payout.

Nonetheless, lacking high qualifications doesn't preclude opportunities. Entrepreneurs are also sought after; with a robust business proposal and the commitment to generate local employment, you'll find welcoming destinations, regardless of your field of interest – whether it's technology, tourism, or trade.

While each locale has its unique motivations, some prevalent reasons encompass:

  • Low Population: Areas seeking to rejuvenate their population, particularly those desiring young families, are eager for fresh residents.
  • Economic Struggles: Places grappling with job scarcity import entrepreneurs to stimulate their economies.
  • Intellectual Drain: The departure of skilled professionals has left certain regions deficient in vital roles such as doctors, engineers, and managers.
  • Revitalization: Encouraging people to refurbish aged properties is common in towns seeking restoration.
  • Education Focus: Both students seeking education and educators in sought-after fields can find opportunities abroad.
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Will Oklahoma Pay You to Move There?

Yes, Oklahoma offers incentives to attract remote workers and new residents through programs like "Tulsa Remote." This initiative provides selected applicants with up to $10,000 in cash or assistance toward home purchases to encourage them to relocate to Tulsa. In addition to the financial incentive, participants gain access to co-working spaces and become part of a community of remote workers.

However, to qualify, applicants must be over 18, eligible to work in the United States, and hold full-time remote employment, undergoing a rigorous application process to ensure they align with the program's goals of boosting the city's population and revitalizing its economy. Oklahoma's efforts to attract remote workers reflect a broader trend among U.S. states and cities seeking to counter population decline and economic challenges by offering attractive incentives to those willing to call them home. 

Will Kansas Pay You to Move There?

Kansas offers enticing incentives to encourage remote workers and professionals to move to the state, particularly to Lincoln County. While specific dollar amounts may not be mentioned in the provided information, Lincoln County, Kansas, boasts a rural lifestyle with abundant recreational activities, affordable homeownership opportunities, and notably low crime rates, making it an attractive destination for those looking to simplify their lives and make the most of their hard-earned dollars. 


States That Will Pay You to Move There 2023 - FAQs

1. Why do states offer incentives to attract new residents?

States offer incentives to boost local economies, address population declines, and fill skill gaps.

2. What are the common motivations behind these incentives?

Motivations include low population, economic struggles, intellectual drain, revitalization, and education focus.

3. Are these incentives only for highly qualified professionals?

No, entrepreneurs and individuals with various skills are also sought after.

4. What are the potential drawbacks of these programs?

Potential residency obligations and the risk of losing incentives if you relocate prematurely.

5. What is the eligibility criteria for these programs?

Eligibility varies by program but often includes factors like age, income, and remote employment.

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