West Virginia, Baltimore, Tulsa — these are just a few of the places in the U.S. offering cash to people who are willing to relocate. Whether you’re looking to escape the high cost of living in big cities or simply want a fresh start somewhere new, why not get paid to move?
Across the United States, several towns, cities, and states are now offering financial incentives to attract new residents. It’s a growing trend that Evan Hock, co-founder and COO of MakeMyMove, says more people should know about.
“For the first time, people are truly in control of where they want to live and work,” Hock tells CNBC Make It. “With remote work and flexible job opportunities, smart professionals can live almost anywhere — and that opens up options.”
Many Americans are now choosing to leave places like California, New York, Texas, and Florida, in favor of locations that offer a better quality of life, lower cost of living, and a stronger sense of community.
Hock explains that the main goal of these relocation incentive programs is to attract talented individuals and help smaller communities grow.
“Most of these programs come from areas in the central U.S., places that have had a hard time keeping or attracting talent in the past. These incentives are a way to invite people in and bring back life and innovation to their towns.”
🛫 Thinking of Applying? Visit First.
Before applying, Hock strongly recommends visiting the area first. Many people skip this step, but it’s essential to see if the location fits your lifestyle.
“Spots are limited, so if you’re serious about moving, don’t wait. Applications are free, and just applying puts you in the running — take the chance,” he advises.
💰 As of June 2025, These U.S. Places Are Offering Up to $12,000 to Move:
- West Virginia
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Baltimore, Maryland
- …and more to be revealed in the full list.
Whether you’re a remote worker, entrepreneur, or just someone ready for change, these cities are ready to welcome you — and pay you to join their communities.
1. West Virginia
Program name: Ascend West Virginia
Incentive: Up to $12,000 or more
How it works: In addition to money, West Virginia is offering prospective residents a slew of other incentives, including a free outdoor recreation package and a co-working space. To take advantage, you must live in the state for at least two years in one of the designated communities: New River George, Greenbrier Valley, Morgantown, Eastern Panhandle, and Greater Elkins.
To be eligible for the Ascend West Virginia program, applicants must work remotely, have the ability to work remotely in a business based outside of West Virginia or be self-employed outside of the state. You must provide proof of employment and income prior to being accepted into the program, have the ability to relocate within six months, be 18 years or older, and be a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
2. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Program name: Tulsa Remote
Incentive: $10,000 in rental grants or a lump sum after the purchase of a qualifying home and a three-year membership to a local co-working space.
How it works: Tulsa launched its program in 2018. In order to take advantage of the program, you must meet these requirements: be at least 18 years of age, authorized to work in the United States, have current full-time, remote employment outside of Oklahoma, can relocate to Tulsa within 12 months of approval. Applicants must also have lived outside of the state for one full year before applying.
The application process includes a 30-minute virtual interview and if you are selected to proceed, you’ll be required to complete a background check and income verification before continuing. Once you’re approved, Tulsa Remote will have to verify you’ve signed a qualifying lease or purchased a qualifying home. Approved applicants will then attend a new member orientation. Once those steps are completed, you will be eligible to receive the grant money.
3. Topeka, Kansas
Program name: Choose Topeka
Incentive: Up to $10,000 to be allocated to rent for the first year or up to $15,000 to put towards buying a home.
How it works: To receive the incentive, your employer must participate in the GO Topeka employee transfer program and contribute anywhere from $2,500 up to $15,000. After the first year, the program will reimburse part of the total qualified relocation incentive.
The city has two other programs that offer $5,000 to former Topeka residents and $5,000 to those transitioning out of the military. For these programs, the funds can be used however the recipient chooses.
4. Baltimore, Maryland
Program name: Buying Into Baltimore
Incentive: $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, 5-year forgivable loan
How it works: The program is awarded by lottery 12 business days after the Live Baltimore’s Trolley Tour event, which is held three times a year.
Homebuyers must attend and complete all requirements of the Trolley Tour event. After that event, applicants have 12 business days to make an offer on a home, have the offer accepted, obtain a contract of sale and submit the required paperwork to be eligible for the lottery drawing. 20 homebuyers will be selected to receive the funds.
For remote workers interested, it’s important to note that the property must also be used as a primary residence.
5. Hamilton, Ohio
Program name: Talent Attraction Program Scholarship
Incentive: Up to $15,000
How it works: From April 1, 2025 to July 1, 2025, the Hamilton Community Foundation is taking applications for what is known as a “reverse scholarship.” Recent graduates will receive assistance with student loan debt.
To be eligible, applicants must have graduated within the last seven years from a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, or Mathematics) program. Additionally, you can’t currently reside in the designated areas of the city of Hamilton, but you must have plans to move there.
Those interested must demonstrate employment within Butler County or have a full-time remote position. The application states that preference will be given to “those with a desire to give back to the community and become engaged in activities.”
6. Ketchikan, Alaska
Program name: Choose Ketchikan
Incentive: Up to $2,000
How it works: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and fully employed. They must live outside Alaska while working remotely for a company that is also outside Alaska.
Once you become a resident of Alaska, the state will pay you after a year of living there from the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend.
The program is also offering up to three months of free internet.
7. Newton, Iowa
Program name: The Newton Housing Initiative
Incentive: $10,000 cash
How it works: The city, located approximately 30 miles from Des Moines, is offering $10,000 in cash to individuals seeking to purchase homes valued at more than $240,000.
Rental properties are not eligible and homes under $240,000 shall be eligible for tax abatement. Part of the “Get to Know Newton Welcome Package” also includes getting gifts from local businesses and attending events.
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