If you’re like most people right now, you may be considering your cost of living.
With the way the last few years have shifted and changed the economy, many of us are looking at our budgets with a lot of question marks.
Are you willing to consider a change of scenery?
These seven cities across the United States are not only inviting, but they’re also paying people to move there.
From the mountainous landscapes of West Virginia to the musical heritage of the Shoals in Alabama, each city offers unique incentives and attractions that make them worth considering!
7 US Cities Paying People to Move There
Note: Most of these programs are specific about offering to remote workers, so look at the details of each offering before you make any decisions!
1. Ascend WV – West Virginia
West Virginia, known for its stunning Appalachian Mountains and numerous state parks, invites newcomers through the Ascend WV program. The state offers $12,000 and a year’s worth of free outdoor recreation. It’s an excellent place for someone who loves the outdoors.
Average Rent: $921/month1
Average House Price: $166,6292
Population: 1.77 million
West Virginia has beautiful landscapes, including the Appalachian Mountains and numerous state parks. The state hosts several events, such as the Mountain State Forest Festival and the West Virginia Strawberry Festival.
2. Greater Lafayette, Indiana
Greater Lafayette, Indiana, is enticing new residents through the Make My Move program.
The program offers a total of $10,000 in incentives from a $5,000 relocation stipend, a co-working discount, Chamber of Commerce membership, and more!
Average Rent: $1,033/month3
Average House Price: $350,9004
Population: 188,792 in Tippecanoe County
Lafayette is known for its lively arts scene, with several galleries and live performances annually. The historic downtown district adds charm to the city, and the Wabash River enhances its scenic beauty.
3. Grow The Boro – Owensboro, Kentucky
Owensboro, Kentucky, offers a relocation incentive of up to $5,000 to move to this city through the Grow The Boro program.
Along with this stipend, there are other perks like tickets to festivals, concerts, museums, and even free coffee at local coffee shops once a week. It’s a great city if you are looking for somewhere with great food and a lively downtown.
Average Rent: $754/month5
Average House Price: $191,3226
Population: 60,183
Owensboro is known for its exciting downtown area filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment. The city also hosts the annual International Bar-B-Q Festival, which attracts barbecue enthusiasts from all over.
4. Home Base Lincoln County Program – Lincoln County, Kansas
Another city paying people to move is Lincoln County, Kansas, who offers a great package to relocate to the area.
You will receive $5,000 in cash, up to $3,000/year for 5 years to help pay off your student debt, and have your state income tax waived through 2026 with the Home Base Lincoln Country Program. While Lincoln County is a small population, it has a friendly community and a beautiful landscape.
Average Rent: $952/month7
Average House Price: $116,2648
Population: 2,849
The Post Rock Scenic Byway and Lincoln State Park are notable attractions, providing numerous recreational opportunities.
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5. Paducah, Kentucky
Paducah, Kentucky, offers $5,000 for new residents to buy homes there along with an additional $2,500 if you are moving with a spouse who will work locally in education or healthcare.
Known for its vibrant arts scene and the National Quilt Museum, Paducah is a city that values culture and history.
Average Rent: $866/month9
Average House Price: $170,56910
Population: 26,749
The historic downtown area and Riverfront area are main attractions, and the city hosts an annual QuiltWeek event.
6. Remote Shoals – The Shoals, Alabama Region
*Editor’s note: This program is currently paused and set to recommence March 1st, 2025
The Shoals area, which includes the cities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia, offers up to $10,000 for new residents who are remote workers.
Known for its rich musical history, including FAME Studios, the Shoals area is a hub of Southern charm.
Average Rent: $1,295/month11
Average House Price: $190,03412
Population: Around 78,123
The cities are rich in Southern charm and host various music festivals, such as the W.C. Handy Music Festival.
7. Tulsa Remote – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Yet another small town paying people to move is Tulsa, Oklahoma. The city offers $10,000 and a membership at a co-working space for remote workers through the Tulsa Remote program. It’s a great place for remote workers looking for a lower cost of living.
Average Rent: $982/month13
Median House Price: $198,27314
Population: 411,894
Tulsa has a lively arts district and beautiful parks, including the Gathering Place, a riverfront park that’s been recognized as one of the best in the country. The city also hosts the annual Tulsa International Mayfest.
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Will You Take Advantage of These Cities Paying People to Move?
If you are planning a change, make sure to consider these seven American cities paying people to move to their communities.
If you are adventurous and like to try something new, you may find that you can lower your expenses through these grants and find a new part of the United States that you can call home.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published Jun 19, 2023 and has been updated to reflect current market trends in the housing market.
Sources:
- 1 | Apartments.com – https://www.apartments.com/rent-market-trends/wv/ – Feb 3rd, 2025
- 2 | Zillow.com – https://www.zillow.com/home-values/61/wv/ – Feb 3rd, 2025
- 3 | Apartments.com – https://www.apartments.com/rent-market-trends/lafayette-in/ – Feb 3rd, 2025
- 4 | Zillow.com – https://www.zillow.com/home-values/41643/west-lafayette-in/ – Feb 3rd, 2025
- 5 | Apartments.com – https://www.apartments.com/rent-market-trends/owensboro-ky/ – Feb 3rd, 2025
- 6 | Zillow.com – https://www.zillow.com/home-values/33287/owensboro-ky/ – Feb 3rd, 2025
- 7 | Rentdata.org – https://www.rentdata.org/states/kansas/2025 – Feb 3rd, 2025
- 8 | Zillow.com – https://www.zillow.com/home-values/1867/lincoln-county-ks/ – Feb 3rd, 2025
- 9 | Apartments.com – https://www.apartments.com/rent-market-trends/paducah-ky/ – Feb 3rd, 2025
- 10| Zillow.com – https://www.zillow.com/home-values/46954/paducah-ky/ – Feb 3rd, 2025
- 11| Zillow.com – https://www.zillow.com/rental-manager/market-trends/muscle-shoals-al/ 0 Feb 3rd, 2025
- 12| Zillow.com – Feb 3rd, 2025
- 13| Rentcafe.com – https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/ok/tulsa/ – Feb 3rd 2025
- 14| Zillow.com – https://www.zillow.com/home-values/20859/tulsa-ok/ – Feb 3rd, 2025
