Working remotely or feeling the itch to relocate? Then you’ll appreciate these two great pieces of news. Thanks to historically low mortgage rates, it’s still an ideal time to be a homebuyer. On top of that, there are also nearly a dozen cities that will pay you (often generously) to move.
Get paid to relocate: 11 cities with an incentive to move
USPS data shows that nearly 36 million people moved in 2020, largely related to the flexibility granted from working at home during the pandemic. Other common reasons to relocate include leveraging equity to trade up to a larger house with a home office, moving closer to family, or finding a more affordable location to live. If you too are ready for your next chapter, consider being paid to move.
There isn’t a catch. Multiple cities in the U.S. have created programs that allow you to get paid to relocate:
1. Augusta, Maine
How much: $15,660
If you’ve always wanted to live in a quaint, waterfront town, now’s your chance. Once you’ve settled in and stayed for a full tax year, you could be eligible to receive a rebate covering your Maine state taxes in full, for up to $15,660. Other eligibility requirements may also apply, like needing to have graduated from college after 2008.
2. Johnstown, Pennsylvania
How much: $5,000
An hour’s drive east of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is located in the Laurel Mountains and is made up of over 60 townships. For those remote workers drawn to Western PA and all its natural beauty, you could receive $2,500 in cash, plus $2,500 in added benefits, adding up to $5,000.
3. Juneau, Alaska
How much: $3,000
Once you’ve prepared for the elements, the Alaska Department of Revenue is prepared to offer you up to $1,000 a year in compensation for moving to the most sparsely populated state. The total value of the incentive program caps out at $3,000. You need only move to Juneau to apply.
4. Lewisburg, West Virginia
How much: $20,000
Hey, big spender: Lewisburg offers among the largest cash prizes for relocation for anyone 18 and older working fully remotely at a non-West-Virginian company. Nature lovers hankering to live in the Appalachian Mountains could receive $12,000 in cash, access to a co-working space, a free outdoor recreation package, and more freebies that add up to an estimated value of $20,000.
5. Natchez, Mississippi
How much: $6,000
Interested in living in the birthplace of Mississippi? Remote workers relocating to Natchez, just a short drive from New Orleans, could receive a relocation reimbursement for up to $2,500, plus payment of $300 a month for up to one year to help out with living expenses. Remote work requirements and home purchase minimums apply.
6. Newton, Iowa
How much: $12,500
How about getting $10,000 directly after closing on a new house purchased in Newton? Not only that, but you’ll receive plenty of perks in your Get to Know Newton package, offering discounts on local establishments totaling up to $2,500. Most transplants value Newton’s ultra-affordable cost of living.
Find out how we make mortgage fast, friendly, and easy, even when moving state-to-state.
7. Ontario, Oregon
How much: $10,000
Sick of the big city life? This small, rural town on the Oregon Trail and bordering Idaho will give you $10,000 in cash to build a new house. Both homebuyers and contractors may be eligible for this housing incentive program, and the home must be built within 24 months of applying in order to qualify.
8. Tulsa, Oklahoma
How much: $10,000
“Hi, remote workers! We’ll pay you to work from Tulsa,” the Tulsa Remote program cheerily states. If you meet the requirements and make the move, you could be eligible for a $10,000 grant that you’ll receive right after purchasing a house. The program has already attracted almost 1,200 remote workers and counting.
9. Topeka, Kansas
How much: $11,000
A short drive from several major universities, Topeka is known for its friendliness, greenery, and low living expenses. Speaking of friendliness, Topeka wants to tell new telecommuting community members “thanks” with a $10,000 incentive that can be put toward the purchase of a new house. New Topekans will also get $1,000 worth of Jimmy John’s sandwiches.
10. Tucson, Arizona
How much: $9,000
Remote Tucson is another program intended to draw teleworkers to the Grand Canyon State. If selected, you could receive moving assistance, special perks, and, most importantly, cash — with a total value estimated at over $9,000. Tucson, the program points out, has premium living at a fraction of the price.
11. West Lafayette, Indiana
How much: $8,245
Drive an hour northwest of Indianapolis, and there you’ll find West Lafayette, separated by the Wabash River from Lafayette, its sister city. West Lafayette is also home to Purdue University. Move there as a full-time, out-of-state remote worker, and you could receive up to $5,000 in cash, plus $2,670 in living expenses and a gift of $575.
Your new home is waiting for you
Whether you’re staying close by or relocating to another city or state, we’re here to make the mortgage process as smooth and as speedy as possible. Take the first step and prequalify.
For educational purposes only. Please contact your qualified professional for specific guidance.
Sources are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.