Get Paid to Relocate: 12 U.S. Cities Offering Cash to New Residents

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Relocation can be a significant financial burden, but moving could help you earn money. Across the United States, select cities and regions are leveraging creative economic strategies to attract new residents. By offering incentives ranging from cash grants to housing subsidies, these areas aim to revitalize their communities, attract skilled professionals, and stimulate local economies.

If you’ve been considering a change of scenery, this could be your chance to make it happen—and get paid to do it. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 8.4% of Americans relocated in 2022, with job-related reasons making up 33% of those moves. These relocation incentives not only ease financial burdens but also provide opportunities for residents to contribute to burgeoning communities. Here are 12 U.S. cities that are actively paying new residents to relocate.

Topeka, Kansas

"Get Paid to Relocate: U.S. Cities Offering Cash to New Residents — Image Credit: Tony Webster/Wikimedia Commons

Topeka’s Choose Topeka program provides up to $15,000 in financial incentives for home purchases. The city’s housing market offers excellent value, with homes undervalued compared to larger metro areas, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Known for its historic charm and Midwest affordability, Topeka blends small-town warmth with modern amenities, catering to professionals and families.

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore’s Buying Into Baltimore and Vacants to Value programs offer financial assistance between $5,000 and $10,000 to individuals purchasing and rehabilitating homes. These initiatives aim to encourage homeownership while revitalizing city neighborhoods.

As a healthcare innovation hub anchored by Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore offers robust job opportunities. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods and proximity to major East Coast hubs further enhance its appeal.

Shoals, Alabama

Shoals attracts remote workers with a $10,000 relocation grant under its Remote Shoals program, with $2,500 paid upfront and the rest disbursed over the first year. Known as the “Hit Recording Capital of the World,” Shoals offers a culturally rich and affordable lifestyle.

With a cost of living 13% below the national average, according to Sperling’s Best Places, this northern Alabama city provides a unique blend of musical history, tight-knit community, and financial incentives.

Richmond, Indiana

Richmond’s Choose Richmond program provides $7,000 in relocation assistance, including a $5,000 stipend and additional support for housing and childcare. The city offers a welcoming community and a burgeoning arts scene.

Conveniently located near Indianapolis and Dayton, Richmond is ideal for families and creatives looking for a mix of small-town charm and accessibility to urban hubs.

Lincoln County, Kansas

Lincoln County is drawing new residents with its offer of free residential land for those willing to build homes. This rural area, with a population of fewer than 3,500, offers peace, quiet, and open space.

The county also benefits from Kansas’s low property taxes, making it an attractive choice for families seeking affordable and serene living conditions.

Mattoon, Illinois

Mattoon offers $5,000 grants as part of its Move to Mattoon program, targeting professionals eager to join its growing community. The town emphasizes quality of life, boasting parks, recreational facilities, and a revitalized downtown.

With thriving industries in manufacturing and healthcare, Mattoon combines small-town living with promising career opportunities, making it an excellent relocation option.

Morgantown, West Virginia

Morgantown attracts remote workers with $12,000 in incentives through its Ascend WV program, along with free co-working space access. This college town, home to West Virginia University, offers an energetic mix of education, culture, and outdoor activities.

Nature lovers will appreciate Morgantown’s quick access to scenic mountain trails, rafting spots, and vibrant community life, making it ideal for both work and play.

Southwest Michigan

Southwest Michigan offers financial incentives of up to $15,000 for professionals moving to its growing economic hubs. With a focus on advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and tech, the region provides both job opportunities and natural beauty.

Its location near Lake Michigan, combined with affordable property prices, creates an ideal balance of recreation and economic potential.

Greater Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga invites tech professionals through its Tech Talent South initiative, offering financial stipends and professional development. Nicknamed the “Gig City” for its ultra-fast internet speeds, Chattanooga appeals to modern, tech-driven individuals.

With outdoor wonders like Lookout Mountain and a revitalized downtown, this Tennessee city is perfect for those seeking career advancement paired with ample recreational opportunities.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa offers remote workers a $10,000 grant and free access to a modern co-working space through the Tulsa Remote program. This initiative is perfect for those seeking a balance between work and leisure in a city with a low cost of living.The average apartment rent in Tulsa is $951, according to RentCafe, making the grant even more impactful.

Beyond affordability, Tulsa is culturally rich, boasting attractions like the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Gathering Place—a sprawling, award-winning riverside park that offers activities for all ages.

Rochester, New York

Rochester incentivizes homebuyers with its Neighborhood of Choice Grant, offering up to $19,000 to those purchasing homes in specific neighborhoods. With a average home value of $218,332, far below the national median of $416,000, as per Zillow, the city provides affordable options for homeowners.

This picturesque city is known for its proximity to the Finger Lakes, thriving arts scene, and growing tech sector. These factors make Rochester an attractive place for professionals and families alike to live.

Newton, Iowa

Newton welcomes newcomers through its Welcome Home Newton program, offering $12,000 to aid in constructing new homes within city limits. This small-town community ensures that relocation dollars go far, with median home prices of $241,000, according to Bankrate.

Newton combines affordability with charm, featuring Iowa’s rolling landscapes and a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for those who prefer a quieter, simpler lifestyle.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.