These 5 Small Cities Are Paying For Remote Workers to Relocate

With the housing market in shambles and the world the way it is, you may be thinking about relocating to a new place. Even if there is no dire excuse for finding a new home, a change of scenery can be inspiring and incredibly productive for your career, family life and overall life goals.

There are an array of places that are now paying remote workers to relocate. These incentives are put in place to help boost their economy, and many small towns across North America are now participating. You’ll find charming features throughout, and ample opportunity for a change of pace. If you find yourself ready to try something new, here are some locations that are looking for top talent to move there.

1. Tulsa, Oklahoma

While Tulsa is not necessarily considered a small town–it is a metropolitan area with a population of around 402,441 as of 2020 – it is still a middle-of-the-map location that is attracting outsiders with its popular incentive program. The city has a rich history and is now home to artists, musicians and business leaders that have helped to shape its community in recent years.

Tulsa Remote has four eligibility requirements for its applicants. The first is that you must be willing to move to Tulsa within 12 months of application submission. You must be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the United States and able to contribute to the local economy. The other big factor? You must already have full-time remote employment or be self-employed outside of the state of Oklahoma.

Those who qualify need only live in the area for one year. The program provides suggestions on top apartment locations in the area. Participants receive $10,000 and reserved desk space in a coworking community that prides itself on a creative and innovative atmosphere. The program grants you access to an exclusive community as well.

Tulsa’s incentive has gained popularity since its conception in 2018. With over 50,000 applications submitted, the process is very popular and stringent. Only around 1,700 of those applicants have gained access to the benefits.

2. Newton, Iowa

If you search throughout the middle of America, you may not find a town as charming as Newton, Iowa. Established in 1846, this municipality officially became a city in 1857 and is the largest city in Jasper County.

During the 19th century, the town flourished due to coal mines throughout the region. The 20th century brought more manufacturing to the area, and the washing machine industry led the town’s growth. In fact, the Maytag Corporation – infamous for its top-of-the-line washing machines and other household appliances that dominated the market for decades–was operated in Newton, and brought a new level of status and opportunity to the location. The factory closed its doors in 2007.

This small town outside of bustling Des Moines is currently offering The Newton Housing Initiative, established in 2014. It grants a $10,000 cash reimbursement to anyone who purchases a home valued at $190,000 or more. Those who choose to participate will receive their bonus at the time of closing on their financing for housing. This initiative is not offered for rental properties.

As of 2020, 15,760 people call Newton home. The incentive hopes to bring more people of varying demographics to the space, and allow innovation to land on the town’s soil once again.

3. Rochester, NY

While it certainly isn’t the Big City, Great Rochester is a metropolitan area that spans 9 counties, located just under 6 hours north of New York, New York. The area boasts access to Lake Ontario, the Erie Canal, and the Finger Lakes, and is a relatively affordable place to live already. Add in their relocation incentive program, and you may have the perfect blend of creative innovation and outdoor beauty.

To be eligible for their program, you must be a full-time remote worker. At the time you submit your application, you must live no closer then 300 miles from downtown Rochester, be 18 years of age or older and be eligible to work anywhere in the United States. You must also be willing to move within 6 months of being accepted into the program.

Once accepted, you will enjoy the benefits of $10,000 – to help offset relocating to a new place and living expenses – and up to $9,000 in homebuyer incentives, should you choose to go that route.

4. West Lafayette, Indiana

Another great place in the midwest to consider is West Lafayette, Indiana. Just an hour north of Indianapolis, this municipality serves as home to the storied Purdue University. It has its own charm about it as well, with a plethora of breweries, coffee shops and parks to choose from.

The city also has an incentive package valued at around $9,000 for remote workers to relocate. This includes a host of free programming, a Purdue Library Membership, and free food and drinks on campus. There is a $5,000 relocation stipend, free city bus pass, steep co-working discount, and $750 housing reimbursement. Plus, they grant you a Chamber of Commerce Membership, and discounts for the gym and continuing education, to help you round out your work/life balance. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Applicants must be employed remotely full-time and relocate from outside of the state of Indiana. They must be eligible to work anywhere in the United States. The Purdue Research Foundation carefully selects all applicants.

5. Alaska

We know, we know. Alaska is not a town. But most of the municipalities within Alaska are considered small towns. And the state itself has been running an incentive for all residents through the Permanent Fund Dividend. Established in 1976, it is a longstanding benefit for people who live in the state. It is funded by oil revenues and has paid out an average of $1,600 per resident every year since it started.

If you are looking for reasons to relocate to Alaska–the cost of living is not known to be lower by any means, after all–the state itself provides many benefits to its workers. Among those are the fact that there is no state sales or income tax and the state provides daily overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times your regular earnings. They also allow people to fish for salmon for mere pennies, making healthy food options a little more attainable. Breathtaking views and crisp, clean air are mere perks when it comes down to it.

While the fund does not specifically cater to new residents or people relocating to the state, it serves its population well. If you are interested in receiving these funds, you must officially register with the program through the Department of Revenue.

Check out MakeMyMove for a few more remote relocation programs and opportunities as they develop.