11 Places That Will Pay You to Move There
If you’re considering a move and want to stretch your dollars, you might be surprised to learn that there are places that will pay you to move there.
Cities and regions across the U.S. are offering incentives to attract new residents, from cash bonuses and down payment assistance to free internet and local perks. These may not be the largest or most glamorous cities, but they offer affordability and charm that might be just what you’re looking for in a place to call home.
Relocation incentive programs can help ease the financial burden of a big move and open up new opportunities for your lifestyle or career.
In this post, we’ll highlight 11 places that are ready to roll out the welcome mat with move-in perks. We’ll also share how you can search for relocation programs in other cities and towns.
Why do some places pay people to move there?
Many cities and regions face shrinking populations, worker shortages, or economic challenges. To boost growth and attract fresh talent, these places offer financial incentives to lure new residents.
The goal is to enhance local economies, stabilize housing markets, and revitalize communities. By offering these programs, they aim to bring in new homeowners, renters, remote workers, and entrepreneurs who can help fuel the area’s future prosperity.
Let’s look at 11 examples of places that will pay you to live there. For comparison, we’ve included median home prices calculated from local transaction data and estimated rent cost ranges provided by apartments.com.
Editor’s note: Programs and eligibility requirements can change. Check the program pages for updates.
1. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Median home price: $205,000
Typical cost of rent: $700-$1,000 per month
Tulsa offers remote workers a unique opportunity through its “Tulsa Remote” program, designed to entice new residents with a $10,000 homebuying grant. The relocation program specifically targets remote workers who can bring their jobs with them, allowing them to enjoy Tulsa’s low cost of living while boosting the local economy.
Participants in the program receive the $10,000 incentive either in monthly installments or as a lump sum after purchasing a qualifying home. To submit an application and be considered for the program, you must meet five eligibility requirements:
18 years of age or older
Authorized to work in the United States
Currently have a full-time, remote job outside of Oklahoma
Can relocate to Tulsa within 12 months of program approval
Have lived outside of Oklahoma for 12 months before applying
With its vibrant arts scene and friendly Midwestern atmosphere, Tulsa is becoming an appealing destination for those looking to relocate and work remotely. Learn more on the Tulsa Remote FAQ page.
»Find a top-rated Tulsa real estate agent
2. Topeka, Kansas
Median home price: $189,000
Typical cost of rent: $700-$1,000 per month
Topeka’s “Choose Topeka” program offers relocation incentives of up to $15,000 for those willing to settle in Kansas’ capital city. The program partners with Shawnee County employers to choose talented people to relocate to the community. Incentives are available to both remote workers and in-person employees, making it an attractive option for a broad range of professionals.
Participants receive the incentive in two ways:
Up to $10,000 for those renting or buying a home in Topeka
Up to $15,000 for those purchasing a home in Shawnee County
To qualify for the “Choose Topeka” program, applicants must:
Confirm with your new employer that they participate in Choose Topeka
Move to Topeka to work in a full-time position
Purchase or rent a primary residence home in Shawnee County within a year
Be a legal U.S. citizen or hold a legal alien status
Complete the Choose Topeka survey after one year
Participate in the Choose Topeka immersion program
Ensure the employer’s application is received before permanent relocation
With affordable living and a growing arts and culture scene, Topeka is a great choice for anyone looking to plant roots in the Midwest. Learn more on the Choose Topeka application page. You can also explore the Boomerang and Transitioning Military Service Member programs.
»Find a top-rated Topeka real estate agent
3. Noblesville, Indiana
Median home price: $370,000
Typical cost of rent: $1,001-$1,500 per month
Noblesville is offering remote workers an enticing relocation incentive through a partnership with MakeMyMove.com. New residents can receive a $5,000 relocation grant along with various local perks, such as a 1-year membership to a co-working space, park passes, a health and wellness stipend, and even VIP concert experiences at the nearby Ruoff Music Center. The total incentive package is worth up to $15,000.
To qualify for Noblesville’s relocation program, applicants must:
Be employed full-time or self-employed and retain their current clients or position
Earn at least $80,000 annually
Be 18 years or older
Be a U.S. citizen
Currently reside outside the state of Indiana
Relocate their primary residence to Noblesville within six months of being accepted
Noblesville offers remote workers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. The program also includes access to community events and networking opportunities to help newcomers feel at home. Learn more on the Noblesville relocation program page.
»Shop for homes in Noblesville
»Find a top-rated Noblesville real estate agent
4. Newton, Iowa
Median home price: $180,000
Typical cost of rent: $700-$1,000 per month
Newton’s Housing Initiative offers a generous incentive for homebuyers looking to build or buy a new home in this charming Iowa town. Through the Newton Housing Development Corporation, eligible participants can receive up to $10,000 in cash, plus a custom “Get to Know Newton” welcome package valued at $2,500.
This program is designed to attract new residents and boost local development by providing financial support for those constructing or buying new construction single-family homes in the city.
To qualify for Newton’s homebuyer incentive program, applicants must:
Build or buy a new single-family home within the city limits of Newton
Ensure the home is valued at $240,000 or more (net of land value)
Home value must be backed by an appraisal or assessment.
Must be an owner-occupied primary residence (not a rental property)
Begin construction by 2026 (subject to funding availability)
Meet other standard requirements for city approval
This initiative has made Newton an appealing destination for homebuyers seeking affordable new builds with great community perks. Learn more on the Newton program page or at this link on newtongov.org.
