Five years after the pandemic reshaped the American labor market, 

—the strategy of relocating from high-cost-of-living areas to more affordable communities- has evolved from a financial tactic to a full-scale lifestyle movement.

 (22 percent of the workforce) work remotely, according to Neat’s 

. Yet the modern migration map reveals a deeper trend: people aren’t just moving to save money - they’re moving to experience a better quality of life.

That was the case for Ken Sharp and his family who recently relocated from Austin, Texas to 

, through the MakeMyMove program. For nearly 20 years, Austin was their home. It was the place where their daughter was born, where they built friendships and weathered the seasons (or lack thereof) together. But over time, the city changed - traffic worsened, the cost of living skyrocketed and their family felt too far away.

“In Austin, we were in a small house and couldn’t really move up,” Ken said. “Here, our real estate dollars go so much further. We finally have room to breathe.”

Geoarbitrage (also called geographic arbitrage) involves remote workers strategically relocating from a high-cost-of-living area to places with much lower living expenses. For example, a remote worker making $100,000 in Los Angeles or New York City can stretch that income far further in Bloomington, Indiana, or Columbus, Georgia. But in 2025, geoarbitrage isn’t limited to digital nomads and tech employees not only has hybrid work added nuance but educators, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs and manufacturing workers are seeking in-person opportunities in communities where their salaries stretch farther while supporting both their career and wellbeing.

The Massive Financial Benefits of Geoarbitrage

The math behind geoarbitrage is simple - the lower your cost of living, the further your income can stretch and the easier it becomes to bank meaningful savings or raise your overall quality of life.

, a household earning $150,000 in the Washington, D.C. metro area would need to earn only around $99,150 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to maintain the same standard of living. That’s a 51% difference in cost, or more than $50,000 in annual purchasing power reclaimed simply by changing zip codes.

Those numbers aren’t just theoretical. More Americans are turning data into decisions, using geoarbitrage to design lives that balance financial security with personal fulfillment.

For Ayenna, that balance came after she decided to leave Atlanta. Despite a stable remote job, she was exhausted by rising rent, traffic, and the constant pressure of city life.

"I was living in the Atlanta area and it has become so overpopulated, there’s too much traffic and construction and things of that nature," Ayenna says. "The cost of living was skyrocketing, too as far as home and rental prices and I wasn’t happy there."

Her “happy place” turned out to be Lincoln County, Kansas, a small community just west of 

where her income stretched further and her days felt calmer. The move meant starting over in a place where she didn’t have family nearby but what she found in return was freedom and peace of mind.

From her loft apartment in downtown Lincoln, Ayenna starts each morning walking her dog, Gabriel, next to a senior center where residents give them a friendly wave. Errands that once took hours in Atlanta are now measured in minutes since the grocery store, bank and post office are all within a few blocks.

According to NerdWallet’s 2025 comparison, a household earning $90,000 in Atlanta would need only about $77,000 in nearby Salina to maintain the same standard of living and in 

, that difference stretches even further, especially when it comes to housing.

"I would like to get a home with a backyard for my doggie,” says Ayenna.

Beyond Remote Work: Joining the Local Workforce

Geoarbitrage once meant keeping a big-city salary while living somewhere cheaper. But in 2025, a growing share of movers are taking local jobs - choosing communities that offer stability, affordability and meaningful work.

Across the Midwest and South, workforce relocation programs are filling roles in healthcare, education and manufacturing - industries hungry for talent.


That was the case for mover Sam. He relocated to 

 and started as a remote worker until he was hired by a local company, Kimball Electronics, where he now manages quality engineering in their medical division. “It was the right opportunity at the right time,” he said. “There’s real industry here - Toyota, MasterBrand Cabinets, Kimball - and they need skilled workers.”

These programs also help communities fill essential roles to help build long-term population stability, while newcomers contribute to civic life  - volunteering, buying homes and enrolling children in local schools.

Relocation programs like MakeMyMove have transformed geoarbitrage from an individual lifestyle choice into a community-building movement. Through relocation incentives, communities are offering more than cash - they’re offering connection. Packages often include memberships to coworking spaces, passes to local events, or introductions to small business networks and volunteer opportunities. These benefits aren’t just financial perks; they’re invitations to participate, to belong and to build a life surrounded by community.

That was the case for Marissa Huber-East, who moved with her husband and two children from Florida to Bloomington, Indiana.

“Our daily life fits who we are and what we value, and the people and community here in Bloomington make it so special,” said Marissa Huber-East, who returned to

, after nearly two decades away. “It’s such a small thing, but that familiarity - the sense of being part of something - means everything.”

Communities benefit just as much as the movers who choose them. New residents bring energy, skills and a fresh sense of optimism and in return, they find places eager to welcome them home. From Indiana to Kentucky to Kansas, these programs are rewriting what it means to move for opportunity.

, Evan Hock, Co-Founder and COO of MakeMyMove said that each remote worker generates more than $80,000 on average to their new location’s economy.

As remote and hybrid work stabilizes, geoarbitrage is shifting from novelty to norm. Workers are no longer chasing cheaper rent—they’re pursuing richer lives.

That was the case for Justin and Millie who relcoated from Georgia to 

earlier this year. Even though as they say, they’ve “lived all over,” when they moved into their new home in McCordsville, they fell in love with the area. “Millie has a soft spot for the cornfields,” Justin said with a laugh. “She loves that rural, open feel. I’m drawn more to the rolling hills and wooded areas. Here, we get the best of both worlds: cornfields just a few blocks away and Geist Reservoir right on our route into Fishers. No matter the season, it’s beautiful.”

Millie added that their daily lives have been enriched by small-town amenities. “There’s a coffee shop called Coffee at the Crossing that kind of sealed the deal for me,” she said. “And we’re less than a quarter mile from walking trails. With our Great Dane, Seamus, that was non-negotiable.”

The next chapter of geoarbitrage will be defined by stories of families thriving in affordable towns, of professionals finding purpose close to home and of communities re-energized by newcomers who came not just to live but to bring value to their new home.


In 2025, geoarbitrage isn’t just about saving money — it’s about finding balance, purpose and connection. Discover how remote and local-work movers alike are leveraging relocation programs to build better lives.

Noblesville

Lincoln County

Salina

Jasper

Bloomington

McCordsville

Geoarbitrage 2.0: How Remote and In-Person Movers Are Redefining Work and Home in 2025

Thinking about making Wells County your new home?

Located in Northeast Indiana, Wells County blends small-town charm with a strong, diverse economy rooted in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, and education. With stable employers, affordable living, and supportive community resources, newcomers can find long-term opportunity and a welcoming place to grow their careers. 

(powered by local job boards / employer postings)

 — K–12 teaching, paraprofessionals, athletics, food service, transportation, and building services. 

 — Classroom support, special education, coaching, administration, bus drivers, and custodial roles. 

 — Teaching positions, aides, cafeteria staff, and district support roles. 

Government, Public Safety, and Local Services 

Wells County Government & City of Bluffton

 — Careers in administration, public works, utilities, planning, clerical support, and parks/community services. 

 — Positions in policing, corrections, EMS, fire protection, dispatch, and emergency response. 

 — Careers in nursing, allied health, imaging, administrative support, patient care, and emergency services. 

 — Positions in medical assisting, physical/occupational therapy support, front-desk administration, and behavioral health services. 

 — Hiring CNAs, QMA/CMA staff, caregivers, culinary workers, housekeeping, and activities support. 

Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades

 — Opportunities in machining, CNC operation, welding, fabrication, assembly, quality control, and maintenance tech roles. 

Industrial production & plastics manufacturers

 — Hiring for machine operators, extrusion techs, maintenance, logistics, and production support. 

 — Roles in carpentry, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and general contracting with apprenticeship pathways available. 

Logistics, Distribution, and Transportation

Regional warehouses & distribution centers

 — Roles in forklift operation, inventory control, dispatching, shipping/receiving, and CDL driving. 

Local transportation & logistics companies

 — Opportunities in routing, dispatch, customer service, and supply-chain support. 

Job Training Programs to Help You Qualify

Wells County makes it possible to step into new career fields through training and certifications:

 — Training vouchers, resume support, upskilling programs, apprenticeships, and career coaching for in-demand industries. 

Ivy Tech Community College (Fort Wayne & Online)

 — Certificates in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT, business support, welding, HVAC, and trades. 

Area 18 Career & Technical Education Centers

 — High-demand vocational and technical training for welding, automotive, health science, construction trades, and IT pathways. 

 — Regional workforce programs connecting residents to apprenticeships, employer training, and industry-specific upskilling. 

Explore top employers and career paths in Wells County, Indiana. Find $70K+ jobs, training programs, and relocation support near you.

Wells County, IN Employment Guide

Thinking about making Lincoln County your new home?

This region offers small-town living, wide-open spaces, and a resilient local economy rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, education, and healthcare. With welcoming employers, steady career pathways, and a community invested in helping newcomers succeed, Lincoln County is a strong place to build long-term stability.

 — K–12 teaching, paraprofessional roles, special education support, transportation, and food service. 

 — Positions in machining, welding, assembly, maintenance tech, fabrication, and production logistics. 

 — Opportunities in carpentry, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and general contracting, with apprenticeship options available. 

 — Careers in nursing, allied health, patient support, administrative services, and emergency care. 

Healthcare support & senior living providers

 — Roles in caregiving, medication aide, therapy support, culinary services, facilities, and front-office operations. 

Agriculture, Agribusiness & Bio-Industry 

 — Roles in livestock care, crop production, equipment operation, irrigation, and seasonal field work. 

 — Administrative roles, public works, GIS/clerical positions, utilities, and community services. 

County law enforcement & emergency services

 — Careers in public safety, dispatch, corrections, and emergency response. 

Lincoln County makes it possible to step into new career fields through training and certifications:

KansasWorks / North Central Kansas Workforce Center

 — Training vouchers, apprenticeships, job-readiness programs, resume support, and pathways into high-demand fields. 

North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech)

 — Certificates in welding, HVAC, construction, plumbing, medical services, automotive tech, and other career-ready trades. 

 — Programs in nursing, allied health, business, renewable energy tech, IT support, and workforce upskilling. 

Explore top employers and career paths in Lincoln County, Kansas. Find $55K+ jobs, training programs, and relocation support near you.

Lincoln County, KS Employment Guide

Thinking about making Jacksonville your new home?

This region blends small-town charm with stable anchor institutions in education, healthcare, human services, and manufacturing. With strong employers in teaching, clinical care, state government, and agribusiness, newcomers can find reliable jobs and long-term career pathways.

 — State run educational campus offering roles in teaching, interpretation, residential care, student support, and campus operations. 

 — Higher education roles in academics, student services, facilities, IT, and administrative operations. 

 — K–12 teaching, paraprofessional, transportation, food service, and administrative roles. 

Jacksonville Memorial Hospital (Memorial Health)

 — Regional hospital system hiring nurses, techs, administrative staff, allied health professionals, and patient-support roles. 

 — Roles in medical assisting, behavioral health support, physical therapy, office administration, and patient care. 

Senior living & long-term care facilities

 — Nursing, caregiving, culinary, housekeeping, and facilities-support positions. 

 — Hiring for machine operation, welding, maintenance techs, quality control, and warehouse logistics. 

Government, Public Safety, and Logistics  

 — Stable public-sector careers in administration, corrections, social services, transportation, and facilities management. 

 — Jobs in inventory, forklift operation, dispatch, supply chain, and warehouse coordination. 

 — Positions in equipment operation, agronomy support, grain handling, and field operations. 

Food processing & ag-manufacturing facilities

 — Roles in production, packaging, sanitation, maintenance, and plant operations. 

Jacksonville makes it possible to step into new career fields through training and certifications:

Illinois WorkNet / Jacksonville Workforce Center

 — Training vouchers, apprenticeships, job search support, and career coaching in healthcare, logistics, IT, and trades. 

Lincoln Land Community College – Jacksonville Center

 — Certificate programs in welding, CNA, HVAC, industrial maintenance, medical office, and early childhood education. 

Illinois College – Professional & Continuing Education

 — Tech training, professional upskilling, and adult education aligned with regional employer needs. 

Memorial Health Training & Certifications

 — Clinical training, CNA pathways, medical technology support, and healthcare upskilling programs. 

Explore top employers and career paths in Jacksonville, Illinois. Find $70K+ jobs, training programs, and relocation support near you.

Jacksonville, IL Employment Guide

When Ken and his wife, Nadia, first left Indiana for Austin, Texas, they were chasing opportunity. Newly married and recent graduates from Purdue University, they were ready to build their careers and a life together, so they packed their bags and headed south.

Two decades and a daughter later, they realized what they really wanted wasn’t more hustle, it was to find the right place to settle down.

Now, the couple resides in Noblesville, Indiana, a city that bridges small-town charm with suburban sophistication through MakeMyMove, a relocation program designed to help professionals like them find communities where they will feel at home.

“We grew up here, but we’d forgotten what ‘Midwest nice’ really felt like,” Nadia said. “Coming back reminded us what it’s like when everyone waves, smiles and genuinely means it.”

Ken and Nadia both grew up in Marion, Indiana and attended 

, where Ken majored in computer engineering and Nadia pursued public relations. Like many Boilermakers, they built lifelong friendships on campus that revolved around late-night study sessions in the lab, formals held by Ken’s fraternity and activities on campus.

After graduation, job prospects drew them south. Ken landed a promising role in Austin’s tech sector, while Nadia began a communications career in the city’s booming senior-living industry.

For nearly 20 years, Austin was home. Their daughter was born there, they built friendships and they weathered the seasons - or lack thereof - together. But over time, the city changed - traffic worsened, the cost of living skyrocketed and their family felt too far away.

“Our nearest relative was about a thousand miles away,” Ken said. “That’s fine for a few years when you’re young but it starts to weigh on you.”

The couple began to talk seriously about moving back. They were ready to trade endless heat for autumn leaves and they wanted their daughter to grow up closer to her grandparents, aunts and uncles.

They made a list of possible destinations, narrowing it to Indiana towns that felt right, including West Lafayette, where Purdue had given them their start and communities in Hamilton County like Westfield, Fishers and Noblesville that offered top-notch schools, walkable neighborhoods and welcoming locals.

That’s when Ken stumbled upon MakeMyMove.

Discovering MakeMyMove and Finding Community in Noblesville

Ken first learned about the MakeMyMove program during the pandemic, when stories about cities offering incentives to attract remote workers began circulating online. Curious, he visited the platform and found a directory of communities welcoming new residents.

“There was Noblesville, right on the list,” he recalled. “At first, I thought these programs were mostly for smaller, rural towns. But seeing Noblesville, a thriving suburb close to Indianapolis, made it feel tailor-made for us.”

The timing couldn’t have been better. The Sharps were already considering Noblesville, and the program offered exactly the kind of support that made a cross-country move feel possible. Through MakeMyMove, the family received $5,000 in cash to offset moving expenses, along with memberships and passes to local attractions to help them get acclimated to their new hometown.

“It’s expensive to move across the country,” Ken said. “The cash really helped, but the community-focused incentives were even better.”

The incentives helped connect the family to neighborhood events, city programs and a special gathering for new movers hosted by Noblesville’s leadership team, where Ken met the mayor, city council members and other recent arrivals.

He also took advantage of perks that showcased Noblesville’s local culture, from a VIP experience at the Ruoff Music Center to summer days at the city’s Aqua Park.

“These incentives really show you what’s out there,” Ken said. “They get you involved and make it easier to feel part of the community.”

Find out why Noblesville was named one of America's Most Welcoming Places

Today, Ken continues to work remotely for his Texas-based tech company, while Nadia manages corporate communications for a national golf-club network - a role she also performs remotely. Their daughter, now a seventh grader, has quickly found her place in Noblesville’s top-rated schools.

“Schools were one of the big reasons we chose this area,” Ken said. “She’s doing great, she’s made friends and she’s really embraced her new life here.”

The move also gave the family something they couldn’t find in Austin - space. After years of battling bidding wars, seeing prices soar and shrinking housing options, Indiana offered relief.

But the biggest change wasn’t just financial - life in Texas had become hectic, defined by traffic jams and endless rush. In Noblesville, the Sharps rediscovered a slower pace and the kind of warmth they’d almost forgotten.

“In Texas, everything was just… busy,” Ken said. “Traffic, crowds, everyone is stressed out and rushing all the time. Here, people actually stop and talk.”

That difference hit home one evening after a concert at Ruoff Music Center, when their daughter noticed the parking attendants waving to each departing car.

“She said, ‘They’re so nice - they’re waving at us even though the concert’s over,’” Nadia recalled with a smile. “That’s when it hit me, she’d grown up without that sense of Midwest friendliness.”

The brief exchange was ordinary, yet it spoke volumes about the culture they’d returned to.

“It’s hard to describe on paper,” Ken said. “It’s a feeling more than anything but it makes a difference every single day.”

Though they didn’t return to West Lafayette, Ken says their Purdue experience was a quiet but steady force guiding them home.

“Purdue was foundational for both of us,” he said. “It’s where we learned how to think, how to collaborate and build things that last.”

Ken stays connected to his alma mater through his fraternity, Delta Upsilon, keeping up with chapter updates and occasionally attending Purdue football games. The family has even taken their daughter to explore the campus.

“We’re trying to get her to be a Boilermaker,” Ken laughed.

He says that their time at the university also gave them a sense of pride and continuity that shapes how they approach life in Noblesville.

“Purdue taught us to be community-minded,” he said. “That’s carried through in how we live now, being involved, giving back and engaging with the people around us.”

But perhaps the most meaningful connection came from Ken’s longtime hobby, brewing beer.

In Austin, Ken had built a tight-knit circle of friends who shared his passion for homebrewing. Leaving that behind was one of the hardest parts of the move.

“I told myself I needed to find new friends with the same passion for brewing,” he said with a smile.

, a homebrewing club based in Indianapolis. What started as a way to meet new people quickly became a cornerstone of his social life.

“It’s been a blast,” he said. “We brew together, enter competitions and serve our beer at local festivals like the Noblesville Brewfest.”

Ken’s involvement grew so quickly that he now serves on the organization’s board as their communications chair.

“It’s the perfect mix of creativity, community and fun,” he said. “You meet so many great people who are just excited to share what they love.”

Tired of traffic and the high cost of living, a Purdue couple returned from Austin to Noblesville, Indiana, through the MakeMyMove program.  See how the move helped them rediscover family, introduce their daughter to 4 seasons and a better quality of life.

Full Circle: How Two Purdue Grads Came Home to Noblesville

Thinking about making Riley County your new home?

This region combines the intellectual energy of a major university town with the stability of strong institutional employers and a growing economy. With leading organizations in education, defense, manufacturing, healthcare, and agribusiness, newcomers can find stable jobs, clear career pathways, and community support. Whether you want to start earning immediately or train into a higher-paying field, Riley County gives you opportunity and quality of life.

Other regional manufacturers & industrial operations

 — Roles in welding, machining, maintenance, process improvement, logistics. 

 — Positions in logistics, operations support, supply chain, facilities, civilian personnel. 

Regional hospitals, clinics & wellness centers

 — Careers in nursing, allied health techs, administrative services, support staff. 

Veterans’ support & military‐health affiliated services

 — Growing demand aligned with the military presence and community. 

Local farms, cooperatives & agribusiness firms

 — Roles in operations, logistics, supply chain, processing, agronomy. 

 — The region’s cornerstone employer, offering thousands of jobs in teaching, research, campus operations, IT, and administration. 

USD 383 Manhattan Public Schools & local school districts

 — K-12 teaching, paraprofessional, and administrative roles, great for those seeking accessible entry. 

Riley County makes it possible to step into new career fields through training and certifications:

 — Training vouchers, apprenticeships, job search assistance in high-demand sectors. 

Kansas State University & partner institutes

 — Continuing education, tech training, research support, workforce development tied to university-industry linkage. 

Local community colleges & technical training

 — Programs for manufacturing trades, allied health, logistics; apprenticeship or certificate paths. 

Explore top employers and career paths in Riley County, Kansas. Find $55K+ jobs, training programs, and relocation support near you.

Riley County, Kansas Employment Guide

Thinking about making Salina, Kansas your new home?

Salina combines the innovation of an industrial hub with the friendliness of a small Midwestern city. With strong employers in manufacturing, healthcare, aviation, logistics, and education, newcomers can find stable jobs and room to grow. Whether you’re looking to start earning right away or train for a higher-paying career, Salina offers opportunity, affordability, and a supportive community.

 — One of Salina’s largest employers, producing food products distributed nationwide. Offers roles in manufacturing, logistics, quality assurance, and plant operations. 

Great Plains Manufacturing (a Kubota Company)

 — Builds agricultural equipment used globally, offering positions in production, welding, assembly, and engineering. 

Salina Airport Authority / Salina Regional Airport

 — A hub for aviation maintenance, testing, and logistics operations. Offers jobs in aircraft mechanics, logistics coordination, and operations support. 

Explore top employers and career paths in Salina, Kansas. Find $55K+ jobs, training programs, and relocation support near you.

Relocation Trends & Tips for Remote and On-Site Workers on the Move

Geoarbitrage 2.0: How Remote and In-Person Movers Are Redefining Work and Home in 2025

Wells County, IN Employment Guide

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