Places That Will Pay You to Move There in 2021
By MakeMyMove Staff • Apr 12, 2021
If you’re searching for a new home, why not find one in a place that will pay you to move there?
States, regions, and cities are trying to incentivize remote workers and self-employed individuals to move by offering money and more.
This blog breaks down why remote work is here to stay and places where you can get paid to move and work.
Remote Work Trends in 2021 and Beyond
Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the trajectory of how people are working, and here are statistics that prove it:
Remote work increased by 70% during COVID-19 (Owl Labs).
61.9% of surveyed hiring managers said that due to COVID-19, they were planning more remote work now and in the years to come. (UpWork)
Among employees who say they can work from home, 54% want to continue to work from home even after the pandemic ends. (Pew Research)
An Owl Labs survey describes why workers are also eager to continue working remotely:
79% of workers surveyed said they wanted to avoid the commute
74% of workers surveyed said they had less stress
72% of workers surveyed said they had a better work-life balance
Since more individuals can work from anywhere, many places want to bring these workers to their area.
Places That Will Pay You to Move There
If you’re a remote worker or looking to find a remote position, there are an increasing number of places willing to pay you to move there and continue your work.
The pier at Benton Harbor, Michigan
States and Regions That Will Pay You to Move
Several states and regions offer incentive packages for remote workers. View some current options below.
Alaska Program
Gain an incentive from Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend. If you have lived in Alaska for one year, you can get paid to remain a permanent resident.
Northwest Arkansas
“The Northwest Arkansas Council is investing more than $1 million over six months to attract top talent to the region through the Life Works Here initiative.” The Council is offering a $10,000 cash incentive to move and either a mountain bicycle or a membership to an art or cultural institution.
Southwest Michigan
Southwest Michigan is giving new movers a $15,000 forgivable grant with the purchase of a new home in specific zip codes. You also get to choose additional perks such as an annual pass to local beaches, a one-year co-working space membership, car service to and from regional airports for a year, or two VIP passes to the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
Tulsa, Oklahoma skyline
Cities That Pay You to Work Remotely
Cities are also looking to incentivize individuals and remote workers to choose them as their future homes. Here are a few options for you!
Tusla, Oklahoma
Tulsa is offering $10,000, free community workspace, and other amenities to remote workers who can move to Tulsa within the 2021 calendar year! The $10,000 could even apply directly to a new home purchase.
Ontario, Oregon
Have you considered building your own home? Ontario is offering $10,000 towards new construction when you move there.
Topeka, Kansas
If you’re looking to buy a home, Topeka is offering $10,000 towards a new home, in addition to $1,000 worth of Jimmy John’s sandwiches.
Considerations When Moving for Remote Work
When you’re getting an incentive to move for work, make sure you’re aware of the requirements. The incentives mentioned above have eligibility requirements, and some may have stipulations around how long you need to stay in the area.
There are other factors you might also consider when deciding to move, such as:
Tax & financial considerations
School districts & quality of education
Access to nature & parks
Your move's logistics
If you want to learn more about these considerations, check out our article, Remote Work Relocation Considerations for a Family.
Remote workers are migrating away from congested, expensive cities.
Get Paid to Move and Work
Ready to find your new home? Keep track of new U.S. states, regions, and cities willing to pay you to move on Make My Move. Click here to see all of Make My Move’s available offers.
If you want to explore what a move might look like for you, you might be interested in these guides:
Or, if you represent an area looking to recruit remote workers, click here to list your location.
About MakeMyMove
Remote work has freed millions of Americans to live where they want, and many are making the move to places that better match their lifestyle. In turn, cities and towns across the country are offering incentives like cash, perks and programming to remote workers who move and work from their communities. At MakeMyMove, you can explore all the places, get personalized help to find the one that’s right for you, connect with locals, and access support to make your move a piece of cake.