States That Pay You to Move: Exploring Remote Worker Relocation Programs
By Natalia Wolting • Nov 24, 2025 UTC
If you’ve consumed any kind of news in the last few years, you’ve likely scrolled across the very clickable headline “These are the states that will pay you to move there” a time or two. More than just a headline, the concept of cities offering incentives for people to relocate is a movement that has gained significant momentum in recent years. According to MakeMyMove—the go-to site for all things relocation incentives—more than 5,000 remote workers have made the jump to new states since 2019. And get this: collectively, they’ve snagged over $50 million in cash and perks.
It’s no wonder - a surprising 68% of full-time workers think they’d be better off living in a different U.S. city or town, a sign that a majority of the workforce believes they could benefit from a new backdrop. In an answer to meet this “grass is greener” demand, several communities across the United States have implemented innovative programs to attract talented professionals and grow their economies. These "States That Pay You to Move" initiatives offer a variety of incentives and benefits to entice remote workers to relocate, ranging from cash payments to free land.
For individuals seeking to take advantage of these opportunities, whether to maximize their lifestyle (it’s called geoarbitrage), move closer to family, or simply experience life in a new state - it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. That's where this guide comes in. In the following sections, we'll explore the top states where you can find pay-to-move programs, tips for navigating the relocation process and how remote workers can leverage pay-to-move programs to their advantage.
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Why States Offer Pay-to-Move Programs
The reasoning behind states' decisions to implement pay-to-move programs is multifaceted, but it largely boils down to economic development and population growth strategy.
Many state and local governments have recognized the potential economic boom of attracting new residents, particularly young, educated professionals who can contribute to the local workforce and tax base.
In just the past few years, several states have committed more than hundreds of millions of dollars to relocation incentives, housing support and marketing campaigns aimed at drawing new residents. Recently, Wisconsin has also joined them. The state’s 2025–2027 budget includes $5 million for talent attraction programs to be administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Signaling that this is more than a passing experiment. It represents a structural shift in how states are addressing population decline and workforce shortages.
Learn More About Why Dale Knapp, Director at Forward Analytics, thinks Wisconsin’s future depends on population development
By offering financial incentives to attract these individuals, both states and communities hope to:
1. Offset Population Decline - Some regions, especially rural or Rust Belt areas, have grappled with population loss as residents, particularly younger generations, migrate to urban hubs or coastal states. Pay-to-move programs aim to reverse this trend and replenish the local talent pool.
2. Boost Economic Activity - An influx of new residents means increased consumer spending, housing demand and overall economic stimulation. States and local communities view pay-to-move programs as investments that can pay dividends in the long run.
3. Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Remote workers and young professionals often bring with them the potential for new business ventures, startup formation and the cross-pollination of ideas. States hope to capitalize on this entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Address Workforce Shortages - Certain industries and occupations may face labor shortages in specific regions. Pay-to-move programs can help states attract the skilled workers they need to fill critical roles and support their economic engines.
Ultimately, the goal of these relocation programs is to create a win-win scenario where states can bolster their populations and economic vitality while individuals enjoy the benefits of relocating to a new, often more affordable and amenity-rich environment.
Types of State Relocation Programs
Remote-Only Programs
Workers whose employment isn’t location dependent, allowing them to work from anywhere in fields such as tech, marketing and finance.
Some examples include Richmond, IN, Paducah, KY and Mercer County, MO, which pair cash incentives with perks like coworking access, memberships to organizations like the chamber of commerce and tickets to local events.
In-Person Workforce Programs
People relocate to communities where they work onsite in fields such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, or law enforcement. Some examples include:
- Build Your Career in Jacksonville, Illinois! -incentives include gym memberships, golf and family experiences for movers who secure employment in the Jacksonville region.
- Forge Ahead in Fort Wayne, Indiana – down-payment and closing-cost assistance for buyers working locally are part of this incentive package, along with museum memberships and newcomer events.
- Incentives for healthcare workers who relocate - communities throughout the country partner directly with hospitals or health systems to recruit bedside nurses and other critical staff.
Read about James Gaudio's relocation experience with his family to Jacksonville through MakeMyMove
Top States Offering Pay-to-Move Programs
While the concept of states paying people to move there is not entirely new, the trend has gained significant momentum in recent years. Here are some of the most prominent pay-to-move programs currently available across the United States:
1. Arkansas
Arkansas offers several relocation incentives across its participating communities, including:
- Fort Smith – 50% off a 6-month membership at The Mill Coworking Space.
- Texarkana – $5,000 cash for relocation, membership to Leadership Texarkana, and free or reduced-tuition classes at two local colleges.
- West Memphis – $5,000 cash for renters or $10,000 cash for homebuyers, available to both remote and in-person workers.
"I’ve been to some great local spots - cigar bars with live music, cool hangouts. And there’s so much to do outdoors. I kayak, bike and explore year-round." - Laurie Mose, Fort Smith mover
Arkansas features varied towns like Fort Smith, West Memphis and Texarkana, each with its own unique character and appeal.
2. Alaska
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend Division pays dividends to eligible residents on an annual basis. The amount varies each year but the average is around $2,000 and residents in Ketchikan can also qualify for 3 months of free internet service.
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend pays eligible residents around $2,000 annually.
3. Georgia
Georgia features two standout relocation programs:
- Macon – Offers both remote and in-person relocation programs that include $2,500 cash, housing incentives and even coffee with the Mayor to help newcomers feel immediately connected.
- Columbus – A well-established remote worker program that includes $5,000 cash, an annual community outing and a one-year membership to the Young Professionals Program. Columbus was also named one of America's Most Welcoming Places.
Launced in 2025, Macon's relocation program is for both in-person and remote workers.
4. Indiana
From Bloomington to Indianapolis, more than 20 communities across Indiana offer relocation programs for remote and/or in-person workers. Incentive packages vary by community but often include cash for relocation plus perks to help newcomers get connected.
- Angola – Offers $5,000 cash, an Indiana State Park Pass to Pokagon State Park, and a 6-month coworking membership that includes access to a podcasting studio and conference rooms.
- Avon – Provides $5,000 cash, a 1-year family membership to the Murphy Aquatic Center, and coffee with the Town Manager or a Councilman.
- Bloomington – Includes a three-year full-time membership to The Mill coworking space, concierge entrepreneurial support with 1:1 startup coaching, and access to a local ambassador network.
- Fort Wayne – Offers a 1-year coworking membership at Electric Works, 5% down payment and closing-cost assistance through Hoosier Homes Plus, and one week of groceries from Union Street Market.
- Huntington County – Provides $5,000 cash, half-price private music lessons at the YMCA Music School, and coffee with the Mayor.
- Muncie – Includes $5,000 cash for relocation and coworking space courtesy of The Innovation Connector.
- New Castle & Henry County – Offers $4,000 cash, an Arts Association of Henry County membership, and a State and Local Park Pass.
- Noblesville (Named one of America's Most Welcoming Places) – Offers $5,000 cash for relocation, a Ruoff Music Center VIP Concert Experience, a 1-year membership to the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, a Mover Meetup with the Mayor, and a Community Connection Consultation to help newcomers plug into local networks.
- Perry County (Named one of America’s Most Welcoming Places) – Provides $7,000 cash, Farm-to-Table Dinner tickets, and the opportunity to join the Quality of Life Committee where newcomers can help shape the future of the community.
- Plainfield – Includes $5,000 cash and a one-year membership at Level Two Coworking Studio.
- Southern Indiana (French Lick, Greene County, Jasper, Martin County) – Offers $5,000 cash, a 1-year Indiana State Parks Pass, and quarterly mover events such as hikes, beach days, and winery tours.
- Switzerland County – Provides $5,000 cash plus up to $2,000 in closing-cost credits through a partnership with Ruoff Mortgage and Phillips Development.
- Terre Haute – Includes $7,500 cash and 50% off a 1-year membership at The Station Coworking Space.
- The Indy Region – Offers day passes at 16Tech, 6-month CoHatch coworking passes across the region, and a 6-month Neighbor Club Membership for Verified Home Services.
- Wabash County – Provides $5,000 cash, a $100 travel fund for visiting family, 50% off the county’s 8-month Leadership Development Program, volunteer role matching, and coffee with the Mayor, Commissioner, or Town Manager.
- Wayne County / Richmond (Remote & In-Person) – Includes $5,000 cash for relocation and a VIP Community Pass.
“Here, you meet one or two people and you’re in. You can go deep. That’s the beauty of a smaller, engaged community.” - AJ O'Reilly, Noblesville mover
Hot air balloons illuminate the dusk in Angola, Indiana, creating a picture-perfect moment that mirrors the vibrant festivals and traditions celebrated in communities all across Indiana.
5. Illinois
The Jacksonville Region offers $5,000 cash for relocation, a personal guided tour of Jacksonville schools led by the superintendent, and a real estate consultation with The Yates Team at The Real Estate Group, Inc. Newcomers also receive a complimentary checking account from Heartland Bank and Trust Company, two tickets to the Art Association of Jacksonville Lawn Party at the Strawn Art Gallery, and a $100 Don’s Place gift card to enjoy drinks and snacks during the iconic Thursday Night Crab Races. Programs are available for both remote and in-person movers.
Jacksonville Illinois relocation program incentives includes $5,000 cash for relocation and an personal tour of Jacksonville schools.
6. Kansas
More than a dozen communities across Kansas offer relocation incentives for remote and in-person workers, including cash bonuses, housing support, tax benefits, and unique lifestyle perks.
- Emporia – Offers $6,700 in total incentives, including cash benefits and housing support for remote workers, in a community known for its nationally ranked Main Street and diverse home options under $250k.
- Hutchinson – Provides $15,500 in incentives for remote and in-person workers, with cash benefits, homebuyer support, and community perks tied to a region anchored by advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and educational opportunities.
- Kingman County – Includes $22,587 in total incentives, featuring cash, a free lot for building, gala tickets, classes, a gun club membership, and even a chance to DJ Main Street for a week each month.
- Labette County – Provides $7,000 in incentives, including cash benefits for movers joining a community known for its award-winning nursing program, outdoor recreation at Big Hill Lake, and strong economic sectors.
- Lincoln County – Offers $5,750 in incentives, including $5,000 cash, tax benefits, student loan support, and a welcoming program led by the local Economic Development Foundation.
- Neodesha – Offers $13,800 in incentives for remote workers, including $7,000 cash, a full Kansas state income tax waiver through 2026, property tax benefits, and relocation support tied to a downtown revitalization effort and extensive local job openings.
- Ottawa – Includes $6,400 in incentives, featuring a one-year dual membership with the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce for newcomers interested in joining a diverse economy across healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
- Ottawa County – Provides $8,100 in incentives, including cash, five pounds of locally raised bison, and community perks tied to a rural region with fiber internet and strong outdoor amenities.
- Riley County – Includes $5,000 in incentives for remote and in-person workers looking to join a college-town economy with opportunities in bioscience, ag-tech, and education.
- Salina – Offers $6,500 in incentives, plus downtown cultural perks in a growing creative hub with 3-bedroom homes commonly under $250k and a rapidly expanding arts and entertainment scene.
Kansas has added several new relocation programs in 2025.
7. Kentucky
Kentucky offers several relocation programs exclusively for remote workers, featuring cash incentives, childcare savings, coworking memberships,and unique local experiences. Notably, in addition to it’s other incentives, Eastern Kentucky provides a $2,500 cash bonus for a partner who secures a qualifying local job in education or healthcare, making it one of the few remote-worker programs in the country that also supports a partner’s in-person employment.
- Eastern Kentucky (Johnson County, Prestonsburg, Pikeville, Whitesburg) – Offers $5,000 cash for relocation, a $2,500 bonus for a partner who secures a qualifying local job in education or healthcare and free phone service and activation from Appalachian Wireless - also named one of America's Most Welcoming Places.
- Mayfield & Graves County – Includes $5,000 cash, 50% off Y’s Guys After School Childcare, a monthly dozen locally sourced eggs, lunch with the Mayor of Mayfield and a community tour and lunch with local leadership.
- Paducah – Provides up to $3,340 once residency is established, a 1-year membership to Sprocket Coworking (first 6 months free, next 6 months 50% off), and a 1-year membership to Paducah Young Professionals.
“By and large, this community has been so welcoming across the board,” she said. “Whether I’m in Pikeville, which is a college town, or in our little community called Coon Creek people have embraced us.” - Ashley Odle, Eastern Kentucky Mover
Kentucky is known for its outdoor recreation options, including hiking, rock climbing and camping.
8. Michigan
Michigan communities offer a mix of remote-worker relocation programs and in-person workforce incentives, ranging from down-payment assistance to community concierge services and career support for partners.
- Jackson – Offers up to $25,000 in down-payment assistance through the 100 Homes Program (for qualifying applicants), along with 12 free community events at the Chamber of Commerce and Breakfast with the City Manager and staff to help newcomers get connected.
- Shiawassee – Includes an Owosso Speedway Season Pass, job-search assistance for a partner, a Welcome Concierge service to help newcomers integrate from Day 1, and Metro Mortgage Group benefits such as appraisal fee waivers, down-payment assistance, zero-down programs, and veteran-focused offerings.
Southwest Michigan (In-Person Only) – Provides $5,000 to buy your first home in the region, a personalized community tour, and career support for a partner, making it a strong option for movers planning to take an on-site role.
Through programs like the 100 Homes Initiative in Jackson, Michigan offers significant financial support.
9. Minnesota
218 Relocate in Bemidji, Minnesota, is the city’s relocation program for remote workers. Known for its lakes and proximity to outdoor activities, Bemidji provides a quieter lifestyle with access to community amenities and recreational opportunities.
Bemidji offers a peaceful lifestyle while allowing residents to maintain their professional careers.
10. Maine
Augusta – Provides a tax rebate that can refund the entirety of your State of Maine income taxes after living in Maine for the tax year if you graduated from college after 2008, with additional benefits for STEM and graduate degrees.
Maine has recently added new relocation programs for people who want to live in "Vacationland".
11. New Mexico
Farmington, New Mexico, located near the northwest corner of the state, provides $500 in perks to remote workers who relocate. The community highlights its cultural attractions, including museums and theaters, as well as its proximity to outdoor activities.
Communities like Farmington are perfect for remote workers who want to live somewhere with a strong arts scene while remaining close to nature.
12. Oklahoma
Tulsa offers relocation incentives of up to $10,000 for remote workers through Tulsa Remote. The city combines a growing urban center with a lower cost of living, featuring amenities like vibrant arts districts, a diverse food scene, and extensive outdoor spaces, including the renowned Gathering Place park. Also, named one of America's Most Welcoming Places.
Oklahomans are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Remote workers will find a strong sense of community in both urban and rural areas.
13. Pennsylvania
All three relocation programs in Pennsylvania are located in Mercer County, offering a mix of cash incentives, coworking access, recreation perks, and community networking opportunities for remote workers.
- Greenville – Provides 6 months of coworking, access to the Monthly Coffee Networking Event at eCenter@LindenPointe, and a free 6-month adult pass or 3-month family pass to the Buhl Community Recreation Center.
- Hermitage – Offers $5,000 cash for relocation, a 6-month pass to the eCenter@LindenPointe coworking space, and access to the monthly Coffee Networking Event at eCenter@LindenPointe.
- Sharon – Provides $5,000 cash for relocation, a 2-person kayak and shuttle service, and 6 months of coworking at the LindenPointe Development Corporation.
Mercer County's relocation program currently includes 3 communities for remote workers to choose from.
14. Texas
In addition to the incentives listed in the Arkansas section, Texarkana (one of America's Most Welcoming Places) also offers standout Texas-based perks including breakfast with key community leaders, a 3-month pass to CrossFit Texarkana and one year of access to all after-hours events hosted by the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, giving newcomers even more ways to plug into the community from day one.
Learn why these communities were named One of America's Most Welcoming Places by MakeMyMove.
Texas also offers relocation support for registered nurses and free residential lots for qualifying movers looking to build a home in La Villa.
Texarkana's relocation program has one of the largest incentive totals.
15. West Virginia
West Virginia’s Ascend WV program offers remote workers financial incentives to relocate, including $12,000 and additional benefits like free coworking space and outdoor recreation opportunities. Designed to attract those who value a connection to nature, the program highlights the state’s abundant hiking, biking, and kayaking options.
West Virginia is known for its breathtaking mountain ranges, lush forests and winding rivers.
Navigating the Relocation Process
For remote workers considering a move to a state with a pay-to-move program, the process of navigating the various requirements and application procedures can be daunting. However, by following a few key steps, individuals can increase their chances of successfully leveraging these financial incentives:
1. Research and Evaluate - Thoroughly research the different state pay-to-move programs available, comparing the eligibility criteria, incentive amounts and any additional requirements or restrictions. Assess how well each program aligns with your personal and professional goals, as well as your financial situation.
2. Prepare Your Application - Carefully review the application requirements for your program of choice and gather all necessary documentation, such as proof of employment, relocation expenses and residency status. Many programs have specific deadlines, so be mindful of submission timelines.
3. Develop a Relocation Plan - Create a comprehensive relocation plan that addresses logistics such as housing, transportation and integrating into the local community. Consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, and quality of life when selecting your new destination.
4. Leverage Community Resources - Take advantage of the support and resources offered by organizations like MakeMyMove, which can provide guidance, connect you with local contacts and assist with the various aspects of your relocation.
5. Maintain Residency Requirements - Once you've relocated, be sure to fulfill any residency or employment obligations stipulated by the program to ensure you receive the full benefits.
By approaching the relocation process methodically and taking advantage of the available resources, remote workers can maximize the benefits of pay-to-move initiatives and embark on an exciting new chapter in their lives.
Embracing Relocation Incentives in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, relocation incentives have proven they’re more than a short-term solution - they’re transforming the way communities grow and the way workers map out their next chapter.
By centralizing information and streamlining the moving process, MakeMyMove aims to make it easier for remote and onsite workers to take advantage of the growing number of relocation programs. So whether you’re looking for a place where you can be closer to nature, want to live somewhere where your paycheck goes further or want to find a community where you can become a part of the local workforce, 2026 offers more pathways than ever to build the future you want.
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About MakeMyMove
MakeMyMove is the first marketplace for relocation programs, helping you discover your place and make it home. We connect you directly with relocation programs who offer support, incentives, and a warm welcome— making your move easy, affordable, and rewarding. Since 2021, we've helped thousands of people relocate, and we're just getting started.
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