If you want to live in a place known for charming small towns, low cost of living, family-friendly suburbs, a variety of outdoor recreation options, affordable housing, as well as urban living, Indiana is a great option. Even better, Indiana is a state that will pay you to move.

Below is an updated summary of relocation incentives that are currently available in cities across Indiana. While most of these programs are for remote workers, there’s a growing number available for in-person workers who want to be a part of their community’s local workforce.

Cities in Indiana that Will Pay You to Move There

 5% in down payment assistance and closing costs for eligible buyers through the Hoosier Homes Plus program.

Coworking space CoWork Steben features a podcasting studio (6-month free membership included in MakeMyMove’s incentive package).

Angola is surrounded by Steuben County’s 100+ lakes, offering year-round lake living, including boating, fishing and swimming in the summer and a refrigerated toboggan run (no snow required) at nearby Pokagon State Park in the winter.

Albion’s downtown has been awarded the distinction of one of the “

Albion is part of Noble County, whose tagline is “where nature rejuvenates you.” Albion offers outdoor escapes from lake kayaking and trail biking to seasonal fun at Pumpkin Fantasyland.

the “Home of the Classics,” Auburn showcases its automotive legacy through three car museums and the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival.

Content Creator Nate Spangle breaks down why Auburn, Indiana, is a great city.

Located in DeKalb County, Auburn is best known for its automotive heritage but also offers other amenities such as boutique shopping downtown and live music at nearby Byler Lane Winery. The community takes strong pride in its schools, including DeKalb High School, known statewide for its championship athletic programs.

Washington Township park sits on the outskirts of the city and in addition to summer fun at its splash pad, you may stumble upon its “Haunted Bridge”.

Avon is a suburb located just west of downtown Indianapolis - most stores and restaurants are centrally located, making errand running quick and efficient. Avon High School’s award-winning marching band has won several state championships and Bands of America three times in a row.

 A variety of homes available at different price points on large plots of land.

Quarterly mover events including farm to table dinners, beach days and winery tours (part of MakeMyMove relocation package).

Bloomfield is a quiet town in Greene County, known for its historic courthouse square, scenic rural setting and access to outdoor recreation. It’s located within a short drive of larger hubs like Bloomington and Crane Naval Base.

Historic homes, lake condos and new builds

3-year membership to The Mill co-working space and free networking events included with MakeMyMove incentive package.

Home to Indiana University, Bloomington’s diverse and global student population influences its local food and music scene. Located near Lake Monroe, hiking trails and Prairie Creek Reservoir, locals have access to an abundance of both cultural and outdoor recreational activities.

5% in down payment assistance and closing costs for eligible buyers through the Hoosier Homes Plus program.

Bluffton High School was designated a Purple Star School in 2025.

Bluffton is a small city in Wells County located within an easy drive of Fort Wayne. Some of its amenities include trails along the Rivergreenway, the popular Bluffton Street Fair and outdoor adventures at Ouabache State Park with its resident bison herd.

This award-winning city has been named the #1 Best City to Raise a Family by SmartAsset, one of the top 10 Cities for Quality of Life by Nerdwallet and a 4-time winner of the All-America City awards, to name just a few.

Fort Wayne is a fast-growing city defined by its riverfront, revitalized downtown and a nationally recognized parks and trails system, anchored by Promenade Park and its three rivers. Cultural draws like the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, the Fort Wayne Art Museum and Electric Works - give everyday life an energetic, family-friendly feel.

A luxury resort town dating back to the late 19th century, attracting visitors from all over the country for its mineral springs.

Located in southern Indiana, French Lick is known for its iconic French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels (where you can ride a trolley), the French Lick Scenic Railway featuring themed rides, world-class golf courses and access to outdoor recreation at the Hoosier National Forest and Patoka Lake.

Discover cities in Indiana that will pay you to move. Explore relocation incentives, housing perks, remote work benefits and what differentiates each of these cities from each other. This article has been updated with information for 2026. 

Angola

Avon

Bloomington

Culver

Delphi

Elkhart

Evansville

French Lick

Indianapolis

Jasper

Muncie

Noblesville

Richmond

South Bend

Terre Haute

Tipton

Noble County

DeKalb County

Bloomfield

Bluffton

Fort Wayne

Huntington County

Lagrange

Loogootee

Cities in Indiana that Will Pay You to Move There - UPDATED for 2026

Thinking about starting your career in the Indy Region?

Central Indiana is one of the Midwest’s strongest job markets, with industry depth across tech, life sciences, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and public service. This guide highlights where people work, what roles are available, and how you can qualify for in-demand jobs across the region.

Explore Open Jobs Across the Indy Region (powered by SimplyHired)

Explore Open Jobs Across the Indy Region (powered by LifeinIndy)

The Indy Region includes Indianapolis and connected communities like Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, Greenwood, Avon, and more. Many people work in one city and live in another, thanks to short commutes and regional connectivity.

Below are the industries and employers driving Central Indiana’s economy.

The Indy Region is a nationally recognized tech hub with employers ranging from global enterprises to high-growth startups.

Common roles: software engineering, data analytics, cybersecurity, IT support, UX/UI, project management, customer success.

DeveloperTown (tech + product consulting) — 

Central Indiana is a national leader in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medical devices, and biotech.

Common roles: lab support, quality specialists, manufacturing techs, R&D assistants, nurses, medical assistants, allied health, clinical support.

 https://www.va.gov/indianapolis-health-care/work-with-us/jobs-and-careers/

Manufacturing is one of the region’s most stable and diverse employment sectors.

Common roles: machine operators, industrial maintenance, engineering support, assembly, logistics, quality, food production.

https://www.allisontransmission.com/careers

Dozens of small + midsize precision manufacturers across Central Indiana

With its central U.S. location, the Indy Region is a logistics powerhouse with major distribution hubs.

Common roles: warehouse associates, forklift operators, CDL drivers, logistics coordinators, supply chain analysts.

Hospitals and clinics across the region hire for patient-facing and administrative roles.

Common roles: RNs, LPNs, CNAs, techs, behavioral health, medical billing, front-office, support staff.

Indiana blends traditional agriculture with cutting-edge food production and agriscience.

Common roles: agricultural support, food production techs, processing, quality, equipment operators, research support.

https://www.beckshybrids.com/Our-Story/Becks-Careers

Regional food processors & agricultural operations

Local governments, schools, and state agencies offer stable roles, career ladders, and consistent benefits.

Common roles: teachers, administrative support, public safety, planning, public works, human services, case management.

City of Indianapolis & Marion County — 

Regional School Districts — search via 

Job Training Programs to Help You Qualify

The Indy Region offers strong training and workforce resources to help you prepare for in-demand roles.

Ascend Indiana – Personalized Career Navigation

Career matching, coaching, and employer connections.


Certificates and associate programs in IT, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, logistics, business, and skilled trades.


Explore top employers and career paths in the Indy Region, Indiana. Find $50K+ jobs, training programs, and relocation support near you.

The Indy Region, IN Employment Guide

When Molly Bates left her hometown of Pikeville, Kentucky, she assumed she’d return someday. But “someday” stretched over nearly 13 years as she navigated medical school, residency and eventually a competitive neurology fellowship at the 

 in Rochester, Minnesota. Her husband, Rhett’s post-graduation life, followed a similar trajectory - nearly 19 years away with a budding career in the insurance industry, together they built rhythms and relationships far from the Appalachian hills they once called home.

In Minnesota, their lives were stable, comfortable and in many ways deeply fulfilling. They lived in an apartment near the Mayo campus, surrounded by the conveniences and pace of a mid-sized city. They had access to world-class healthcare, a network of colleagues and friends and all the amenities that come with living in a major regional hub.

“We loved Rochester,” Molly said. “Mayo is an incredible place to learn and work. It really shaped me as a physician.”

But the nature of their life there was different - structured, busy and often insulated.

“Where we lived, our apartment windows looked directly into a hospital,” Rhett said. “There was traffic, noise and people constantly coming and going. We had good experiences but it wasn’t peaceful.”

They tried to build community, attending church when their schedules allowed and slowly connecting with neighbors. But the sense of belonging they grew up with in Pikeville proved difficult to replicate.

“You’re always trying when you live somewhere new,” Rhett said. “You’re trying to meet people, trying to get involved, trying to create roots, it can take a long time.”

As they started to plan their future and Molly approached a major career crossroads, the couple found themselves weighing what they had in Minnesota against what they had left behind.

Around the same time, flooding hit Eastern Kentucky. From Minnesota, the couple watched the devastation unfold in the region they once called home. But they also saw something else - the enduring strength of the local community.

“We saw how people came together,” Molly said. “Neighbors helping neighbors, families taking care of each other. And we were in Minnesota, alone and started to wonder if something happened here, who would we turn to?”

Around the same time, Rhett came across an article that mentioned MakeMyMove, a relocation platform that offers incentives to remote workers who are looking to relocate to a new community. He clicked through the website and found that Pikeville, their hometown, was part of the program.

“It made us feel like the community genuinely wanted us back.”

Rhett then decided to submit their application. “Even though we had started looking for a new apartment in Rochester, I finally sat down one day and said, ‘I’m going to apply. We fit the criteria and I figured, if we decide to stay in Minnesota, then no harm done.”

A month later, they learned they’d been selected.

“When we told our families, they were thrilled to hear that we were able to use a relocation program to help us move back.”

While Pikeville’s remote worker incentive program offers $5,000 cash for relocation and an additional $2,500 for spouses who secure a local job in healthcare, it didn’t make the decision for them but it did make it easier to bridge the financial gap between Molly finishing her medical training and the start of her new job as a neurologist at 

“Molly’s training was expensive and so is moving,” Rhett said. “The incentive helped us clear those hurdles.”

Their return to Pikeville didn’t just reposition their own lives; it triggered a ripple effect across their family.

Molly’s parents live just down the street from the home she and Rhett moved into. Her sister and brother-in-law work at local schools and several of her extended family members remain in the area. The density of family connections - proximity, history, shared traditions - shaped nearly every aspect of their homecoming.

“My whole family is here,” Molly said. “It’s something you don’t realize how much you miss until you’re gone.”

In contrast, Rhett’s family had been drifting outward for years. His parents lived in Lexington while his aunt and uncle had settled in Arizona. But after the couple moved home, that trajectory reversed.

“Almost immediately, my mom started looking for houses,” he said. “She ended up buying one just down the street. We're hoping my sister will be next.”

To them, having their family back closer together has been an additional benefit brought on by their move.

A House Full of History and the Chance to Bring it Back to Life

Their homecoming also coincided with a deeply symbolic opportunity: the preservation of Rhett’s grandparents’ house, a property his family had been preparing to sell.

“It had been vacant for nearly nine years,” he said. “Homebuyers were touring it with realtors. It felt like we were about to lose something important.”

Buying the house meant reclaiming a piece of their family identity, a place where stories lived in the walls, where gathering rooms echoed with memories and where the couple themselves had been married.

“When we moved back, it felt like we were moving into a haunted mansion,” Rhett joked. “It needs some work but it also has so much heart.”

Through large windows, the Appalachian mountains are in view - a daily reminder of why the move felt right.

“After years of looking at traffic and buildings, now we look out at mountains and trees,” Molly said. “It feels like living in a state park.”

Back in Minnesota, getting integrated into the community took years. In Pikeville, it took minutes.

, where they first met as teenagers and its members pulled them back into the fold instantly.

Together, they started volunteering at a local food pantry, helping with children’s events and are already preparing to host a large gathering this spring.

“It’s been really special to come back and serve in ways we didn’t get to while we were away,” Rhett said.

Their reconnection extended to Pikeville’s schools as well. Molly visited classrooms to teach neuroscience through Jell-O “brain” dissections. Rhett’s sister-in-law, Sarah Blackburn, the Digital Learning Coach at Pikeville Independent School District, invited him to address teachers at a professional development session highlighting alumni who had left and returned to Eastern Kentucky.

“When you’re from Eastern Kentucky, people just adopt you back like you never left,” he said.

Molly says that starting a medical career in Pikeville felt, at first, like starting over.

“It’s weird when you leave a place and then come back,” Molly said. “You hold onto this image of what it was like when you left but when you return, everything has changed and so have you.”

But she adjusted quickly and what surprised her most was how fulfilling the work felt.

“It’s so rewarding to treat patients in the Pikeville area,” she said. “We’re an underserved healthcare area, so the impact is bigger and patients are very appreciative.”

She also discovered that some of the assumptions she had carried about healthcare in rural Eastern Kentucky weren’t accurate.

“When you move away, you hear things,” she said. “People outside the region make comments about how rural it is and you start to internalize some of that. But when I started working at Pikeville Medical Center, I was pleasantly surprised by what we 

 have. There are some incredibly talented doctors here.”

She wants to help strengthen the region’s medical landscape even further. One of her goals is to bring guest physicians to Pikeville to collaborate with local staff and share knowledge, similar to the interdisciplinary approach she witnessed at the Mayo Clinic.

“There’s a lot of opportunity to advance healthcare in this region,” she said. “And I’m excited to be part of that.”

After 13 years away, Dr. Molly Bates and her husband, Rhett, traded their life in Minnesota for a new one in their hometown, Pikeville, KY. Discover how through the MakeMyMove program, they were able to relocate to Eastern Kentucky, where they have reconnected with family and friends while giving back to the community that shaped them. 

Pikeville

Eastern

Returning to Eastern Kentucky: How a Relocation Incentive Helped Turn Someday Into Today

A New Era of Choosing Where and How You Want to Live

Over the past few years, Americans have redefined what it means to build a life and a career. With remote and hybrid work cemented into the mainstream and more communities actively looking to recruit in-person talent to fill gaps in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing and education - professionals have more freedom than ever to choose the place that fits their lifestyle, values and goals.

Recognizing this shift, cities, regions and states are offering compelling incentive packages to attract new residents. These programs go far beyond cash: they’re investing in people, revitalizing downtowns, strengthening local economies and creating thriving communities where newcomers can truly put down roots.

Whether you're a remote worker, a hybrid employee, a healthcare professional, a teacher, an entrepreneur, or someone simply dreaming of a change of pace, 2026 is shaping up to provide more opportunities than ever to get paid to move somewhere where you can build a life that better supports your professional and personal goals.

The motivations driving relocations today look different from those in the early 2020s. It’s no longer just about escaping big-city costs; it's about pursuing a life that feels more grounded, affordable and connected.

Here’s what’s shaping the “Get Paid to Move” movement in 2026:

Quality of Life is More Important Than Ever

People want space, nature and the ability to spend time doing what interests them, not commuting for hours or paying rent that eats half their income.

Workplace flexibility allows people to choose community before commute.

Communities across the country are investing in talent attraction to address shortages in education, healthcare, tech and manufacturing.

More movers are heading back to their hometown or where they spent their college years, wanting to be near family or go back to the communities that hold a special place in their hearts.

Incentive Programs Focused on Movers' Needs

While most relocation programs include cash as part of their package, they also include incentives that support creating connections, homeownership and family-friendly amenities, such as: co-working memberships, childcare discounts, housing assistance, local experiences and memberships to professional organizations for networking.

“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.” -Ken Sharp, Noblesville mover

How Talent-Attraction Programs Have Evolved

A lot has changed since early remote-work relocation programs hit the national spotlight. Incentives in 2026 look more diverse, more strategic and far more tailored to the needs of both movers and communities.

especially in fields such as teaching, nursing, advanced manufacturing, public safety and engineering 

incentives such as grants for first-time homebuyers, tax incentives, and free land.

Entrepreneur and tech fellowship programs

 specifically recruiting alumni or former residents 

MakeMyMove has become the nation’s leading marketplace for all these program types, helping thousands of professionals relocate each year.

Learn how James Gaudio relocated to the Jacksonville Region through their 

Regions Offering Relocation Incentives in 2026

Several regions have embraced large-scale talent-attraction programs. While incentives vary, many places will pay you to move, especially if you’re contributing to the local workforce or community.

Here are a few examples of the kinds of programs available across the country today:

Areas in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois continue to offer incentives like cash for relocation, community perks like coworking memberships, broadband support, or local experiences.

States like Arkansas, Georgia, and Kentucky have continued to refine their relocation incentives, offering cash, outdoor recreation perks and community onboarding to help movers integrate quickly.

Places in Kansas, Oklahoma and Iowa are adding a growing list of communities where movers can take advantage of incentives such as housing assistance, membership to local organizations and creative perks like free eggs for a year.

Learn More about States that Pay You to Move

Cities and Towns Offer a Variety of Incentive Packages in 2026

Cities of all sizes are offering some of the most compelling relocation packages. These programs typically include a mix of:

Examples of relocation program types in 2026:

Communities that want to grow their population and attract working professionals who can live anywhere.

Apply to Remote Worker Relocation Programs

Several communities now offer incentives for professionals in:

Apply to In-Person Workforce Relocation Programs 

These programs help fill vital roles in communities while giving movers the opportunity to build their careers.

What You Should Know About Relocation Programs in 2026

Find the best cities that will pay you to move there. Ideal for remote, hybrid, in-person and self-employed workers. Discover a new home in 2026 and get paid to move!

Places That Will Pay You to Move There in 2026

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.

 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 

), 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.

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 develop

By offering financial incentives to attract these individuals, both states and communities hope to:

 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.

 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.

 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.

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.

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. 

 – down-payment and closing-cost assistance for buyers working locally are part of this incentive package, along with museum memberships and newcomer events.

Discover 15 states offering cash incentives for remote and in-person workers to relocate, with payouts ranging from $1,000 to $26,000 in 2026. Learn how to geoarbitrage your way to more disposable income and explore unique community benefits across the United States.

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

Cities in Indiana that Will Pay You to Move There - UPDATED for 2026

The Indy Region, IN Employment Guide

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