What Are Relocation Incentives in the USA?
Relocation incentives USA typically refer to cash grants and perks provided by cities or small towns to entice people—especially remote workers—to move in. These programs aim to boost local economies, reverse population decline, and attract skilled residents.
Top Places Offering Cash to Move
- Tulsa, Oklahoma (Tulsa Remote)
Offers $10,000 in rental or home‑purchase grants to full‑time remote workers who lived outside Oklahoma for at least a year and relocate within 12 months. Applicants gain commissary credit, coworking access, and orientation support Wikipedia+15CNBC+15Reddit+15. - The Shoals, Alabama (Remote Shoals)
Includes Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. Offers up to $10,000 in installments, requiring a remote job and minimum income (~$52K/year), plus relocation within six months of selection Reddit+9NewsNation Now+9CNBC+9. - Choose Topeka, Kansas
Provides up to $10,000 toward renting or $15,000 toward home purchase. Eligibility may include employer participation or being a relocating military veteran or former resident Reddit+9CNBC+9CNBC+9CNBC+3Fox 5 San Diego+3Fox 2 Now+3. - Ascend West Virginia
Delivers $10,000 in year one and $2,000 in year two (total $12,000) for remote workers who commit to living in designated communities for two years. Additional perks include outdoor passes and co-working access Reddit+15CNBC+15CNBC+15. - Greater Rochester, New York (Greater ROC Relocate)
Grants a package worth up to $19,000, including $10,000 relocation bonus and $9,000 homebuyer incentives for remote workers relocating at least 300 miles into the region CNN+4The Sun+4CNBC+4.
Why Are Towns Paying People to Move?
Small and mid‑sized towns—often in the Midwest and South—are offering these incentives to attract remote talent, increase community vibrancy, and revitalize local economies. The lower cost of living and a strong sense of community are big draws. Many programs require applicants to stay one to two years and maintain remote employment based outside the area.
What This Means for Movers & Communities
For eligible remote workers, relocation incentives USA offer a financial boost and lifestyle upgrade. But these move to small towns USA schemes also raise equity questions: some long‑term residents feel overlooked, and rising housing demand can push prices up locally. Nevertheless, in places that need fresh growth and investment, such incentives present a compelling opportunity for newcomers and towns alike
