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There are a large number of relocation offers across the country aimed at attracting newcomers by paying them to move there.
Homebuyers have been reluctant to take the plunge because sales prices are still near record highs, according to Red fin.
Pending home sales are down 5.7 percent year over year and mortgage purchase applications are down 15 percent.
However, some cities are seeking to attract buyers by offering cash incentives to bring in new residents.
“Not only would cash compensation help these households get a foothold in the housing market, but many of the places offering such incentives also have relatively low housing prices,” he said. Real estate agent.com Senior Economist Ralph McLaughlin.
Cities across the United States, including several in West Virginia (pictured), are offering cash incentives to relocate.
“The dual benefit of a cash subsidy combined with lower housing prices could be quite attractive to households that have few personal or professional costs associated with cutting the physical ties of their current location,” McLaughlin said.
Here are the US cities that will pay you to move there…
Rochester, New York
He Large ROC relocates The program offers up to $9,000 in grants to purchase a home in the area and up to $10,000 for people in specific career fields.
The program, which began in 2022, has attracted between 25 and 30 participants to the nine-county region each year.
Barbara Egenhofer, director of talent strategy for the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative’s goal is to attract about 600 participants over three years, enticing them with the opportunity to work in a city on the rise.
The Greater ROC Relocate program offers up to $9,000 in grants to purchase a home in the region and up to $10,000 for individuals in specific career fields.
“The shift to remote work over the past two years has created new opportunities for places like Greater Rochester,” he said of the concept.
“Regions like ours, which offer a high quality of life and big-city amenities without the big-city costs, can compete for talent in new ways. Innovative programs like Greater ROC Remote can certainly help us improve and grow our workforce pool.”
To be eligible, applicants must live more than 300 miles from downtown Rochester or any other state except New York, have a fully remote job, and be 18 years of age or older.
Applicants who have been interviewed are also eligible to visit Rochester in person, with reimbursable expenses of up to $500 (and $750 for a couple).
Jacksonville, Illinois
This Illinois region offers a benefits-packed incentive package worth $9,300 to move, according to Make my move.
New residents will receive $5,000 cash after their first year and other benefits include $300 in “Chamber Checks” from the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Also on the table are three months of fiber broadband service, a free teeth whitening package, a one-year practice pass and a three-month gym membership.
New residents of Jacksonville, Illinois, can receive a benefits-packed incentive package worth $9,300 to move
“Our communities, centrally located in Illinois, offer small-town charm as well as big-city amenities,” Kristin Jamison, president of the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation, told Realtor.com.
“We launched this programme at the end of May 2024 and I have been impressed by the good reception it has had. So far, 200 people have applied and we have made offers to five professionals.”
Eligible candidates must be 18 years or older, earn at least $50,000, live within 70 miles of Jacksonville at the time of application, and relocate within six months of acceptance.
Topeka, Kansas
Choose Topeka offers applicants incentives of up to $15,000 to move to the Sunflower State.
It offers those willing to accept a city job $10,000 in funds for rent and up to $15,000 toward the purchase of a home.
Additionally, military leavers and former Topeka residents will be provided with $5,000 if they accept a job that pays at least $50,000 a year (the minimum length of stay).
Choose Topeka offers applicants incentives of up to $15,000 to move to the Sunflower State
‘People love how accessible and friendly our community is. “With about 175,000 residents in Topeka, the city is very easy to navigate,” said Robert Ross, senior vice president of marketing and communications for the economic development agency that administers the program.
‘Recipients quickly learn that ‘being Midwestern nice’ is a way of life.’
Eligibility requirements include confirming that your new employer participates in the incentive program, participating in a Choose Topeka immersion program, and completing a survey after one year.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Sooner State is looking to attract remote workers by offering them $10,000 to rent or buy a home through Tulsa from a distance program.
Since the program’s inception in 2018, more than 3,000 people have been accepted, generating more than $300 million for the city’s rapidly growing job market.
Tulsa seeks to attract remote workers by offering them $10,000 to rent or buy a home
Recipients will also receive a complimentary 36-month membership to a co-working space, wellness resources, and access to a community events calendar.
“We’ve also seen a strong multiplier effect of friends and family joining members in Tulsa, with the city gaining three residents for every two Tulsa Remote program participants,” said Tulsa Remote CEO Justin Harlan.
As with many others, applicants must be at least 18 years old and move to Tulsa within 12 months of approval. They must also have lived outside of Oklahoma for at least a year.
Various cities, West Virginia
He Ascend to the West Virginia The program offers $12,000 to remote workers moving to the Mountain State.
Cities like Morgantown and Greenbrier Valley offer additional incentives that bring the total to $20,000.
Outdoor perks such as rafting, golf, rock climbing, horseback riding and even skiing round out the rest of the package, offered in the form of free passes provided upon relocation.
Ascend West Virginia program offers $12,000 to remote workers moving to the Mountain State, plus other cities have additional cash offers
“You couldn’t ask for more small-town charm, with incredible music, vibrancy and an amazing recreational scene,” said Brad D. Smith, founder of the program and current president of Marshall University.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and already have a full-time remote job to qualify for the program.
If selected, participants will receive $10,000 during their first year, paid in monthly installments. They will then receive $2,000 after completing their second year in West Virginia.