7 U.S. Cities That Will Actually Pay You to Move There

Need a little extra cash to help with your next move? Or, do you need to offset the cost of getting settled in a new house and community? Several cities are willing to help out by paying you to move there. While some offer money for a down payment, others provide tax breaks, grants or college tuition reimbursement.

A few even offer additional incentives like coworking spaces and beach passes. Keep reading to learn more about the places that pay you to live there. themoveme.com

1. Topeka, Kansas

   Named for a Native American word meaning “place where we dug potatoes,” Topeka sits along the Kansas River. It is 60 miles west of Kansas City, Missouri. It’s the capital city of Kansas, but despite its historic downtown and hip NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, roughly 40 percent of its workforce lives outside Shawnee County. The Choose Topeka program aims to change that.

   How It Works: Topeka will pay you $15,000 to buy a house in Shawnee County or $10,000 to rent there. To qualify, you must purchase or rent a primary residence in Shawnee County within a year of relocating for a full-time position. If you move into one of its three delivery zones, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches will give you an additional $1,000.

   The catch? It’s meant to be a recruiting tool for human resource departments. Your employer must submit your position to the program and be willing to offset some of the costs.

   Median Home Price: The median home listing price for a home in Topeka is $145,000, according to Realtor.com.

   Population: According to World Population Review, the population of Topeka is 124,374.

2. Fayetteville, Arkansas

   The third-largest city in Arkansas, Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas and hosts the Walmart Shareholders Meetings in Bud Walton Arena each year. It’s a mecca for outdoor adventurers. It boasts 484 miles of trails, camping in surrounding forests and water sports on the Buffalo River. Thanks to the Walton Family Foundation, qualifying professionals who move to Fayetteville or anywhere in Northwest Arkansas can receive a $10,000 grant plus other incentives. ehomemover.com

   How It Works: The Life Works Here initiative targets remote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) professionals and entrepreneurs to relocate to Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and other Northwest Arkansas communities. You must be at least 24 years old, have two years of work experience, reside outside the state and be able to relocate within six months of acceptance. In addition to the $10,000 grant, you can choose to receive either a street or mountain bike or free annual membership to Crystal Bridges or other attractions.

   Median Home Price: The median home listing price for a home in Fayetteville is $299,900, according to Realtor.com.

   Population: According to World Population Review, the population of Topeka is 89,540.

3. Benton Harbor, Michigan

   Just 90 miles from Chicago, the coastal communities of Southwest Michigan, including Benton Harbor, want to attract remote workers to their maker and entrepreneurial economy. Not only will the Move to Michigan program pay you $15,000 to relocate to certain zip codes, but it also provides up to $5,000 in additional perks.

   How It Works: To qualify, you must relocate from out of state, have full-time remote employment with a company outside of Southwest Michigan and purchase a new home that costs at least $200,000 in zip codes 49022, 49085, 49103 or 49127. In return, you’ll receive a $15,000 grant to use towards the purchase of your new home. A portion of $5000 will be forgiven after each year of residency. You’ll also be eligible for your choice of two additional incentives, including car service to and from regional airports, coworking space, an annual pass to local beaches and VIP tickets to the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

   Median Home Price: The median home listing price for a home in Benton Harbor is $130,000, according to Realtor.com.

   Population: According to World Population Review, the population of Benton Harbor is 9,615.

4. Tulsa, Oklahoma

   Once the “oil capital of the world,” Tulsa still serves as the headquarters for three Fortune 500 companies in the energy sector. It also has aerospace, retail, manufacturing, distribution, and technology jobs. Its affordable cost of living and vibrant art scene draws people from big cities looking for a better quality of life; more than 40 percent of people participating in the Tulsa Remote incentive program come from California and New York.

   How It Works: Tulsa Remote will pay you $10,000 to move into a home within the city limits. To apply, you must be over the age of 18, move to Tulsa within six months and be a full-time remote or a self-employed worker residing outside Oklahoma. Suppose you’re accepted and agree to live in Tulsa for at least one year. In that case, you’ll receive not only the grant but also free coworking space at 36 Degrees North, housing specials on certain apartments and opportunities for community hangouts and meetups.

   Median Home Price: The median home listing price for a home in Tulsa is $210,000, according to Realtor.com. allieddubaimovers.com

   Population: According to World Population Review, the population of Tulsa is 402,742. This number includes 375 new citizens added through the incentive program last year.

5. Harmony, Minnesota

   Dubbed the “Biggest Little Town in Southeast Minnesota,” Harmony is surrounded by more than 60 miles of recreational trails, distilleries and wineries, great fishing, Amish communities and Niagara Cave. The city wants to encourage remote workers to purchase new homes in the community by offering cash incentives.

   How It Works: The Harmony Economic Development Authority will provide $5,000 for a new home worth $125,000 to $150,000 and up to $12,000 for a new home worth $250,001 or more. You’ll receive the money when all exterior features are complete, including the roof, siding, soffits, windows and doors. Spec and model homes qualify for the program, and there are no restrictions on your age or income level. You can even qualify if you live elsewhere in the state.

   Median Home Price: The median home listing price for a home in Harmony is $140,000, according to Realtor.com.

   Population: According to World Population Review, the population of Harmony is 973.

6. Baltimore, Maryland

   Located near Washington DC, this Maryland city is one of the largest seaports in the Mid-Atlantic region and has links to Frederick Douglass and Edgar Allen Poe. Historically, this place that will pay you to live there had strong steel, shipping and auto manufacturing industries. Today, the tech industry is breathing new life into the city, and Baltimore is considered an up-and-coming tech hub.

   How It Works: Buying into Baltimore encourages buyers to purchase a home within the city with a $5,000 incentive. Anyone can apply; there are no age or income restrictions, and you don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer. Instead, you need to earn a homeownership counseling certificate from the city and take Live Baltimore’s Trolley Tour. Then, you’ll need to make an offer, using at least $1,000 of your own money, on a property within 10 days of the tour. Qualifying participants are entered into a lottery for one of 20 available $5,000 incentives.

   Median Home Price: The median home listing price for a home in Baltimore is $210,000, according to Realtor.com.

   Population: According to World Population Review, the population of Baltimore is 575,584.

7. Newton, Iowa

   Rounding out our list of places that pay you to live there is Newton, Iowa. This central Iowa city 30 miles east of Des Moines is the seat of Jasper County. It is the home to the Maytag Washing Machine Company, founded here in 1893. Manufacturing has always been the primary industry, but Newton also has clean energy, technology, engineering, and distribution jobs. Its downtown boasts 85 properties, including the Jasper County Courthouse and Hotel Maytag, on the National Register of Historic Places. The city is also home to the Iowa Speedway. Service Basket UAE

   How It Works: The Newton Housing Initiative provides up to $10,000 for constructing a new home valued at $180,000 or more and $5,000 for homes valued at $100,000 to $179,999.99. Homes under $100,000 are eligible for tax abatement. Additionally, you’ll receive a “Get to Know Newton” Welcome Package with coupons and deals totaling more than $2,500.

   Median Home Price: The median home listing price for a home in Newton is $135,000, according to Realtor.com.

   Population: According to World Population Review, the population of Newton is 15,971.