If you are not tied to the city you live in, and are considering making a move, think about moving to a city that pays you to live there. That’s right, there are many cities willing to pay good money just to get you to live in their communities.
The idea behind paying people to move is to breathe life into the businesses and housing in their regions. These areas are willing to pay good money to get the right work force and residents to jumpstart their economy.
Some of these regions provide benefits specifically to remote workers. Moving to the cities and states that pay remote workers to move there can be a great way to enjoy a lucrative career and benefits while working from the comfort of your own home.
If getting paid to move to a city for career and housing opportunities sounds interesting to you, read on to find out about what’s out there.
Maine
Maine is a state in the North Eastern United States that is known for its fishing community. Their Educational Opportunity Tax Credit is a great way for young workers to reduce the financial burden of their student loans.
The credit was once offered only to those who graduated from Maine colleges and universities but it has since expanded to apply to all recent graduates in the United States starting from the class of 2016.
The way the loan works for you can differ depending on when you graduated, where you are from and what type of degree you have. In general, students working in the area will be able to deduct the payment they made on their student loans from their taxes. Students were able to deduct up to $377 in 2018.
Vermont
Vermont is a state known for its mountains and scenic views.
In order to attract young workers, Vermont offers incentives to workers who move there to work full time. Those who move to Vermont after January 1, 2019 can be eligible for the Remote Worker Grant Program.
Eligible workers can be reimbursed up to $10,000 for their moving expenses over the course of two years. Slots go quickly but you can sign up on the state’s web site to stay updated on new opportunities.
Tulsa, OK
Tulsa also provides opportunities to remote workers.
The Tulsa Remote program was established in 2018. It provides full time remote workers who move to the city $10,000 as well as a $1000 housing stipend. The total amount is paid off in the course of a year.
In order to be eligible, you must be able to move to Tulsa within six months after being approved. You can find out more about the requirements by visiting the Tulsa Remote web site.
Apparently, the city is so pleased with the success of the program and the talent it has brought in to the city, the government is hoping to continue to offer it for years to come.
Alaska
Those daring enough to live in Alaska can take advantage of a variety of grant programs and tax incentives. The Permanent Fund Dividend is particularly attractive as it offers residents an incentive check each year. In the year of 2018, all residents who lived in the state for the dividend year received $1600.
Ohio
Ohio is looking to attract recent college graduates with their Talent Attraction Program Scholarship. The scholarship offers up to $10,000 that grads can use to pay off their student loans. The funds are paid monthly in increments of $300.
In order to be eligible, you must have graduated within the past seven years with a degree in science, technology, engineering, art or mathematics. You must also provide proof of employment in the area.
The city prefers applicants focused on giving back to the community.
Newton, Iowa
This city is a forerunner offering one of the oldest housing incentives available. Created in 2014, its Housing Initiative provides $10,000 in cash to new home buyers and builders as well as a welcome package that is worth over $3,000.
The incentive is available to those embarking on single family home construction worth more than $160,000. Median home values in the area range around the $105,000 making it one of the most affordable cities in the country with many cities charging 6 times that much for housing.
Marne, Iowa
If Newton is not your speed, consider moving over to Marne. Their Free Lot Program offers free plots of land to new settlers. Most plots are around 9,600 square feet and the homes built must be at least 1200 square feet.
To be eligible for the Free Lot Program, you must be a legal United States resident and the land must be built for residential purposes only. The buildings must also be up to code.
More information is available in the free lot application and requirement package.
Lincoln, Kansas
Lincoln does not pay you to move there, but how does free housing sound?
The city has free property lots that range from 12,000 to 36,000 in square feet. The property is available to those who move to the area on a first come first serve basis.
You can find out more about requirements by checking out the city’s Housing Development Packet. However, one stipulation is that construction must be completed within 18 months of purchasing the property.
Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland’s Buying into Baltimore program awards potential homeowners $5000 which must be put towards purchasing a home in the city. If you are interested in the program, you must first attend an informational event hosted by BIB. 30 attendees are chosen by lottery for the award. If chosen, you must take out a mortgage that does not exceed $517,000.
If you are not chosen, you must wait until the following year to enter the lottery again.
In addition to the Buying in Baltimore program, the city also has a Vacants to Value Booster Program which provides $10,000 towards a down payment and closing costs to those who purchase vacant lots in the area.
To qualify, the property you are purchasing must have been vacant for at least a year. Anyone is eligible to apply for the program.
Harmony, Minnesota
Harmony, MN offers home owners a home construction rebate which is based on their home’s estimated market value. Homeowners with homes in the $125,000 – $150,000 range can earn a $5,000 rebate while those with homes that are valued at $250,001 or more can get a rebate of $12,000.
Anyone can apply for the rebate but they are given out on a first come, first serve basis.
If you are thinking of moving and want to boost your income these are all great choices for cities that will pay you to move there. What’s more, these communities usually have affordable housing and great job opportunities including careers for remote workers. Which of these locations sound like the best option for you?
