These U.S. Destinations Will Pay You to Move There

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Ready for a change of scenery? To entice remote workers or newcomers, some destinations are offering relocation incentive programs to people who are willing to make the leap and move to their area.

Northwest Arkansas

Sponsored by the Northwest Arkansas Council, the “Life Works Here Talent Incentive Program” gives remote workers who move to the region approximately $10,000 and two welcoming gifts. They either can opt for a bike for cycling along bike trails or pathways, or a membership to one of Arkansas’ major cultural attractions, including the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

While this Northwest Arkansas region is looking for all kinds of professional talent, the most in-demand are STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) professionals and entrepreneurs. They also must be working remotely in their current job.

For eligibility, applicants must currently reside out of Arkansas and be able to relocate to Northwest Arkansas within six months of acceptance and agree to live there for at least one year. They must sign a lease for local housing, be at least 24 years old and a U.S. citizen, and have the required credentials to work legally in the U.S.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Launched in November 2018, Tulsa Remote is geared to bringing remote workers and digital nomads across various industries to this Oklahoman city through providing them with $10,000 grants and community-building opportunities to meet people.

Participants also get support in establishing a place to live within Tulsa’s city limits, through resources such as a curated portal listing of available housing and a three-year membership to a coworking space.

Tulsa Remote is open to those who are already employed full-time and able to keep their job when relocating to Tulsa, plus currently do not live in Oklahoma at the time of their application. Potential candidates must be at least 18 years old to apply.

Hawaii

On November 30, 2020, the State of Hawaii unveiled Movers & Shakas, a new remote work program for former Hawaii residents and those from out-of-state who want to work remotely from the islands. It will also incorporate a “give and get back” community component.

Remote workers interested in joining the first cohort of the program must complete an online application by December 15, 2020. Fifty qualifying and chosen applicants will receive a free round-trip ticket to O‘ahu, which is where the program will launch.

Future applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis. The program is planned to expand to neighboring islands at a later date. It is for individuals who are already employed in the U.S. and able to keep their position when relocating to Hawaii.

Applicants also take a “Pledge to Our Keiki,” making a commitment to respect the culture and natural resources of Hawaii during their stay. With assignments based on skill matching, participants will give several hours of their time a week to a Hawaii nonprofit.

Participants will receive exclusive discounts on month-to-month accommodations, flights, restaurants, attractions, and other services they need while living in Hawaii. They also have access to networking opportunities with Hawaii business professionals and with other Movers & Shakas participants.

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Tucson, Arizona

Launched in late 2020, the pilot program, Remote Tucson, consists primarily of a package of perks and services valued at over $7,500 to help make a newly-arrived Tucsonan feel welcome.

Eligible remote workers from any industry will start life anew in this urban oasis within the Sonoran Desert with a welcoming party, literally. 

As a tier in a three-part incentive package, selected participants immediately will get a sense of community by being paired up with a buddy (a member of Remote Tucson’s Welcome Committee). 

The package’s community portion also will give a free year of membership at a local cultural institution of their choice and a free membership to Tucson Young Professionals.

As for benefits, they will receive $1,500 to go toward covering moving costs, a year of free GIG internet, real estate services, free trials at several local coworking spaces, and job-hunting support for their partner. 

Participants can also begin to explore their new surroundings with a free Tucson Attractions Passport, a complimentary three-night stay at a hotel for their friends to come visit, a free “night out” in Tucson and a welcome basket full of items from local businesses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to move to Tucson within six months of being accepted into the program. Along with being eligible to work in the U.S., they must possess full-time remote employment or self-employed outside Tucson and Pima County.

Rochester, New York

Since 2019, the Greater ROC Relocate program has been incentivizing professionals to pack up and move to the Greater Rochester area in upstate New York. The city itself was ranked  in the top ten places to live in the US for quality of life by U.S. News & World Report and the regional relocation program allows applicants to live within 300 miles of the main city. 

In order to be considered, applicants must be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the United States, and willing to relocate to within 300 miles of Rochester within 6 months of acceptance into the program. 

The program includes professional networking resources with local local businesses, support programming as program participants adjust to the new region, and up to $9,000 in grants for those looking to buy a house. 

Prospective movers can visit their testimonials page to hear from participants who relocated to the area through Greater ROC Relocate.

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