Ready for a fresh start? How about one that actually pays you to make a move? These U.S. cities are rolling out the red carpet with cash incentives, welcome committees, and other perks to attract new residents in 2025.
Whether you’re a recent grad looking to tackle student loans, a remote worker seeking a lower cost of living, or simply craving new scenery, you’ll want to check out these communities. In this Redfin article, we’ll take a closer look at eight cities that pay you to move there.
>> Read: 8 States That Pay You to Move There in 2025
8 cities that pay you to move there in 2025
- Columbus, GA
- Lincoln, KS
- Muskegon + Jackson, MI
- Newton, IA
- Texarkana, TX + AR
- The Shoals, AL region
- Topeka, KS
- Tulsa, OK
1. Columbus, GA
Columbus is embarking on a major campaign to attract new talent, business, and growth to the region, called Columbus 2025. It’s a comprehensive plan to let the nation know that there’s something for everyone in Columbus. Part of this marketing overhaul involves an incentive program aimed at bringing in remote workers. Cash, recreation memberships, and coworking space are all up for grabs.
A hidden gem of the South, Columbus embraces both down-to-earth living and modern conveniences. Home to the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, Civil War history, whitewater rafting, and more, there are endless things to do all within walking distance. Or, for a weekend adventure, you can take a quick trip to nearby cities like Montgomery and Atlanta. Houses only cost $200,000, too – half the national average.
| Initiative | Move to Meaningful |
| Benefits & Information | $5,000 in cash, six months of coworking space, a welcome package, and much more.
The total package is valued at $8,700. |
| Program Requirements | To qualify, you must:
|
| How to Apply | Visit MakeMyMove.com. |
2. Lincoln, KS
Instead of cash incentives, Lincoln takes a unique approach to attract new residents by offering free land to those looking to put down roots. Each lot ranges from 14,000 to 35,000 square feet and is located within a fully decked-out residential development within the city limits. Keep in mind that you are responsible for the costs associated with building a new home, however.
But if building a home isn’t for you, Lincoln is made even more attractive by its affordable housing market. The median sale price for homes in Lincoln County is just $57,000.
| Initiative | Free Home Site Program |
| Benefits & Information | Variable, as plots of land range from 14,000-35,000 square feet. |
| Program Requirements | While the Free Home Site Program doesn’t offer a stipend, they do offer free tracts of land. In order to qualify, you must be an individual or family relocating to or flipping a home in Lincoln, KS. |
| How to Apply | Visit the Lincoln County website for more information. |
3. Muskegon and Jackson, MI
Southwest Michigan wants you to experience its famously snowy winters, friendly people, and lakeside views. Muskegon and Jackson are offering cash, employment, and a large down payment assistance package for new residents worth $25,000. These cities are rebounding from Rust-Belt declines and boast affordable living, rejuvenated downtowns, and easy access to Detroit and Grand Rapids.
| Initiatives | Welcome Home Scholarship + 100 Homes Program |
| Benefits & Information | Muskegon is offering up to $15,000 for qualified teachers to live and teach in the city, or $7,200 for new remote workers. Jackson offers $25,000 in down payment assistance for homebuyers looking to build a house and who qualify for the 100 Homes Program, plus other benefits. |
| Program Requirements | For the Welcome Home Scholarship:
—————————————————— For the 100 Homes Program:
|
| How to Apply | Visit MakeMyMove.com. |
4. Newton, IA
The city of Newton is attracting new residents to settle into their community for the long haul with a major housing initiative. With the Get to Know Newton program, you’ll receive a stipend amount based on the value of the home you buy. So, if you pay $240,000 or more for a home, you’ll receive a $10,000 cash incentive, as well as the Get to Know Newton welcome package.
Newton is a small city located 30 miles east of Des Moines, with easy access to the big city via Interstate 80. Rolling hills, dairy farms, and big-box stores butt up against a small arboretum, famous racetrack, and a few streamside parks, giving residents plenty of options. Prairies for as far as the eye can see make for unforgettable summer nights.
Choosing Newton as your home also means more affordable housing. The median home price for home in Newton is $160,000 – less than half the national median. But if you’re looking to scope out the city before making your decision, there are plenty of rentals in Newton to consider.
| Initiative | Get to Know Newton |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $10,000, plus extras if you qualify. |
| Program Requirements | In order to qualify for Get to Know Newton, you must purchase a new home (not just a property) within Newton, Iowa city limits.
Rental properties are excluded. |
| How to Apply | Visit Newton’s official website. |
5. Texarkana, AR + TX
Texarkana is a twin city located in both Arkansas and Texas, just 35 miles from Louisiana – a region known as the “three corners.” The city’s name is actually a mashup of all three place names. Famously, Texarkana’s post office and courthouse building straddles the state line. Technically, Texarkana, TX and Texarkana, AR are separate cities with different school districts and governments, but they generally function as one.
Texarkana is looking to grow and let people know about its high quality, affordable lifestyle through a lucrative incentive to attract remote workers. The program is called “Redi…set…MOVE!” (or REDI), and is offering incentives worth more than $18,000. It has proved popular, too. As of 2024, the program had already received more than 1,800 applicants.
| Initiative | Redi… set… MOVE! |
| Benefits & Information | $5,000 in cash, tuition discounts at Texas A&M Texarkana, arts memberships, breakfast with the mayor, a year of free coworking space, and more.
The total package is valued at $18,100. |
| Program Requirements | To qualify for the program you must:
|
| How to Apply | Visit MakeMyMove.com |
6. Cities in The Shoals, AL Region
If you’re a remote worker looking for a change of scenery, a vibrant food scene, and riverside parks, consider the Shoals region in Northwest Alabama. The Shoals is made up of four different cities that border the Tennessee River: Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. All four are beautiful and are accepting applications for new residents interested in the Remote Shoals program.
Can’t part with the hustle and bustle of urban life? No worries. The Shoals is only a two-hour drive from Birmingham, Nashville, and Memphis, and an hour flight to Atlanta via Boutique Airlines, giving you easy access to major cities.
With low property taxes and below-average house prices, the cost of living in these cities is significantly lower than other similarly sized metro areas in the state. But if you’re having trouble picking and need to test drive each city, you can also consider renting an apartment in Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, or Tuscumbia.
| Initiative | Remote Shoals |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $10,000. You’ll receive 25% of the stipend before your move, another 25% six months after you relocate, and the remaining 50% one year after your move. |
| Program Requirements | To qualify for Remote Shoals, you must:
|
| How to Apply | Visit the Remote Shoals website. |
7. Topeka, KS
Known for its arts and outdoor scene, moving to Topeka, KS, could be a decision that pays off in spades. The Choose Topeka Initiative offers cash funds and more to remote workers moving from out of state for an “on site” position, as well as to remote workers who relocate as long as their employer is located outside of Shawnee County. Incentives top $15,000 and let you explore the city’s fantastical 19th-century architecture.
There’s also no denying the savings that come with living in Topeka compared to other major cities. The median home price in Topeka is $159,500, less than half the national median, and the city boasts a 10% lower cost of living compared to the national average.
Ready to make the move? Start your home search by looking up apartments for rent in Topeka, as well as homes for sale in Topeka.
| Initiative | Choose Topeka |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $10,000 if renting a home, and up to $15,000 if buying a home.
Additional $5,000 for transitioning military service members. |
| Program Requirements | To qualify for Choose Topeka, you must:
|
| How to Apply | Visit the Choose Topeka website to apply. |
8. Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma is paying to relocate remote workers through a program called Tulsa Remote. With a low cost of living, a thriving remote work community, and countless opportunities to explore the city, it’s no wonder Tulsa has been attracting a steady stream of new residents. In fact, Tulsa Remote alone has brought 3,500 people to the area and generated tens of millions of dollars, while saving newcomers thousands. It has been remarkably successful.
A prosperous oil town, Tulsa has a lot going for it. From Art Deco architecture in the Deco District, to a gleaming museum in an Italian villa, there’s plenty to enjoy. Plus, if you’re looking to buy a house in Tulsa, prices are well below the national average ($228,000 compared to $427,000). And through Tulsa Remote, you’ll receive cash and other benefits for your Oklahoma relocation.
But if you’re not ready to make the leap to homeownership, no worries. Consider renting an apartment in Tulsa or checking out houses for rent to get a feel for what it’s like to live in Tulsa before putting down roots.
| Initiative | Tulsa Remote |
| Benefits & Information | $10,000 relocation incentive.
Renters receive $10,000 through monthly disbursements. Buyers have the option to receive a lump sum after purchasing a home. Recipients also receive a one-year membership at a city coworking site, as well as housing and community resources. |
| Program Requirements | To qualify for Tulsa Remote, you must:
|
| How to Apply | Visit Tulsa Remote’s website. |
Final thoughts
As remote work continues to reshape how and where people live, incentive programs give you the rare chance to boost both your career and personal finances. With state and local governments sweetening the deal for newcomers, you could find yourself benefitting from lower costs, stable job opportunities, and an extra check in your pocket. It’s a modern win-win: Move somewhere that aligns with your lifestyle, and let that place invest in your future. If you’re ready for a change of scenery – and a potential boost to your bank balance – these ten cities just might be your next great adventure.
There are plenty more offers and incentives for people willing to relocate, but most others require specific education or other requirements. Visit MakeMyMove to see a full list.
Disclaimer: Program details and housing data as of February 2025. This article is for informational purposes only. Redfin does not endorse any of the programs mentioned. Redfin strongly recommends that consumers make informed decisions, and independently verify that a state, city, or financial offering will meet their needs.
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