7 U.S. Cities That Will Pay You To Move There Now

Are you looking for a change of scenery? Several U.S. cities will actually pay you to pick up stakes and move there.

If you've been looking for a new place to call home and a chance to get ahead financially, here are seven cities (and one state) that will pay you to move.

Greater ROC Remote is a relocation program looking to draw remote workers to Rochester, New York.

Selected participants receive up to $10,000 in relocation incentives and are eligible for up to $9,000 in homebuyer grants.

Applicants must meet criteria such as living within 300 miles of Rochester, currently working remotely full-time, and sharing a willingness to relocate within six months of being accepted.

Rochester boasts a combination of outdoor recreation, rich culture and history, and plenty of educational opportunities.

If you are all about lake life, consider moving to Mattoon. This city actually owns two lakes — Lake Mattoon and Lake Paradise — to entertain residents with opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.

If you move to Mattoon, you could score $5,000 in cash for moving expenses. Plus, you are eligible for an additional $2,555 in gift cards to local businesses. This community is committed to education and opportunity and is even home to the original Burger King.

To be eligible, you must currently live more than 100 miles from Mattoon and commit to living within the city limits for two years. You must also be a remote worker employed by a company and earning at least $45,000.

Newton sits in the heart of Iowa. It was once home to prosperous mining and manufacturing operations.

The community is working to bring Newton back to its former glory by incentivizing new families and individuals to build there. The incentive program in Newton offers up to $10,000 cash for buyers of new single-family home construction through 2026.

To qualify, the home you buy must be valued at $240,000 or more.

Tulsa is looking for workers who currently have a remote position to move to the thriving city. The city is offering $10,000 to those willing to move there.

To be eligible, you must be a remote worker who is at least 18, has full-time employment outside of Tulsa, and has lived outside Oklahoma for the last 12 months. You must also move within 12 months of being selected for this grant.

For those who want a big city with small-town vibes, this might be a great opportunity.

Baltimore is a city with a rich history and plenty of things to do. It’s home to the National Aquarium, many museums, and ample recreation activities.

The Vacants to Value Booster program targets properties subject to a vacant building notice for at least one year prior. 

For folks who buy and agree to renovate such properties, the program offers $10,000 in down payment, closing cost assistance, and a five-year forgivable loan.

Eligibility depends on many factors, including a willingness to live in the property as your primary home and contribute at least $1,000 of your cash to the purchase.

This program is a great way to reduce homeownership costs as you help improve the city and neighborhood.

Music lovers may want to pay close attention to this offer to relocate to the Midwest: Noblesville is home to Indiana’s biggest outdoor concert venue.

Lucky applicants will receive $5,000 to relocate to Noblesville and a host of other benefits.

To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and remote worker making at least $80,000 annually, either full-time employed or self-employed. If chosen, you must move within six months.

Topeka has partnered with local employers to entice workers to move to the city. The grant program offers up to $15,000 to selected applicants.

The largest grants are awarded to individuals who purchase and rehab a home in Topeka. Renters are also eligible for grants up to $10,000.

Topeka offers an affordable environment with many coffee shops and parks. For young families or budding professionals, this opportunity could be a fast track to homeownership in an affordable city.

This offer isn’t limited to a city but to an entire state: West Virginia. The Mountain State wants everyone to fall in love with the Appalachian Mountains, and it is willing to pay you to help with that effort.

Ascend West Virginia offers $12,000 in cash to those who move to the state. You get $10,000 the first year and $2,000 the second. 

To be eligible, you must be a full-time remote employee or have your own business outside of West Virginia that can be managed remotely.

Applicants will receive $10,000 in monthly payouts over the first year if selected. At the end of the second year, recipients will receive $2,000.

There are no restrictions on how you get to spend the money. This offer to move to the mountains and get paid could be a dream come true for outdoor lovers.

If you want to boost your bank account in 2024, consider moving to one of the cities on this list.

These cities are all looking for people who want to join their communities and improve life there. Most of these programs require applications before you move, so apply as soon as possible if you’re looking to relocate.

These incentive programs could offer an amazing chance to try out a new place and get a financial boost at the same time.