Looking for a fresh start that pays? These U.S. cities are offering cash incentives, welcome packages, and more to attract new residents in 2025.
Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to tackle student loans, a remote worker seeking a lower cost of living, or just craving new scenery, these communities are worth checking out. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore eight cities that will pay you to make the move.
>> 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 rolling out a major campaign called Columbus 2025 to attract new talent and business to the region. The incentive program, part of this marketing effort, offers cash, recreation memberships, and coworking space to remote workers. Columbus offers a mix of down-to-earth living and modern conveniences, with attractions like the Chattahoochee Riverwalk and Civil War history. Homes are affordable, with a median price of $200,000.
| Initiative | Move to Meaningful |
| Benefits & Information | $5,000 in cash, six months of coworking space, a welcome package, and more. Total package valued at $8,700. |
| Program Requirements | Qualifications include being 18 years or older, working full-time, earning at least $75,000 per year, residing at least 75 miles outside of Columbus, and moving to Muscogee County within six months of approval. |
| How to Apply | Visit MakeMyMove.com |
2. Lincoln, KS
Lincoln offers free land to those looking to put down roots, with plots ranging from 14,000 to 35,000 square feet. Affordable housing options make Lincoln an attractive choice, with a median sale price of $57,000.
| Initiative | Free Home Site Program |
| Benefits & Information | Variable benefits, as land plots range in size. |
| Program Requirements | The Free Home Site Program offers free land for individuals or families relocating or flipping a home in Lincoln, KS. |
| How to Apply | Visit Lincoln County website for more information |
3. Muskegon and Jackson, MI
Muskegon and Jackson in Southwest Michigan are offering cash, employment opportunities, and down payment assistance of $25,000 to attract new residents. These cities provide affordable living, rejuvenated downtowns, and easy access to major cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids.
| Initiatives | Welcome Home Scholarship + 100 Homes Program |
| Benefits & Information | Muskegon offers up to $15,000 for teachers and $7,200 for remote workers. Jackson provides $25,000 in down payment assistance for homebuyers. |
| Program Requirements | Requirements vary for each program, such as being a certified educator for the Welcome Home Scholarship, and meeting income criteria for the 100 Homes Program. |
| How to Apply | Visit MakeMyMove.com for application details |
4. Newton, IA
Newton’s Get to Know Newton program offers cash incentives based on the value of the home purchased. With a median home price of $160,000, Newton provides a mix of small-town charm and access to amenities like famous racetracks and parks.
| Initiative | Get to Know Newton |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $10,000 cash incentive for homebuyers, along with a welcome package. |
| Program Requirements | Qualifications include purchasing a new home within Newton city limits. |
| How to Apply | Visit Newton’s official website for application details |
5. Texarkana, AR + TX
Texarkana’s “Redi…set…MOVE!” program offers incentives worth over $18,000 to attract remote workers. The city’s unique location on the Arkansas-Texas border provides a high quality, affordable lifestyle.
| Initiative | Redi…set…MOVE! |
| Benefits & Information | $5,000 cash, tuition discounts, arts memberships, and more. Total package valued at $18,100. |
| Program Requirements | Qualifications include being 18 years or older, having a minimum income of $75,000 per year, working full-time, and moving to Texarkana within six months. |
| How to Apply | Visit MakeMyMove.com for application details |
6. Cities in The Shoals, AL Region
The Shoals region in Northwest Alabama offers the Remote Shoals program for remote workers looking for a change of scenery. With a vibrant food scene and riverside parks, the Shoals provide a unique living experience.
| Initiative | Remote Shoals |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $10,000 cash incentive, disbursed over time. Recipients also receive membership at a city coworking site and housing resources. |
| Program Requirements | Qualifications include being 18 years or older, having a minimum income of $52,000 per year, and moving to one of the Shoals cities within six months of approval. |
| How to Apply | Visit the Remote Shoals website for application details |
7. Topeka, KS
Topeka’s Choose Topeka Initiative offers cash incentives up to $15,000 for remote workers relocating to the city. With a lower cost of living and a vibrant arts scene, Topeka is a great place to call home.
| Initiative | Choose Topeka |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $15,000 in cash incentives for homebuyers and renters, with additional benefits for transitioning military service members. |
| Program Requirements | Qualifications include being 18 years or older, moving to Topeka for a full-time position or remote work, and purchasing or renting a home in Shawnee County within a year. |
| How to Apply | Visit the Choose Topeka website to apply |
8. Tulsa, OK
Tulsa Remote program in Oklahoma offers a $10,000 relocation incentive for remote workers. With a low cost of living and diverse opportunities, Tulsa has been a popular choice for new residents.
| Initiative | Tulsa Remote |
| Benefits & Information | $10,000 relocation incentive, with additional perks like coworking space membership and housing resources. |
| Program Requirements | Requirements include being 18 years or older, authorized to work in the U.S., having full-time remote or self-employed work outside Oklahoma, and moving to Tulsa within 12 months. |
| How to Apply | See also Communicate Value! But How? A Step-By-Step Buyer's Presentation
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