If you’re struggling to put a down payment on a new home or you can’t connect with the harmony of your current city, it might be time for a change.
Nowadays, lots of American cities offer incentive programs to attract new homebuyers and new citizens in general. Even if you work from home, there are amazing perks that come along with trying out a new state. Imagine, you could have a brand new adventure that doubles as a tax credit. Not to mention, a shot at free land and stipend once you relocate?
Whether you plan to live somewhere else for one year, two years, or the rest of your life, these seven places around the US will pay you to move there:
1. Alaska
If you have wilderness in your blood, then Alaska is the place for you.
Starting back in 1976, the state has happily paid oil royalties to its residents through the Permanent Fund Reserve. This serves a geographical incentive to encourage people to move to the tundra and assist them with expenses here and there.
The fund pays its residents, new and existing, every year according to how well the oil industry performs. Back in 2008, the payout was a whopping $3,269. However, 2018 shelled out a decent $1,600—enough to buy yourself a few winter jackets.
2. Harmony, Minnesota
Talk about a place where everyone’s happy.
For starters, less than 5,000 people live there, but hopefully, that changes with the city’s new home construction rebate program. Basically, the initiative gives residents up to $12,000 towards building a new home on a vacant lot in the city.
The best part is that those who apply aren’t bound by any income caps, so if you already make $100,000 a year, you can still reap the benefits.
3. Marne, Iowa
If you crave wide open spaces and farmlands, then Marne, Iowa is your next place to call home.
With the city’s Free Lot Program, you can snag yourself a free piece of land that averages out around 9,600 square feet. The only catch is that you have to build a home of at least 1,200 square feet on top of it, and only use the free land for residential purposes. There are also a few other caveats, like being a legal US citizen and abiding by certain building codes.
Overall, the rules aren’t too hard to follow, but just be sure you like corn before you move. Lots of corn.
4. Baltimore, Maryland
There’s a ton of history in Baltimore, and unfortunately, a lot of that relates to the housing market.
Over the years, areas of Baltimore have decreased in value, so to mitigate the decline, the city has a Buying into Baltimore program that offers potential homeowners a $5,000 credit toward buying a home within the city limits. However, only 30 people are chosen each year in a lottery drawing, so if you don’t win, you can always reapply for the next round.
If that doesn’t please you, Maryland also has a Vacants to Value Booster program that gives potential homeowners a $10,000 credit on a down payment and closing costs when purchasing a home that’s been vacant for at least a year and meets certain rehabilitation requirements.
They definitely want to attract new residents and infuse the market value of the city, and these incentives help.
5. New Haven, Connecticut
City skyline of New Haven, Connecticut.
Much like Baltimore, New Haven, Connecticut needs citizens to refuel the market value of the city
That’s why they’re offering $10,000, interest-free assistantship to cover the closing costs and down-payment on a new home for potential homeowners. Plus, the gift is entirely tax-free if you live in your home for the next 5 years.
If that doesn’t sound convincing enough, the city also offers homeowners an additional $30,000 to update the energy-efficiency of their new home, as well as promising free tuition at their public colleges to future students who earn a diploma from a New Haven public school.
If you want your kids to go to a nonprofit school, they’ll give you up to $2,500 each year for tuition. Not a bad deal, Connecticut.
6. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Remote workers have the luxury of living and working anywhere, so why not move to Tulsa for some stellar benefits?
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, new residents can take advantage of the Tusla Remote program, which offers $10,000 to simple relocate there and work from home. Oh yeah, you can also earn generous discounts on rent—pretty damn cool. The only kicker is that you have to meet 4 requirements to be eligible:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be eligible to work in the U.S.
- Be able to relocate to Tulsa within 6 months
- Be employed full-time before moving to Tusla county (hence the remote worker status)
It’s that simple.
7. Vermont
With a population of 40,000, Burlington is the largest city in the state of Vermont.
If you’d rather relocate further East, then Vermont is another place in the US that embraces the work-from-home culture.
Since early 2019, the state has been accepting applications for its Remote Worker Grant Program, but it’s only dishing out 100 approvals from the grant program, followed by 20 extra approvals each year moving forward. If you do happen to get selected, you’ll get $5,000 each year for two years. However, you have to prove that you’re employed outside of Vermont and that you’re a resident of Vermont before you can get paid.
Lastly, keep track of your invoices and payments from relocating and other moving expenses. You’ll need these to submit the application successfully.
Relocate Easily with SpareFoot
Once you decide on where to move, SpareFoot can help you relocate easily.
With storage options located throughout the US, you can trust that your new adventure starts with a smooth transition. More importantly, you’ll know that your belongings are protected as you shuffle around from place to place.
To learn more about SpareFoot or find storage and moving options nearest you, click here.
