Looking for a fresh start that pays off? These U.S. cities are offering cash incentives, welcome packages, and other perks to attract new residents in 2025.
Whether you’re a recent graduate tackling student loans, a remote worker seeking a lower cost of living, or just craving a change of scenery, these communities are worth checking out. In this Redfin article, we’ll dive into eight cities that will 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 rolling out the red carpet to attract new talent and business with the Columbus 2025 initiative. They are offering cash incentives, coworking spaces, and a warm welcome to remote workers looking to make the move. With affordable housing and plenty of activities, Columbus is a hidden gem in the South.
| Initiative | Move to Meaningful |
| Benefits & Information | $5,000 in cash, coworking space, welcome package, and more valued at $8,700. |
| Program Requirements | Age 18+, full-time remote work, income of $75,000/year, live 75 miles outside Columbus, relocate to Muscogee County within 6 months. |
| How to Apply | MakeMyMove.com |
2. Lincoln, KS
Lincoln offers free land to those looking to settle down, with affordable housing options. The Free Home Site Program provides plots of land within a residential development, ideal for building a new home.
| Initiative | Free Home Site Program |
| Benefits & Information | Free tracts of land ranging from 14,000-35,000 square feet. |
| Program Requirements | Individuals or families relocating to or flipping a home in Lincoln, KS are eligible for free land. |
| How to Apply | Lincoln County website |
3. Muskegon and Jackson, MI
Muskegon and Jackson offer cash, employment opportunities, and down payment assistance to new residents. With rebounding economies and affordable living, these cities are ideal for those looking to make a move.
| 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 and other benefits. |
| Program Requirements | Specific requirements for educators and homebuyers participating in the programs. |
| How to Apply | MakeMyMove.com |
4. Newton, IA
Newton’s Get to Know Newton program offers cash incentives based on the home’s value, making it an attractive option for new residents. With affordable housing and access to amenities, Newton is a great place to settle down.
| Initiative | Get to Know Newton |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $10,000 cash incentive and additional benefits for new homeowners. |
| Program Requirements | Purchase a new home in Newton, Iowa city limits to qualify. |
| How to Apply | Newton’s official website |
5. Texarkana, AR + TX
Texarkana is offering incentives through the Redi… set… MOVE! program to attract remote workers. With a unique location straddling two states, Texarkana provides a high quality, affordable lifestyle for new residents.
| Initiative | Redi… set… MOVE! |
| Benefits & Information | $5,000 cash incentive, tuition discounts, arts memberships, coworking space, and more valued at $18,100. |
| Program Requirements | Age 18+, income of $75,000/year, full-time remote work, relocate to Texarkana within 6 months. |
| How to Apply | MakeMyMove.com |
6. Cities in The Shoals, AL Region
The Shoals region in Northwest Alabama is offering incentives through the Remote Shoals program for remote workers looking for a change. With a vibrant food scene and riverside parks, the Shoals provides a unique living experience.
| Initiative | Remote Shoals |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $10,000 relocation incentive with disbursements over time. |
| Program Requirements | Age 18+, income of $52,000/year, full-time remote work, relocate to Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, or Tuscumbia within 6 months. |
| How to Apply | Remote Shoals website |
7. Topeka, KS
Topeka’s Choose Topeka Initiative offers cash incentives and benefits to remote workers moving to the city. With a thriving arts and outdoor scene, Topeka is a great place to explore and settle down.
| Initiative | Choose Topeka |
| Benefits & Information | Up to $15,000 for homebuyers, additional benefits for transitioning military service members. |
| Program Requirements | Age 18+, authorized to work in the U.S., full-time remote work, purchase or rent a home in Shawnee County within a year. |
| How to Apply | Choose Topeka website |