If you could use a change of scenery, why not get free money to move somewhere?
In the face of declining or slowing population growth, some cities have decided to get aggressive about their survival.
Despite soaring real estate prices in some parts of the country, there are still cities giving away free land while others are literally handing out stacks of cash to folks who agree to move their metropolitan area.
Here are seven places that really, really want you to move there…
Places That Will Pay You to Move There
If you’re looking for a new place to call home, but you don’t have your heart set on a specific area, we’ve found six cities — and one state — that are offering deals worth thousands of dollars to entice you to make their communities your home sweet home.
1. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s second largest city is offering to pay remote workers $10,000 cash to relocate there through its Tulsa Remote program.
You’ll get $10,000 upfront cash with the purchase of a home. And they’ll throw in a desk at a coworking space so you don’t have to work out there on the plain all by your lonesome.
The only requirements are that you must be 18 years old, work remotely or are self-employed outside of Oklahoma, and, you know, want to live in Tulsa.
Click here for the application.
2. Lincoln, Kansas
Here’s a Kansas town offering free land to qualified inhabitants. According to its website, you’ll be able to see the buffalo roam from your home on the range, should you take them up on their offer.
You’ll have to comply with the city’s requirements for building and inhabiting a home within set time parameters. Contact Lincoln City Hall for full details.
3. Curtis, Nebraska
How’d you like to build your dream home — without spending a dime on the land itself?
It’s possible in Curtis, Nebraska.
Construct a home in Curtis within a set amount of time (and according to certain specifications), and you’ll receive the land free. All of the lots come utility ready and are located on paved streets.
And in Curtis, it’s the more the merrier — and more lucrative. The family incentive program awards $500 for the first kid, $750 for two and $1,000 for three more children who move to the city and enroll in the Medicine Valley Public Schools.
4. New Richland, Minnesota
Life’s simpler in the Midwest — especially when you can get land for free.
If you build a home within a year of receiving the land’s deed, your new property in New Richland’s Homestake subdivision will be 100% free of charge.
Plus, the town’s in proximity to a golf course, lake and bike trails.
5. Harmony, Minnesota
Want to move to the “Biggest Little Town in Southern Minnesota”?
The town of Harmony will provide home-builders a cash rebate of up to $12,000 to cover costs of construction — and the program has zero age, income or residency restrictions.
6. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s Vacants to Value Booster incentive gives $10,000 to buyers of Vacants to Value properties in an effort to address the blight caused by abandonment in the area. The home must be your primary residence, and you must be willing to invest at least $1,000 of your own resources. Also, the $10,000 must go toward your down payment and closing costs.
If that’s not enough reason to move to Old Bay country, the city also has a Buying Into Baltimore program that offers a $5,000 incentive to use toward buying a home anywhere in Baltimore. You must attend a Trolley Tour event to be eligible; 20 individuals are selected on a lottery basis.
Still not convinced? We have two words for you: crab cakes.
Bonus: Anywhere in Alaska
Why limit yourself to just one city when Alaska will pay you to live anywhere in their state?
Since 1976, Alaska has paid its residents to live there via its Permanent Fund Dividend. The payouts are funded by Alaska’s oil royalties and are divided up evenly among citizens.
Yearly payouts vary, but the 2021 dividend was $1,114. Not too shabby just for being there!
To be eligible for the rebate, you must not claim residency in any other state or country. Check out the full details here.
