U.S. Cities and States with Relocation Programs

Michele Herrmann writes about travel, arts and entertainment, culture, history, food and drink, and other fun stuff for various publications and companies. Her adventures have taken her as far as Fiji, to date. Follow along via Twitter or Instagram.

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Ready for a change of scenery? To entice remote workers or newcomers, some destinations are offering relocation incentive programs to people who are willing to make the leap and move to their area. (Note: program details are subject to change due to COVID-19, check with the program directly for the most up-to-date information.)

Northwest Arkansas

Sponsored by the Northwest Arkansas Council, the “Life Works Here Talent Incentive Program” gives remote workers who move to the region approximately $10,000 and two welcoming gifts. They either can opt for a bike for cycling along bike trails or pathways, or a membership to one of Arkansas’ major cultural attractions, including the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

While this Northwest Arkansas region is looking for all kinds of professional talent, the most in-demand are STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) professionals and entrepreneurs. They also must be working remotely in their current job.

For eligibility, applicants must currently reside out of Arkansas and be able to relocate to Northwest Arkansas within six months of acceptance and agree to live there for at least one year. They must sign a lease for local housing, be at least 24 years old and a U.S. citizen, and have the required credentials to work legally in the U.S.

Vermont

In 2018, the Vermont Legislature passed an act creating the Remote Worker Grant Program, to encourage out-of-staters to move to the Green Mountain State to live and work full-time for Vermont employers. Promoted through ThinkVermont, applicants must have moved to Vermont on or after January 1, 2020.

Along with providing the full contact details on their employer, applicants also have to show proof of residency with two pieces of documentation ranging from a utility bill to housing lease or contact.

Then, your employer has to separately add in their side to your application through a unique link. Depending on funding availability, applicants may receive up to $7,500 reimbursement for certain relocation expenses.

Vermont also has made headlines with other initiatives such as Stay to Stay Weekends, which consists of exploratory vacations for out-of-state visitors to learn about moving here.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Launched in November 2018, Tulsa Remote is geared to bringing remote workers and digital nomads across various industries to this Oklahoman city through providing them with $10,000 grants and community-building opportunities to meet people.

Participants also get support in establishing a place to live within Tulsa’s city limits, through resources such as a curated portal listing of available housing and a yearlong membership to a coworking space.

Tulsa Remote is open to those who are already employed full-time and able to keep their job when relocating to Tulsa, plus currently do not live in Oklahoma at the time of their application. Potential candidates must be at least 18 years old to apply.

Hawaii

On November 30, 2020, the State of Hawaii unveiled Movers & Shakas, a new remote work program for former Hawaii residents and those from out-of-state who want to work remotely from the islands. It will also incorporate a “give and get back” community component.

Remote workers interested in joining the first cohort of the program must complete an online application by December 15, 2020. Fifty qualifying and chosen applicants will receive a free round-trip ticket to O‘ahu, which is where the program will launch.

Future applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis. The program is planned to expand to neighboring islands at a later date. It is for individuals who are already employed in the U.S. and able to keep their position when relocating to Hawaii.

Applicants also take a “Pledge to Our Keiki,” making a commitment to respect the culture and natural resources of Hawaii during their stay. With assignments based on skill matching, participants will give several hours of their time a week to a Hawaii nonprofit.

Participants will receive exclusive discounts on month-to-month accommodations, flights, restaurants, attractions, and other services they need while living in Hawaii. They also have access to networking opportunities with Hawaii business professionals and with other Movers & Shakas participants.

Tucson, Arizona

Launched in late 2020, the pilot program, Remote Tucson, consists primarily of a package of perks and services valued at over $7,500 to help make a newly-arrived Tucsonan feel welcome.

Eligible remote workers from any industry will start life anew in this urban oasis within the Sonoran Desert with a welcoming party, literally.

As a tier in a three-part incentive package, selected participants immediately will get a sense of community by being paired up with a buddy (a member of Remote Tucson’s Welcome Committee).

The package’s community portion also will give a free year of membership at a local cultural institution of their choice and a free membership to Tucson Young Professionals.

As for benefits, they will receive $1,500 to go toward covering moving costs, a year of free GIG internet, real estate services, free trials at several local coworking spaces, and job-hunting support for their partner.

Participants can also begin to explore their new surroundings with a free Tucson Attractions Passport, a complimentary three-night stay at a hotel for their friends to come visit, a free “night out” in Tucson and a welcome basket full of items from local businesses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to move to Tucson within six months of being accepted into the program. Along with being eligible to work in the U.S., they must possess full-time remote employment or self-employed outside Tucson and Pima County.

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