2023 saw a record wave of Americans leaving big cities for smaller ones, a trend that grew out of the pandemic when millions of people began working from home.
At the same time, small cities and rural counties have begun offering incentives to help attract some of these 22 million remote workers in the US. Even in Europe, some beautiful Italian towns began paying people in 2021 to move there if you work remotely.
A unique website called MakeMyMove has compiled a new list of top destinations for those ready to make a move. Offering a mix of affordability, reliable internet, and recreational opportunities, these locations range from ‘Hot Spots’ in urban centers to ‘Hidden Gems’ amid tranquil rural landscapes—and many offer incentives.
For instance, tiny Lincoln County, Kansas (population 2,929) was the first to use remote worker recruitment as a way to grow their community. It's worked out so well, nearly two dozen other Kansas counties are also actively luring new movers with incentives to kickstart economic growth.
The MakeMyMove website also seeks to match people in high-demand professions—like nurses, police officers, and teachers—with towns looking to plug personnel shortages, and willing to offer bonuses for them to move.
Here is the website's latest Top 10 list of desirable locations to which remote workers may want to move…
1. Wichita, Kansas (Pop. 397,000)
Wichita, Kansas river view by spacefem, CC licenseWith a median home price of $275,000, Wichita offers remote workers a vibrant arts scene, world-class museums like the Wichita Art Museum, and concerts at the historic Orpheum Theatre.
Nature enthusiasts will love the zoo and scenic biking / hiking trails along the Arkansas River. Plus, Wichita boasts a thriving startup scene, making it ideal for those who want to connect with like-minded individuals.
There are financial offers available for moving to communities within 2-3 hours of Wichita, but none inside the city. For instance, Tasha Jablonski and her family just moved to Lincoln, two hours north of Wichita, and were delighted when the local High School football team showed up to help with the heavy lifting.
“They literally wouldn’t let me pick up a box,” Tasha said. “The greeting and support we received was nothing short of magical. If you’re looking for small town life, this place is a gold mine.”
Lincoln (pop. 2,900) is offering movers $4,500 in cash, $500 toward high speed internet service, a dozen farm fresh eggs every month for a year and other perks. Movers must live there at least one year, earn at least $50,000 a year, and work remotely.
2. Tulsa, Oklahoma (Pop. 413,000)
JustTulsa.com (CC license)Also located on the Arkansas River, Tulsa’s cost of living is 23% below the national average, but it's still the 47th-most-populous city in America.
The community’s Art Deco heritage can be explored at the Philbrook Museum of Art, and the Tulsa Arts District is a vibrant hub for galleries, studios, and performance spaces. Foodies will love the diverse culinary scene, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic trails at Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness or take a day trip to explore the beauty of the Ozarks.
Tulsa is offering $10,000 and other perks to relocate there.
“I always wanted to start my own business, but my idea wasn’t able to come to fruition until I moved to Tulsa,” said Jhonathan Vazquez, an IT analyst. “The resources provided by Tulsa Remote and the local-start up community gave me everything I needed to launch my company. The support systems I have here are so helpful and inclusive.”
3. Columbus, Georgia (Pop. 207,000)
Andrey Nefedov, CC licenseWith a cost of living 14% below the national average, Columbus is attracting people who want to lower their overhead costs.
Located on the Chattahoochee River across from Alabama, Columbus is the second largest city in Georgia–behind Atlanta which is 100 miles northeast.
From historic neighborhoods to modern developments, Columbus boasts a vibrant downtown with a thriving arts community, and world-class whitewater rafting—it has the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world.
City leaders are offering $5,000 in cash, plus other perks, to potential movers, who may also like the flourishing tech infrastructure for startups and remote workers.
4. White County, Indiana (Pop. 24,700)
For those craving a rural setting, the Midwestern landscapes of White County, Indiana deliver a quintessential small-town experience—and boasts a cost of living 12% below the national average.
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With a median home cost of just $145,500, the charming communities of Monticello, Brookston, and Reynolds offer reliable high-speed fiber internet countywide—and a reward of $7,500 plus other perks for folks who relocate there.
Locals enjoy summer days at the Indiana Beach Boardwalk and Amusement Park on Lake Shafer, or Prophetstown State Park, a nature lover's paradise. White County's proximity to major cities like Indianapolis allows for easy access to cultural experiences and professional opportunities.
The incentive wasn’t what convinced Michael Harris to move to White County. “Cathy, the mayor there, helped get my mom’s Medicare benefits and medical care sorted out. She’s been super helpful with a lot of other things, too. It was a great introduction to the community.”
The $7,500 in cash and $3,200 in other amenities from White County Economic Development helped with his move, Harris said, but there were other communities offering more.
“Monticello (pop. 5,500) has everything we wanted: a beautiful location, four actual seasons, quick access to big city culture in Chicago or Indianapolis, nearby medical care, and opportunities to grow my business.”
5. Virginia Beach, Virginia (Pop. 459,000)
Virginia Beach Oceanfront by DanRVA – CC licenseIn this coastal city known for its stunning Atlantic Ocean beaches, the median home price in Virginia Beach is $400,000.
Offering a vibrant boardwalk and endless opportunities for water recreation, including the annual East Coast Surfing Championships, there are no active relocation offers available right now.
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Home to several military bases, history buffs will appreciate the city's Military Aviation Museum, while foodies will delight in the fresh seafood and diverse cuisine. Plus, Virginia Beach (the 42nd most populous U.S. city) offers convenient access to major metro areas like Norfolk and Richmond for a weekend getaway.
6. Bloomington, Indiana (Pop. 79,000)
A college town where Indiana University enrolls over 45,000 students, Bloomington is brimming with intellectual energy and cultural offerings, with world-class museums like the Eskenazi Museum of Art and a calendar packed with live performances, festivals and lectures.
Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the nearby Hoosier National Forest, which offers hiking and biking trails, and Lake Monroe where water recreation abounds. Bloomington's central location offers easy access to Indianapolis and other major cities for weekend adventures.
With a median home price of $399,450, remote workers can take advantage of an $8,000 incentive package that offers co-working space, entrepreneurial coaching, and more.
7. Pocahontas County, Iowa (Pop. 7,100)
For remote workers who prefer a quiet pastoral setting and lean Conservative politically, Pocahontas County provides small towns where the median home value is an affordable $220,000, and the cost of living is 28% below the national average.
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Weekends can be spent exploring the scenic campgrounds at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, or kayaking and fishing on the nearby expansive Lake Manawa. City life in Des Moines is just a two-hour drive from the middle of the county. It's also one of the few places in America where water flows in three different directions, a rare natural sciences feature. The community is offering $2,500 in incentives right now in cash and groceries.
8. Bisbee, Arizona (Pop. 4,900)
Living in Bisbee, 92 miles southeast of Tucson, will cost you 11% less than the national average. Situated amidst the Chiricahua Mountains, Bisbee is another community that made Budget Travel’s list of Coolest Small Towns.
The former mining town is now an artist's haven filled with quirky shops and galleries highlighting the American Southwest, and the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate.
There currently is no relocation offer for Bisbee, but stunning clear night skies for stargazing and a laid-back bohemian vibe may be all you need.
9. Metuchen, New Jersey (Pop. 15,000)
The borough of Metuchen offers a big-city advantage, with its location just outside New York City. It boasts excellent commuter options, allowing remote workers to enjoy the excitement of the city while living in a peaceful and small town environment.
Winner of the 2023 Great American Main Street, the historic downtown area has been revitalized in recent years and is filled with charming shops and restaurants. The local arts council hosts a variety of events throughout the year including concerts and outdoor activities.
The median home price in Metuchen is $629,000, but there are no relocation offers available.
10. Yellow Springs, Ohio (Pop. 3,700)
Named one of America’s Coolest Small Towns by Budget Travel, Yellow Springs is a haven for nature lovers and artists alike.
It hosts a “vibrant art scene” with galleries and shops lining the streets, but is also inside the Glen Helen Nature Preserve so residents are literally surrounded by nature and can hike through lush forests.
Additionally, this close-knit community fosters a strong sense of belonging, appealing to those who work from home and are seeking a warm community atmosphere to avoid feeling isolated. The median home price is $462,000, and the town is part of the Dayton Metro area. (There are no current relocation incentives.)
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