|
|
The North-West region of the United States, including New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, holds a unique attraction. The heart of the historic states, the region feels dynamic while exuding old world charm. It is also one of the more expensive regions of the country to live.
But if you are a remote worker, and you can aways wanted to live in this corner of the country, now may be your best opportunity to move there. Three states are offering financial incentives to encourage remote workers to relocate to their regional areas.
Take note! These opportunities are only open to people who are US citizens or have a US Green Card, who do not already work in the area, and work remotely for businesses located outside of the region.
Cumberland, Maryland
Cumberland is a small mountain town in Western Maryland with a population of around 19,000. The city used to rival Baltimore in size, but shrank as manufacturing jobs went elsewhere. It has been experiencing a resurgence post-pandemic as many remote workers have relocated to the city that is equidistant between Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
To capitalize on this trend, the city has launched the Cumberland Relocation Program that will pay families to relocate to the region. They are offering up to $20,000, including $10,000 in relocation fees and up to $10,000 towards a down payment on a house or renovation of a home within the city limits.
To be eligible, you must currently live outside Allegany County, Maryland, and you must be a remote worker or relocating for a job in the region. You must be able to move within six months of your application being approved and commit to staying for five years. If you leave before the deadline, you will have to repay the money to the city.
The first round of applications has already been through, and ten families are being supported to move to the area. Cumberland has already announced their intention to host further rounds.
The cost of living in Cumberland is estimated to be 26.8% lower than the US average and 34.5% lower than the average for Maryland. The average home is estimated to cost only $126,500 and renting a two-bedroom unit costs around $860 per month.
Rochester, New York
The Greater Rochester Area in New Work launched a similar program back in 2019 called Greater ROC Relocate. It has already had over 3,000 applicants and has supported 32 remote workers to relocate to the nine-county region. These include Monroe County, Genesee County, Livingston County, Ontario County, Orleans County, Seneca County, Wayne County, Wyoming County, and Yates County.
This program is simpler, offering grants of up to $9,000 to assist in the purchase of a home. It also has programs to help people integrate into the region and opportunities to connect with local professionals and organizations.
To be eligible you must be a US resident at least 18 years of age that lives at least 300 miles from Rochester.
Looking just at the city of Rochester, with a population of just over 200,000, it is estimated that the cost of living is 11.4% lower than the US average and 27.1% lower than the New Work average. The typical home costs around $130,900 and rent for a two-bedroom apartment costs around $1,160 per month.
Almost Heaven, West Virginia
The Almost Heaven region of West Virginia has its own program called Ascend West Virginia. This program provides financial incentives to move with fewer restrictions on how you can spend the money.
If you are chosen, you will receive $10,000 in the first year, payable monthly for the first 12 months. If you stay for a complete second year, you can receive another $2,000 after the full 24 months. You are free to spend the money on whatever you want.
To be eligible, you must currently have full-time remote work for a business based outside West Virginia, or work freelance for a business that is not based in the area. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident outside West Virginia, and able to relocate within six months of a successful application.
If you want to live in West Virginia in a rural community such as Clarksburg, you can expect a cost of living 22.8% less than the US average and 2.8% lower than the West Virginia average. A typical home costs around $93,500 and rent for a two-bedroom unit is around $550 per month.
Relocate to the East Coast
If you have been thinking about relocating to the East Coast of the United States, these schemes represent major opportunities to make the move without breaking the bank. Enjoy the beautiful mountain, wooded topography, and historic small towns, plus the great schools.
Looking for more similar initiatives? Please have a look at our other piece about US cities paying remote workers to relocate.
