Where Should Remote Workers Move in the U.S.?
Remote work has been growing in popularity for some time, but the pandemic launched the trend into overdrive.
With so many companies going remote, many professionals are reevaluating where they choose to live and work. This is especially common in expensive cities, where the cost of living has skyrocketed.
There’s another factor that’s made remote work easier than ever before — the widespread availability of virtual office solutions, like coworking spaces and rentable private offices. Simply put, it’s incredibly easy for today’s professionals to find purpose-built office space.
So, it’s no surprise that smaller cities and towns across the U.S. are creating programs to attract new remote workers. From cash assistance to free mountain bikes, here's a breakdown of some of the best offers.
1. Tucson, Arizona
This Southern Arizona city wants to create a business-friendly image that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. If you’re looking for a new home for your business, it’s certainly worth considering.
The Remote Tucson program’s mission is to invite “remote workers to discover unexpected adventures in our creative, quirky, and delightfully affordable community.”
Through the program, eligible remote workers receive a total incentive package that’s valued at $7,650. It includes perks like:
- $1,500 in relocation assistance
- $500 to sample various coworking spaces in the city
- A year of free GIG internet
- $50 for restaurants
The best part is that Remote Tucson is just one of several programs that the city offers to the business community.
Startup Tucson also offers programs and events for startups, small businesses, growing companies, and more. You can learn more about all of the different programs here.
Even if you aren’t able to participate in the program, Tucson is definitely worth exploring if you need a new home for your business. There’s even an Intelligent Office virtual office location in Tucson, so you can jump right in to the local business community.
2. Hawaii
If you’ve ever dreamed of working from the tropics, Hawaii is experimenting with new ways to attract modern workers that can help diversify the economy.
Movers & Shakas is the name of a new program that aims to “recruit and nurture talented professionals to help build a resilient economy.”
Participants will get a free flight to Hawaii plus additional perks. There’s also a community-building component, where individuals will give back to the islands.
Unfortunately, the application period for the pilot program is closed at the time of writing, but the program hopes to open up for another round of applications in 2021.
3. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa also has a program geared towards attracting new remote workers. The main benefit of Tulsa Remote is simple — the city will pay remote professionals to work from Tulsa.
Here’s a quick look at the program’s benefits:
- $10,000 total in cash for relocation expenses
- Desk space at the city’s top coworking space
- A purpose-built community to help newcomers settle in
Over 375 workers participated in 2020, and more are expected to come in 2021. There are four criteria that workers must meet in order to participate:
- Be able to move to Tulsa within the 2021 calendar year.
- Full-time remote employment or self-employment that’s currently outside of Oklahoma.
- 18+ years old.
- Able to work in the United States
4. Northwest Arkansas
The Northwest Arkansas region has a lot going for it, like a reasonable cost of living, easy access to the outdoors, per capita income that’s 14% higher than the national average, and more.
If you’re looking to get away from the congestion of larger cities, it’s a great option to consider.
The Northwest Arkansas Council is offering a deal that makes moving even more of a no-brainer: $10,000 and one of two additional perks:
- A street or mountain bike to take advantage of the region’s 162 miles of paved trails, the 37-mile Razorback Regional Greenway, and 322 miles of mountain biking trails.
- An annual membership to one of the area’s world-class arts and cultural institutions.
In order to be eligible for the program, you need to be able to relocate within 6 months of acceptance, must have full-time remote employment (or be self-employed), currently live outside of Arkansas, and be 24 years old or older with eligibility to work and live in the United States.
