What if we told you there are cities in the U.S. that will pay you to live there?
In this episode, we're following up on our popular expat conversation with a deep dive into domestic relocation incentives. We’re talking cash grants, down payment assistance, tax breaks, bikes, and even golf memberships offered by places you may have never considered calling home. Think Jackson, Michigan. Pawnee City, Nebraska. Topeka, Kansas. Tulsa, Oklahoma. Yes, they’re real places, and they’re putting real money on the table.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in an expensive city, or fantasized about starting fresh but didn’t know where to start, or if you’re just tired of stretching every dollar, this episode is for you. But before you start packing, let’s talk fine print.
We break down:
- Why the U.S. is basically 50 mini countries in a trench coat (and no, that’s not us being dramatic, it’s federalism)
- How states differ more than you think, from taxes and politics to culture and cost of living
- Why moving two states over might require just as much mindset work as moving abroad
- What the actual catches are in these incentive programs (spoiler alert: it’s not free money, and yes, some of y’all might have to check in like you’re on parole)
- How to research a city’s vibe without getting on a plane, from Facebook groups to Yelp reviews to Google Maps street view
Links:
- Episode 205 - Expat Life: how to test the waters and decide if you should dive in
- MakeMyMove.com – Find relocation incentive programs
- Reddit subs: r/relocating, r/digitalnomad
- Zillow, CNET, NY Post listicles (search “cities that will pay you to move 2025”)
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