Move Here and Save: 8 Cities With Home Buyer Perks That Make Shopping Happen

Moving to a new state can be difficult, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer or retiree looking to downsize.

The good news is that while it may be difficult, traveling can make financial sense for someone on a tight budget. This is especially true for remote workers who have managed to secure the flexibility of working from home.

According to the Mortgage Research Network, many rural towns across the country have introduced cash incentives to attract new residents. While the USDA has long supported these counties with 0% down payment loan options, local communities are increasingly offering incentives of their own, some as low as 3% of the average home value in the area, which is the minimum down payment required to get a standard mortgage.

Here are the top eight cities with home buyer incentives that make it worth buying a home there:

1. Jackson, MI: 19.7% of home value

Jackson, MI, is positioning itself as a true “low down payment” city by pairing new construction with incentives large enough to reasonably lower the barrier to home ownership.

First, the city is building 100 new homes and opening the system to local buyers and remote workers willing to relocate. While the median home price in Jackson sits at $186,413, these newly constructed three-bedroom, 1.5-bath homes—each measuring 1,232 square feet—are priced at $178,000 before any assistance is applied.

Eligible buyers can get $25,000 in down payment assistance from the city, an amount equal to about 14% of the purchase price. In addition, buyers are encouraged to apply for an additional $10,000 through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, bringing the potential assistance to $35,000—about 20% of the home’s value. For many buyers, that level of compensation can eliminate the need for a regular down payment and significantly lower monthly payments.

To qualify, the home must be used as a primary residence, and the household income cannot exceed 120% of the median area income—about $80,950 for a family of two or $101,150 for a family of four. Buyers must also have a minimum credit score of 640, submit a mortgage pre-approval, and select both the home and any desired improvements as part of the purchase process.

2. West Memphis, AR: 8.2% of home value

West Memphis, AR, uses its proximity to Memphis, TN, to attract new residents with a direct incentive to move.

Located across the Mississippi River, the city offers buyers access to an affordable real estate market while keeping them minutes from one of the most influential music cities in the country. To sweeten the move, the city is offering a $10,000 incentive—about 8.2% of the average home value—that can be used to help close the gap in ownership.

This program is specifically designed for remote workers who can contribute to the local economy while commuting. To qualify, applicants must earn at least $75,000 per year, live outside of West Memphis at the time of application, and complete a home purchase within six months.

3. Topeka, KS: 7.5% of home value

Topeka, KS, is taking a different approach to its relocation benefits by combining financial aid directly with local employment.

Through the Choose Topeka program, the city partners with local employers to offer up to $15,000 in incentives that can be used toward the purchase of a home. It is designed to attract buyers who are ready to put down roots and mingle with local workers.

To be eligible, participants must secure full-time employment with a local Shawnee County employer that participates in the Choose Topeka relocation program. Buyers are required to move and purchase a home in Shawnee County within one year of starting their new job.

After one year, participants must complete a follow-up survey and participate in the Choose Topeka immersion program, designed to help new residents build community connections and long-term ties to the area.

4. St. Joseph, MI: 5% of home value

The state is focused on attracting close-knit coastal communities along Lake Michigan that live just 90 miles from Chicago such as St. Joseph, MI, offering access to metropolitan amenities at a very low cost of living.

With that in mind, the Move to Michigan program is designed to attract new homeowners to Southwest Michigan by combining cash benefits and lifestyle-oriented benefits that appeal to remote workers and families alike. Buyers can receive $10,000 toward the purchase of a home, or up to $15,000 if they enroll children in local public schools, effectively turning relocation into a down payment benefit. In addition to financial aid, participants can choose two bonuses from the extras menu, including a year of co-op space, car service to nearby airports, or an annual rail pass.

Eligibility is limited to buyers purchasing a home valued at $200,000 or more within certain communities, including St. Joseph, but also Benton Harbor, Stevensville, and several nearby townships. Applicants must currently live outside of Michigan and work remotely, and must commit to becoming full-time Michigan residents after moving.

5. Tulsa, OK: 4.6% of home value

Tulsa Remote is one of the best-known immigration incentives in the country, designed to attract young professionals and remote workers to Oklahoma’s second largest city. The program provides financial support to help lower transportation and housing costs, positioning Tulsa as one of the most affordable metro areas. Applicants go through a structured process that includes submitting an application, completing an interview, receiving a decision, and then moving to Tulsa to begin receiving a grant. Aside from money, the program emphasizes community building, networking opportunities, and access to co-working spaces, all aimed at helping newcomers put down roots quickly.

To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the United States. They must currently hold full-time employment outside of Oklahoma and live outside the state for at least one year prior to applying. Accredited participants are required to relocate within 12 months of acceptance, making the program particularly attractive to remote workers who are flexible in terms of timing but are not ready to take the long term.

6. Morgantown, WV: 4.3% of home value

The Ascend West Virginia program offers a unique combination of financial incentives and lifestyle benefits to attract new residents to spectacular mountain communities, such as Morgantown. Participants receive $12,000 paid in 24 monthly installments after they move, although those who provide proof of an upcoming home purchase can receive the full amount as a lump sum to apply directly to their down payment. In addition to the money, the program provides outdoor enthusiasts with $2,500 in free gear rentals, encouraging newcomers to explore the hiking, skiing, and other recreational activities that define West Virginia’s appeal.

To be eligible, participants must move to and establish their primary residence in West Virginia and remain full-time residents for the 24-month program period. Applicants must sign and abide by the Ascend WV Program Contract, follow the program’s Code of Conduct and anti-harassment policies, and are responsible for the $12,000 payment in taxes.

7. Newton, IA: 4.2% of home value

Newton, IA’s approach to developing its housing market links new construction directly to consumer incentives. The Newton Housing Initiative offers $10,000 to anyone who buys a newly constructed home valued at $240,000 or more, an amount equal to about 4.2% of the home’s value.

When closed, this incentive can be applied directly to a lower down payment, making home ownership more affordable while at the same time encouraging the development of modern, quality homes in the community.

To participate, buyers must purchase a new construction home for at least $240,000 and use it as their primary residence. Additionally, they are required to provide a certificate of occupancy for the household to receive the incentive.

8. Mattoon, IL: 4.1% of home value

Mattoon, IL attracts remote workers with a relocation package designed to make moving affordable and convenient. The Move to Mattoon program offers a $5,000 incentive—about 4.1% of the home’s average value—plus an additional $3,000 for local services and a year of free co-working space.

To be eligible, applicants must currently live more than 100 miles from Mattoon and commit to living within the city limits for at least two years. Eligible participants must also be remote workers earning at least $45,000 per year and must apply and be pre-approved by the program before moving.