Move Here and Save: 8 Cities With Homebuyer Incentives That Make Buying Possible

Moving to a new state can be daunting, especially if you’re a first time homebuyer or a retiree looking to downsize.

The good news is that while it can be overwhelming, moving can actually 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 Mortgage Research Network, numerous rural cities nationwide have introduced significant cash incentives to draw in new residents. Although the USDA has long supported these regions with 0% down payment loan options, local communities are increasingly providing their own incentives, some even equivalent to at least 3% of the average home price in the area, which is the minimum down payment required for a conventional mortgage.

Here are the top eight cities with homebuyer incentives that make it worth it to buy a house there: 

1. Jackson, MI: 19.7% of home price

Jackson, MI, is positioning itself as a true “destination down payment” city by pairing new construction with incentives large enough to meaningfully lower the barrier to homeownership. 

For starters, the city is building 100 brand-new homes and opening the program to both 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 lower at $178,000 before any assistance is applied.

Qualified buyers can receive $25,000 in down payment assistance directly from the city, an amount equal to roughly 14% of the purchase price. On top of that, buyers are encouraged to apply for an additional $10,000 through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, bringing total potential assistance to $35,000—nearly 20% of the home’s value. For many buyers, that level of incentive can eliminate the need for a traditional down payment altogether and significantly reduce monthly payments.

To qualify, the home must be used as a primary residence, and household income cannot exceed 120% of the area median income—roughly $80,950 for a two-person household 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 a home and any desired upgrades as part of the purchase process.

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

West Memphis, AR,  is leveraging its proximity to Memphis, TN, to attract new residents with a straightforward mover incentive.

Located just across the Mississippi River, the city offers buyers access to a lower-cost housing market while keeping them within minutes of one of the most influential music cities in the country. To sweeten the move, the city offers a $10,000 incentive—roughly 8.2% of the area’s typical home price—that can be used to help bridge the gap to ownership.

The program is designed specifically for remote workers who can bring income into the local economy while relocating from elsewhere. To qualify, applicants must earn at least $75,000 per year, live outside West Memphis at the time of application, and complete a home purchase within six months.

3. Topeka, KS: 7.5% of home price

Topeka, KS, takes a different approach to its relocation incentives by tying financial assistance directly to local employment. 

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

To qualify, participants must secure full-time employment with a Shawnee County–area employer that participates in the Choose Topeka relocation program. Buyers are required to relocate 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 take part in a Choose Topeka immersion program, which is designed to help new residents build community connections and long-term ties to the area.

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

The state is banking on the lure of tight-knit coastal communities along Lake Michigan that sit just 90 miles from Chicago like St. Joseph, MI, which offers access to big-city amenities at a significantly lower cost of living.

With that in mind, the Move to Michigan program is designed to attract new homeowners to Southwest Michigan by combining cash incentives with lifestyle-focused perks 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 advantage. In addition to the cash assistance, participants can select two bonuses from a menu of extras, including a year of coworking space, car service to nearby airports, or an annual rail pass. 

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

5. Tulsa, OK: 4.6% of home price

Tulsa Remote is one of the most well-known relocation incentive programs in the country, built to attract young professionals and remote workers to Oklahoma’s second-largest city. The program offers a financial grant to help offset moving and housing costs, positioning Tulsa as an affordable alternative to higher-cost metros. Applicants move through a structured process that includes submitting an application, completing an interview, receiving a decision, and then relocating to Tulsa to begin receiving the grant. Beyond the money, the program emphasizes community-building, networking opportunities, and access to coworking spaces, all aimed at helping newcomers establish roots quickly.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the United States. They must currently hold a full-time remote job based outside Oklahoma and have lived outside the state for at least one year before applying. Approved participants are required to relocate within 12 months of acceptance, making the program especially appealing to remote workers who are flexible about timing but ready to make a long-term move.

6. Morgantown, WV: 4.3% of home price

The Ascend West Virginia program offers a unique combination of financial incentives and lifestyle perks to attract new residents to the state’s scenic mountain communities, like Morgantown. Participants receive $12,000 paid out in 24 monthly installments after relocating, though those who provide proof of an upcoming home purchase can receive the full amount as a lump sum to apply directly toward their down payment. Beyond the cash, the program caters to outdoor enthusiasts with $2,500 in free gear rentals, encouraging newcomers to explore hiking, skiing, and other recreational activities that define West Virginia’s appeal.

To qualify, participants must relocate and establish their primary residency in West Virginia and remain full-time residents for the 24-month program term. 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 taxes on the $12,000 payment.

7. Newton, IA: 4.2% of home price

Newton, IA’s approach to boosting its housing market is linking new construction directly to buyer incentives. The Newton Housing Initiative offers $10,000 to anyone purchasing a newly built home priced at $240,000 or more, an amount equal to roughly 4.2% of the home’s price. 

Paid at closing, this incentive can be applied straight to a down payment, making homeownership more attainable while simultaneously encouraging the development of modern, high-quality homes in the community.

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

8. Mattoon, IL: 4.1% of home price

Mattoon, IL is attracting remote workers with a relocation package designed to make moving both affordable and convenient. The Move to Mattoon program offers a $5,000 cash incentive—about 4.1% of the average home price—plus an additional $3,000 in local services and a year of free coworking space.

To qualify, applicants must currently live more than 100 miles from Mattoon and commit to residing within city limits for at least two years. Eligible participants must also be remote workers earning a minimum of $45,000 annually and must apply and be pre-approved for the program before moving.