In recent years, relocation incentive programs have become a popular way for smaller towns across the U.S. to attract high earners, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.
These programs, like the Tulsa Remote program in Oklahoma, offer financial incentives to people willing to leave expensive cities like Los Angeles and start fresh in more affordable, less crowded communities.
For many, it’s a chance to improve their quality of life while saving money and gaining access to better housing options.
Jasmine Ball’s Life-Changing Move to Tulsa
Jasmine Ball, a financial planner, is one of the thousands who have benefited from these relocation programs.
When she learned she could earn $10,000 simply by moving away from Los Angeles, she jumped at the opportunity.
“Buying in LA wasn’t realistic for another decade or more,” Jasmine said, referring to the sky-high home prices in the city.
The Tulsa Remote program, which she took advantage of in 2020, allowed her to move to a three-bedroom home with a yard in Tulsa—something that would’ve been unimaginable in LA.
Not only did she save thousands in living expenses, but she also gained more space, a sense of community, and a more relaxed lifestyle.
The Financial Benefits of Moving
Jasmine’s experience is far from unique. A survey of over 1,200 people who participated in similar programs found they saved an average of $25,000 a year on housing costs compared to those who stayed behind.
For Jasmine, the financial impact was significant.
She was paying $1,100 a month to rent a room in a shared apartment in LA, while now her mortgage is just $1,185 for a house with more space and lower monthly bills.
Her energy costs have dropped from $500–$600 to just $150, and filling up her gas tank now costs half as much.
She’s also noticed a big difference in the cost of dining out.
“While LA obviously has more variety, Tulsa’s amenities are far more accessible,” she said, pointing out that fewer crowds make it easier to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
How to Apply for Relocation Incentives
The application process for Tulsa’s $10,000 grant is straightforward.
Jasmine described it as “seamless and smooth,” involving a brief online questionnaire about her job and motivation to relocate.
After passing the initial screening, applicants are invited to an interview, many of which are conducted via Zoom.
However, due to the program’s popularity, the competition has become tougher, and the acceptance rate is now just 3%—even lower than that of Harvard University.
Still, applicants say it’s worth trying, as the application process is less daunting than renting an apartment.
One Reddit user said, “It wasn’t hard—less paperwork and effort than renting an apartment, and a similar background check.”
The Downside of Relocation Programs
Despite the many benefits, relocating to a new town with a cash incentive does come with its challenges.
For some people, the cultural shift can be difficult, especially if they come from larger, more diverse cities.
There can also be issues with fewer amenities and the potential for political or social differences.
Additionally, these programs can drive up housing prices in the target areas, making the market more competitive.
Dustin Thames, a Tulsa-based real estate agent, pointed out that the relocation programs tend to attract people from high-cost areas like California and Texas, which can increase demand for homes in the $350,000 to $550,000 price range—an area typically out of reach for local homebuyers.
For Jasmine, one of the biggest challenges was furnishing her new home.
“Coming from a bigger city, furniture-buying options were a bit more limited,” she said, adding that the absence of an IKEA store made things more difficult.
The Growing Popularity of Relocation Programs
The success of Tulsa’s program has inspired hundreds of other towns across the U.S. to offer similar incentives.
Cities like Topeka, Kansas, and Newton, Iowa, are offering cash grants for homebuyers, while places like Jackson, Michigan, are helping with down payments.
Other areas, like Paducah, Kentucky, are covering relocation expenses and offering monthly stipends for internet fees.
Tulsa Remote’s approach, funded by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, has proven to be a game-changer for both the city and its residents.
Since its launch in 2018, the program has helped more than 3,400 people relocate to Tulsa, and it has contributed over $560 million in direct employment income to the city.
The program has also helped generate millions in sales tax revenue for Tulsa County and the state of Oklahoma.
How Relocation Incentives Are Changing Small Towns
Relocation programs are not just changing the lives of individuals like Jasmine Ball—they’re also having a positive impact on the towns that offer them.
Tulsa, for example, has seen a reversal in its so-called “brain drain” problem, with more educated young professionals moving to the city after years of losing talent.
Tulsa Remote has contributed to a more vibrant, diverse community, with many new arrivals involved in volunteering and community initiatives.
The success of these programs has spurred other communities across the U.S. to launch similar efforts, offering everything from student loan relief to low-interest loans for home improvement.
As small towns continue to compete for new residents, these programs are helping transform the real estate market and revitalize local economies.
Is It Worth the Move?
While the relocation incentive programs have plenty of perks, they aren’t perfect.
For many people, the decision to move is not just about financial incentives—it’s about lifestyle changes and the long-term benefits of settling in a more affordable, less crowded area.
For Jasmine, moving to Tulsa was an easy choice. She’s enjoying her new life in a more spacious home with a strong sense of community and a better quality of life.
Despite the challenges, she has no regrets about her decision to leave LA behind.
As more towns and cities across the U.S. introduce relocation programs, the trend of moving for a better life, with financial incentives in tow, is likely to continue growing.