These 10 Indiana cities will pay people thousands of dollars to live there
It pays to live in Indiana — literally, in some cases.
As living expenses continue to rise in the United States, some small cities are offering relocation packages to attract newer residents. Noblesville, Indiana will pony up $5,000 cash, plus $10,000 in other perks to eligible out-of-state residents willing to live just outside Indianapolis.
Muncie, where NBC's Parks and Recreation based its fictional town of Pawnee, will grant eligible applicants $5,000 to relocate as well as a fitness pass to Ball State University. Those interested must earn at least $50,000 annually and move to Muncie within 6 months after being accepted.
Perry County near the Hoosier National Forest not only will hand you a 1-year gym membership but $7,000 to live in a community of less than 20,000 residents. The offer comes with a massage and a one-night stay at its local winery.
"We'll help you find your happy place, and get paid to move there,' reads a statement from MakeMyMove, an online marketplace where communities advertise amenities and incentive packages aimed at enticing high-wage workers who are willing to relocate.
Indiana and other U.S. cities are offering incentives to relocate as more Americans work remotely
The company, headquartered in Indianapolis and founded by Angie's List executives Evan Hock and Bill Oesterle, launched in 2017 at a time when more Americans were beginning to work outside the office. An estimated 5.7 million people, or 4.1% of the American workforce, telecommuted prior to the pandemic, according to prior reporting by IndyStar.
Those numbers got a jolt during COVID when many companies instituted work-from-home policies to keep the virus from spreading. A study by Upwork estimates as many as 32.6 million Americans, roughly 22% of the U.S. workforce, could telecommute by 2025.
And if you can work from the comfort of your own home, smaller cities argue, what's stopping U.S. workers from moving to places where it's cheaper to shop, afford groceries, and pay lower taxes in order to enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle?
Hundreds of people apparently think so.
"Indiana's statewide approach is unique and effective," Hock said, in a message Friday to IndyStar. "With support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, more than two dozen Indiana communities are using incentives to attract remote workers and their families. So far, they have brought 826 new Hoosiers to the state, with more on the way."
Hock added those workers could generate more than $30 million in economic impact to Indiana each year.
Here are ten Indiana cities willing to pay high wage earners thousands of dollars to make the Hoosier state their new home.
Others are reading: How much you need to earn to be considered 'middle class' in Indiana
(Note: the following information collected from MakeMyMove is current as of March 7, 2024. See the company's website for the latest relocation packages, eligibility requirements and how to apply for the offers made by these and other U.S. cities.)
1. Muncie - $6,000 package
Where: Muncie, Indiana.
??? Population: 68,747.
? Weather (High/Low): 81 / 32.
?? Median Home Value (3BR, 2BA): $110,339.
What Muncie said about living there:
"Muncie has more connections to the entertainment industry than your typical Midwestern college town. Famed American painter Bob Ross filmed his weekly half-hour “The Joy of Painting’ show at TV station WIPB – PBS in Muncie from 1984 until 1994 when the show ended. David Letterman began his entertainment career in Muncie, attending Ball State University from 1965-1969. Pawnee, the fictitious city from NBC's "Parks and Recreation" was based off of Muncie. The show has many references to Muncie - even the city map was created from the current Muncie map. The 1977 film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" takes place in Muncie, with Richard Dreyfus sporting a Ball U t-shirt."
What you can get if eligible:
$5,000 cash for relocation.
Help Desk for connecting to local resources.
Opportunity for board participation.
Hoosier bucket list: 5 Indiana things everyone living here needs to do at least once.
2. South Bend - $5,900 package
Where: South Bend, Indiana.
??? Population: 103,353.
? Weather (High/Low): 80 / 31.
?? Median Home Value (3BR, 2BA): $152,724.
What South Bend said about living there:
"...South Bend is the perfect place for remote workers who want to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. But what really sets South Bend apart is its people. We've talked to locals who are passionate about their city and eager to welcome newcomers with open arms. Whether you're interested in getting involved in the community through volunteering, joining a local sports league, or just getting to know your neighbors, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with others in South Bend."
What you can get if eligible:
$5,000 cash.
Arts and Culture Package - Includes museums and orchestras.
Recreation Package - Includes white water rafting, aerial ropes courses, ice skating, and more.
$600 worth of regional benefits like South Bend Cubs baseball tickets, chocolate factory tours, zoo passes, airline vouchers, and tickets to ride the train to Chicago.
3. Noblesville - $15,000 package
Where: Noblesville, Indiana.
??? Population: 63,071.
? Weather (High/Low): 84 / 22.
?? Median Home Value (3BR, 2BA): $316,921.
What Noblesville said about living there:
"This suburb of Indianapolis offers ample housing and all the amenities of a big city. Noblesville has it all - a cutie downtown, ample housing, all the amenities of a big city, and it's super safe! ...There are murals and outdoor dining and plenty of photos ops around every corner."
What you can get if eligible:
$5,000 Relocation Grant.
Community Connection Consultation.
Dine Around Town Package.
$500 Health & Wellness Stipend.
4. Jasper - $5,500 package
Where: Jasper, Indiana.
??? Population: 16,703.
? Weather (High/Low): 87 / 25.
?? Median Home Value (3BR, 2BA): $220,096.
What Jasper said about living there:
"Find out what Hoosier Hospitality is all about. This close-knit community punches above its weight class. The 'wood capital of the world,' Jasper is a thriving economic hub, home to international brands like Kimball and MasterBrand Cabinets. Plus, you'll find so much to do. Enjoy nearby Hoosier National Forrest, Patoka Lake and Holiday World. Or get involved in the many community events and organizations. You'll be amazed at how far this $5,000 new resident incentive will go."
What you can get if eligible:
$4,500 cash.
1 annual pass to Indiana Department of Natural Resources state parks.
A free Springs Valley Bank & Trust checking account with a $500 bonus.
Quarterly Mover Events - hikes, beach days, winery tours, and more!
Choose two from the list below:
Free guided tour behind the scenes at the Patoka Lake Winery.
A free visit to the Wilstem Ranch Drive-Through Safari.
Tickets for two to attend dinner and a musical show at Abbeydell Hall.
5. Culver - $7,600 package
Where: Culver, Indiana.
??? Population: 1,149.
? Weather (High/Low): 81 / 31.
?? Median Home Value (3BR, 2BA): $272,435.
What Culver said about living there:
"Culver, IN is an excellent community for remote workers looking for a peaceful, inspiring, and picturesque place to call home. Located on the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee, the town offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The Culver Academies, a top-notch private boarding school for grades 9-12, is in the heart of the town. Culver's friendly community and charming downtown area, with locally owned shops and restaurants, make it easy to support small businesses and get to know your neighbors."
What you can get if eligible:
$5,000 cash.
Up to 20 hours of Concierge Real Estate Services to assist in relocation.
Personal introduction to Culver non-profit and charitable organization boards.
Breakfast or Lunch with the Town Manager and Superintendent of Culver Community Schools.
Choose between the following packages:
Sports and Recreation Package.
Food and Dining Package.
$600 worth of regional benefits like South Bend Cubs baseball tickets, chocolate factory tours, zoo passes, airline vouchers, and train tickets to Chicago.
6. Evansville - $7,200 package
Where: Evansville, Indiana.
??? Population: 302,888.
? Weather (High/Low): 85 / 39.
?? Median Home Value (3BR, 2BA): $170,510.
What Evansville said about living there:
"The Evansville Indiana Region is more than a place on a map. It’s the mom-and-pop shops that you’ll become a regular of. It’s a fifteen-minute commute to anywhere in the city. It’s the millions of blades of grass that comprise their parks and playgrounds for the young and young at heart. It’s the cultural districts that weave the vibrant tapestry of 'Midwest nice' throughout their Region. It’s quirky, charming, and courageous; bound together by purpose and pride. Here, you’ll find a neighborhood that fits your budget, the opportunity to make a tangible impact, and the welcoming community you’ve been searching for. The Evansville Region calls their charm Midwest Magic. You’ll call it home."
What you can get if eligible:
$5,000 cash.
Unlimited access to lively local guides a.k.a. your new best-e!
7. Bloomington - $8,000 package
Where: Bloomington, Indiana.
??? Population: 79,968.
? Weather (High/Low): 84 / 37
?? Median Home Value (3BR, 2BA): $295,766
What Bloomington said about living there:
"Arriving in Bloomington for the first time, you might expect you're in Colorado or a suburb of Seattle rather than nestled in the Midwest. Home to Indiana University, Bloomington attracts all the "ies" - techies, foodies, hippies, not to mention artists, entrepreneurs, basketball fanatics, outdoor enthusiasts and Tibetan monks."
What you can get if eligible:
Concierge access to entrepreneurial programming & resources - Including 1:1 support from a startup coach.
Ambassador network of locals to help you get connected.
Free networking events and happy hours with other remote workers and civic & business leaders.
Connections to banking services, loans, and credit deals.
8. Elkhart - $7,750 package
Where: Elkhart, Indiana.
??? Population: 53,949.
? Weather (High/Low): 80 / 30.
?? Median Home Value (3BR, 2BA) $189,220.
What Elkhart said about living there:
"Elkhart is an excellent community for remote workers who are looking for a welcoming, inspiring, and vibrant place to call home."
What you can get if eligible:
$5,000 cash.
Lunch or Coffee with Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director.
Arts & Culture Package - Includes memberships to museums and parks along with passes to fairs, theaters, festivals, gardens and more.
$600 worth of regional benefits like South Bend Cubs baseball tickets, chocolate factory tours, zoo passes, airline vouchers, and tickets to ride the train to Chicago.
9. Richmond - $7,500 package
Where: Richmond, Indiana.
??? Population: 35,720.
? Weather (High/Low): 81 / 33.
?? Median Home Value (3BR, 2BA): $112,640
What Richmond said about living there:
"Located in eastern Indiana along the Ohio border, Richmond is a warm and welcoming city with a strong sense of community pride. ...Enjoy boating and fishing in the Middlefork Reservoir, hike the paths at Cope Environmental Center, location of one of only 30 designated Living Building sites in the world, or explore the Cardinal Greenway on foot, skates, or with a free bike rental offered at the trailhead. Richmond offers a rich cultural scene, with performances by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Civic Theater, and works by regional artists at the Richmond Art Museum."
What you can get if eligible:
$5,000 cash.
A VIP Community Pass which includes:
Free 1-year membership to the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce.
Ambassador Network to help you get connected to locals with similar interests and leadership opportunities.
Plus your choice of one of the following packages:
Arts Package / symphony season tickets, theater season tickets, art museum membership and more.
History Package / three local history museum memberships.
Outdoor Recreation Package / public golf course and two nature preserve memberships.
Fitness Package / pool, gym membership, and race season passes for runners.
Sports Package / collegiate athletic tickets to watch the Richmond Jazz, IU East Red Wolves and Earlham Quakers.
10. Terre Haute - $8,650 package
Where: Terre Haute, Indiana.
??? Population: 58,621.
? Weather (High/Low): 83 / 33.
?? Median Home Value (3BR, 2BA): $129,256.
What Terre Haute said about living there:
"Terre Haute is a community revitalized with new downtown development, growing tourism assets, nationally-recognized facilities, and four higher education institutions. The Wabash Valley is a region rich in sports and outdoor recreation. With nationally recognized assets including the LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course and Griffin Bike Park, and quality associations such as the Terre Haute Quarter Midget Association, Terre Haute is the metropolitan hub that brings many visitors to the region for sports and recreation. Explore further throughout the Wabash Valley, and you'll find Springhill Soccer Complex, Strive 365, and the Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area, just to name a few."
What you can get if eligible:
$7,500 cash.
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John Tufts covers trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at [email protected]. IndyStar reporter Alexandria Burris contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 10 Indiana cities that will pay you to live there
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