Many people dream of traveling or being able to spend a few months in different parts of the world.
Well, in some cases, the dream can become reality. You could open your mailbox and find a $10,000 check, simply for choosing to call a new place home.
It is not a scam; it’s simply that some localities are giving incentives to increase the number of residents.
In some cases, these destinations may be remote or not very appealing, but in other cases, it might be really interesting to consider moving there, especially if you’re seeking adventure combined with financial incentives.
Vermont’s Green Mountain Glory
Want to leave your cramped city apartment for a place closer to nature?
Vermont (in the US) offers to reimburse some of the relocation expenses, including closing costs for a primary residence or lease deposit and one month’s rent.
The state’s Remote Worker Grant Program isn’t just throwing cash at newcomers – it’s trying to create a community of digital pioneers.
Remote workers need only prove their employment status and commit to full-time residency.
In addition, median home prices are 40% below the national average, and you’ll have unlimited access to world-class skiing and hiking in nature.
The state also boasts some of the country’s most tight-knit communities, where neighbors still bring welcome baskets and town meetings make a difference.
Tulsa, Oklahoma: More Than Just Oil Country
Who would choose Tulsa over San Francisco? If you told anyone, they would probably think you are crazy.
Well, what if you could own a historic home in the arts district, run a successful online business, and pocket an extra $10,000 courtesy of Tulsa Remote.
Yes, the program’s genius lies in its simplicity: cash incentives and becoming a member of one of the largest communities of remote workers in the U.S.
The city’s renaissance is impossible to ignore – from the award-winning Gathering Place park to a food scene that perfectly blends Southern comfort with contemporary creativity.
Tech startups are flocking to the area, drawn by low operating costs and a growing pool of talent.
Italy’s €1 Homes in Historic Villages
In the sun-drenched hills of Sicily, ancient stone houses are waiting for new life – and they cost less than a cup of coffee.
Towns like Sambuca, Mussomeli, and Cammarata offer historic homes for €1, along with tax incentives that make renovation surprisingly affordable.
One American couple turned their €1 purchase into a boutique bed and breakfast, combining old-world charm with modern amenities.
The catch? Buyers must renovate within three years and navigate Italian bureaucracy.
However, with some towns offering additional grants for business startups, the dream of owning a house in Italy becomes surprisingly attainable.
Local authorities often guide through the renovation process, connecting newcomers with trusted contractors and architects who understand both modern building codes and historic preservation requirements.
Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend
While the rest of the world debates universal basic income, Alaska’s been paying its residents for decades.
The Permanent Fund Dividend program has been distributed over $3,000 per person in recent years, meaning that a family of four could receive more than $12,000 annually.
Beyond the checks, Alaska offers something increasingly rare: genuine frontier spirit. Residents trade dark winters for summer’s midnight sun, high costs for untamed wilderness, and city conveniences for the chance to witness nature’s greatest light show – the Aurora Borealis – from their backyard.
It’s certainly not a state for everyone. The environment is challenging, sometimes very wild, and you must have a great spirit of adventure and adaptation.
Topeka, Kansas: Heart of America’s New Tech Hub
In the city that’s shedding its “flyover country” image, Choose Topeka is changing the game with up to $15,000 for newcomers.
Some local tech companies are growing faster than coastal startups, while housing costs remain at a third of Silicon Valley prices.
The program’s already attracted hundreds of remote workers who discovered they could upgrade from a studio apartment to a historic Victorian home – and get paid for doing it.
The city’s investment in fiber internet infrastructure rivals any tech hub, while its central location makes it easy to maintain connections on either coast.
There are also some interesting community initiatives that bring together long-time residents and newcomers, fostering an environment where innovation meets hospitality.
Saskatchewan, Canada: Prairie Paradise
Against the backdrop of endless prairie skies, Saskatchewan is writing checks worth up to $20,000 for graduates who decide to move there.
The Graduate Retention Program might require a seven-year commitment, but with cities like Saskatoon regularly ranking among Canada’s most livable, many find themselves staying longer.
The province combines the best of both worlds: urban amenities with small-town friendliness, affordable housing, good healthcare, and career opportunities with a work-life balance that other big cities can only dream about.
The region’s strong economy, powered by natural resources and agriculture, provides stability and innovation, especially in sectors like clean energy and biotechnology.
This could be a good opportunity, especially if you work or do research in these fields.
Chile’s Start-Up Program
At the foot of the Andes, Santiago’s transformed into Latin America’s Silicon Valley, and they’re paying entrepreneurs up to $50,000 to join the change.
Start-Up Chile both offers funding and an interesting launchpad into one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Participants receive equity-free capital, mentorship, partnerships, and a one-year work visa.
The program’s already spawned several unicorns (the name used for privately-owned startups that are now worth more than $1 billion), proving that sometimes the future comes from the Southern Hemisphere.
In addition, Santiago has a high quality of life, with world-class restaurants, cultural attractions, interesting outdoor activities, and good health care (which is always an important thing for an expatriate to consider).
The city’s location also makes it an ideal base for exploring South America, ideal for workers who also like to travel.