Relocation offers on the rise as cities try big cash incentives to attract remote workers

(Aging Untold) — Remote work opportunities continue to thrive years after the COVID-19 pandemic made working from home mainstream. Now some communities across the U.S. are competing to attract new residents who are fully employed but can live anywhere, offering increasingly large cash incentives to lure remote workers.Cumberland, Maryland launched “Choose Cumberland,” a pilot program offering $20,000 to up to 10 people who agree to move to the city. The Appalachian Mountains community, located about 130 miles outside Washington D.C., saw its population decline from over 40,000 to less than 19,000 after several manufacturing companies and other large employers closed their doors starting in the 1970s.“At one time, the population of Cumberland was over 40,000 people,” said Mayor Ray Morriss.Program details and requirementsThe Cumberland incentive splits the money into two payments: $10,000 in relocation cash $10,000 for a down payment or approved home renovationsRecipients must make Cumb