In the face of declining or slowing population growth, some cities have decided to get aggressive about their survival for new tax revenue.
Some cities are giving away free land, while other states and cities are literally handing out stacks of cash to folks who agree to move.
Here are the 6 cities that really, really want you to move there!
1. Detroit, Michigan
We all know the trouble Detroit has had in recent years with the auto industry.
A program in Detroit is offering college graduates a $2,500 first year allowance and a $1000 second year allowance towards the cost of renting an apartment/condo in the city. They’re also offering up to $20,000 in forgivable loans for new homebuyers who purchase a property in the city.
In order to participate, you’ve got to work for one of the companies that have partnered with the city to offer this program. Some of those companies include Compuware, Quicken Loans, and Strategic Staffing Solutions.
You can find all of the information on the city’s website: http://www.detroitlivedowntown.org/
2. Lincoln, Kansas
The state of Kansas has had a declining population, so towns like Lincoln and Osbourne have taken to giving out free plots of land in order to entice new residents.
Depending on the city, there are different qualifications that you need to meet. You usually need to agree to build a single-family home on the land and live there for a set amount of time (5 years or so).
Check out all the cities that are giving away land at: http://www.kansasfreeland.com/
3. Alaska
Since 1976, Alaska has paid its residents to live there via its Permanent Fund Reserve. The payouts are funded by Alaska’s oil royalties and are divided up evenly among citizens. Over the years the payouts have varied from the smallest ($331.29 per person in 1984) to the largest ($3,269.00 per person in 2008 when a one-time $1,200 Alaska Resource Rebate was added to the dividend amount), but the average payment is usually around $1,250.
[quote]In order to be eligible for the rebate, you must not claim residency in any other state or country.[/quote]
For more information check out: http://www.pfd.state.ak.us/
4. Saskatchewan
In an effort to attract more college graduates, Saskatchewan is offering both Canadians and immigrants $20,000 Canadian to live and work in the province for 7 years. You’ve got to be a recent graduate though (after 2006).
Saskatchewan is thriving and opportunities for graduates have never been brighter. The Graduate Retention Program rewards you for building your future in Saskatchewan by providing a rebate up to $20,000 of tuition fees paid by eligible graduates who live in Saskatchewan and who file a Saskatchewan income tax return.
The Graduate Retention Program became effective January 1, 2008.
The “Graduate Retention Program” was expanded in 2008 to help entice graduates from all over the world. The $20,000 bonus is paid in chunks each year when you file your taxes.
For more information check out: http://aeei.gov.sk.ca/grp
5. Camden, Maine
If you’re a business owner in need of land, Camden will give you a prime 2.8 acres if you agree to create 24 new jobs in the city.
This 2.8 acre site is located in the heart of one of the most desirable coastal towns in New England – Camden, Maine. The Town of Camden has invested approximately $1 million to reclaim and restore this former industrial site. With views of the Megunticook River and just blocks away from the beautiful Camden harbor, this site is ready to go.
The land is currently valued at $175,000. You have to put up the initial cash for the deal, but the town will refund you your money once you meet all of the requirements.
Get all the details and fill out an application at http://www.freelandinmaine.org/
6. Curtis, Nebraska
How would you like a prime piece of golf course real estate for free?
In Curtis Nebraska, the towns all-grass, nine-hole Arrowhead Meadows Golf Course (apparently one of the best in the state) has 8 plots of land left and if you agree to build a house, they’ll give it you for free. All of the lots utility ready and located on paved streets.
Claim your free land here: http://www.curtis-ne.com/amlots.php
I am not sure I can convince my wife to move but if I was a Canadian graduate I would seriously consider moving to Saskatchewan (been a hot province for jobs recently).
Would you move anywhere if there were financial incentives attached?