Where You Can Actually Get Paid To Move: A Guide to Free Land in the United States and Beyond

If remote work has untethered you from your desk, you might suddenly realize you can live anywhere. But what if somewhere is willing to pay you to get there? Dozens of communities across America and internationally are literally offering free land, cash incentives, or both to attract new residents. For those seeking a fresh start without the financial burden of relocation, these opportunities are worth exploring.

International Options: Starting With Italy

The phenomenon of communities desperate for population growth began in Italy back in 2011. The village of Gangi kickstarted a national trend by listing century-old homes for just $1 each. With over 5,800 towns hosting fewer than 5,000 residents—and roughly 2,300 essentially abandoned—Italy faced a genuine crisis of disappearing communities. By 2021, Maenza broke new ground by becoming the first $1 home town with actual proximity to Rome, proving that abandoned hamlet deals weren’t limited to remote, inaccessible backwater locations anymore.

Canada’s Affordable Land Strategy

North of the border, Pipestone in Manitoba, Canada, takes a different approach. The municipality sells residential land parcels for $10 per lot. Buyers deposit $1,000 and sign an agreement; once they construct a home meeting the agreement terms, they receive a $990 refund, effectively paying just $10. This reflects a broader Canadian movement that began when a New Brunswick couple started distributing portions of their 130-acre property to establish a thriving community.

The American Opportunity: Free Land in the United States

Kansas Towns Leading the Charge

Mankato, Kansas represents old-school American opportunity. This town of 900 residents is giving away more than 20 vacant lots to anyone committed to building homes within six months. All plots sit conveniently near the hospital, school, dining, and shopping—essentially free land with infrastructure already in place.

Topeka, Kansas, the state capital, sweetens its offer: relocate and rent, you get $10,000; buy a home, you receive $15,000. With median home prices hovering around $150,000, that cash substantially reduces your financial burden.

Oklahoma’s Remote Worker Boom

The Tulsa Remote program exploded during COVID, with applications jumping 300%. The initiative now offers $10,000 cash to remote employees who purchase homes in Tulsa. Given the median home price of $191,000, this represents meaningful assistance toward your down payment.

West Virginia’s Aggressive Push

West Virginia, facing severe population loss, launched Ascend West Virginia with unusual generosity. Newcomers receive $12,000 across two years ($10,000 initially, $2,000 the following year), plus a complimentary year of outdoor recreation—whitewater rafting, skiing, equipment rentals included. Free co-working space and business mentorship sweeten the package.

Alabama’s Regional Appeal

The Shoals area of Northern Alabama targets remote workers with $10,000 for annual relocation, or $5,000 for a six-month trial. The region emphasizes rural charm, water access, and outdoor recreation as lifestyle draws.

Iowa’s Home Buyer Incentive

Newton, Iowa targets serious homebuyers. Purchase a property valued at $190,000 or above, and the city provides $10,000 plus $2,500 in local business vouchers. Top-rated schools and family-friendly infrastructure make it appealing for long-term settlement.

Michigan’s Student Loan Forgiveness

Recent graduates with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics who relocate back to St. Clair County can access up to $15,000 toward student loan repayment. The county promotes its abundant parks, trails, and water recreation as quality-of-life advantages.

Who Should Consider These Moves?

These opportunities align perfectly with remote workers unconstrained by geography, career-changers seeking affordable fresh starts, and professionals wanting their income to stretch further. The combination of free land in various locations across the United States, cash incentives, and lifestyle amenities creates genuine relocation value propositions that transcend typical cost-of-living calculations.

Whether you’re drawn to small-town American character, international adventure, or emerging opportunity zones, communities worldwide are actively competing for residents—and they’re willing to invest significantly to win you over. The only question remaining is: where will you plant your roots?