Imagine getting paid to move to a new town. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for some people, this dream is very much a reality.
There is a small town so keen on attracting new residents that it’s offering a lucrative package of incentives to remote workers willing to call it home.
So, what’s the deal, and why is it willing to pay you to move there?
Details of the Offer
Mattoon isn’t just any small town; it’s a place bursting with potential and community spirit. Located conveniently between major cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis, Mattoon offers the charm of small-town living with the perks of city accessibility.
The town boasts a strong sense of community, excellent schools, affordable housing, and a variety of recreational activities.
Mattoon is home to over 17,000 residents and features a blend of urban and rural lifestyles. It offers a vibrant downtown area, multiple parks, and two lakes, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.
Its location makes it an ideal spot for those who want the tranquility of small-town life without being too far from metropolitan amenities. (ref)
The Generous Incentives
The Move to Mattoon program offers a total package worth over $11,000 per family, aiming to attract remote workers who can bring new energy and economic activity to the area. Here’s what you can expect from the incentive package:
- $5,000 Cash for moving expenses.
- $500 in Local Restaurant Vouchers to enjoy the local dining scene.
- Free Memberships: A year at Elevate Coworking Space and six months at the YMCA for family activities.
- Gift Cards: $500 for Rural King, $250 for Slumberland Furniture, and various others for local businesses.
- Free Services: Six months of free storage, six months of fiber internet, a professional headshot session, and even a pet welcome basket from Mars Petcare.
- Recreational Perks: Two free hours of family fun at Zax Trax for go-karting, axe throwing, and more.
These incentives are part of a community-backed initiative, supported by local businesses and organizations, aimed at making Mattoon an attractive destination for new residents.
A Community That Cares
Mattoon isn’t just throwing money at potential residents; it’s investing in people who want to be part of a community.
The town is home to several annual events that bring the community together, like Bagelfest, a multi-day festival celebrating Mattoon’s history as the birthplace of the Lender’s Bagel Company. Bagelfest draws over 20,000 visitors each year and features music, food, and family-friendly activities. (ref)
During the holiday season, Mattoon transforms with its Mattoon Lightworks display in Peterson Park, which attracts over 15,000 visitors annually. This event features a stunning array of animated holiday lights and local church-hosted live nativity scenes, adding a festive spirit to the community.
Education is also a top priority here, with innovative programs like LIFT (Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow). LIFT provides high school students with access to dual credit opportunities, industry certifications, internships, and leadership skills for the 21st century.
The program is designed to connect students with career pathways, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.
The Requirements
Of course, there are a few requirements to qualify for these incentives. You need to be a remote worker earning over $45,000 annually and currently live more than 100 miles away from Mattoon. Additionally, you must commit to living within the city limits for at least two years.
This initiative is targeted at remote workers who can bring their jobs with them, thus boosting the local economy without taking away existing jobs from current residents. It’s a win-win situation, providing new residents with a supportive community and local businesses with increased patronage.
The Bigger Picture
Mattoon’s approach is part of a broader trend seen across the United States where towns and cities are offering financial incentives to attract new residents. From Bemidji, Minnesota, which offers similar benefits like free gigabit internet and coworking space memberships, to The Shoals, Alabama, where remote workers are paid $10,000 to move, communities are recognizing the value that remote workers bring in terms of economic growth and cultural vibrancy.
These programs are particularly appealing as the remote work trend continues to grow. They offer a solution for small towns facing population decline by injecting new life and diversity into their communities.
For the remote workers, these incentives provide an opportunity to enjoy a higher quality of life at a lower cost, surrounded by supportive communities.
Ready to Make the Move?
If you’re tired of the high cost of living and the hustle and bustle of big city life, Mattoon might just be the perfect place for you. With its generous incentives, strong community spirit, and strategic location, Mattoon is not just offering a new home but a chance to build a better, more connected life.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.