T
he small Kansas town of Neodesha, with a population of 2,100, is fighting to reverse its decline by offering attractive incentives to new residents. Once a thriving oil boomtown, the town's economy was severely impacted when the Standard Oil refinery shut down in 1971, leading to a significant loss of residents.

    To revitalize the community, Neodesha has partnered with MakeMyMove, a digital platform that connects workers with towns looking for new life. The relocation scheme offers state income tax waivers through 2026, property tax rebates, daycare assistance, student loan repayment up to $15,000, and free college tuition via the Neodesha Promise scholarship program.

    Since launching in 2024, over 30 people are in the process of relocating to Neodesha, with more than a dozen already settled. The town is also investing in new housing, retail spaces, and historic building renovations to make it an attractive destination for young families.

    Ben Cutler, a hometown hero who has bankrolled the scholarship fund since 2020, believes that the program is making significant progress in attracting new residents. "We've awarded over $1 million in scholarships, and I feel like we're helping the community and making some real progress," he said.

    The town's efforts are part of a broader trend across the US, where communities are offering cash incentives to draw new residents. While these incentives can be effective, MakeMyMove's co-founder Evan Hock notes that it's the low cost of living and tight-knit feel that ultimately attract people to towns like Neodesha.

    Data from United Van Lines' 2024 study shows a significant migration from urban areas to more affordable regions in the Midwest and South. For Kaitlyn Sundberg, who moved to Neodesha with her husband after being priced out of Southern California, it was the town's family-friendly atmosphere that sealed the deal. "It just seemed like a place where we could put down roots," she said.