Kansas town offers big incentives for remote workers

KANSAS, UNITED STATES — Neodesha, a small town in rural Kansas with a population of just 2,100, is taking bold steps to reverse its population decline and refresh its aging infrastructure.
In partnership with MakeMyMove, an online relocation marketplace, Neodesha is offering a range of enticing incentives to attract remote workers who might consider making the town their new home.
The initiative includes benefits such as state income tax waivers through 2026, support with daycare, and student loan repayment assistance.
Building and renovating
The efforts to rejuvenate Neodesha don’t stop at financial incentives. Phil Griffith and Ben Cutler, two local entrepreneurs, are deeply invested in the town’s transformation. They have been instrumental in adding housing, renovating historic buildings, and creating a vibrant retail and entertainment district.
Plans are also in place to transform the vacant 1886 Brown Hotel into ‘The Brown: Boarding House and Supper Club’. Furthermore, the new Griffith Culinary Institute aims to provide local youth with career opportunities in the culinary arts.
A strategic location with historic roots
Neodesha boasts a unique position approximately 100 miles from major cities such as Wichita, Topeka, and Tulsa. The town is proud of its historical significance, home to a 65-foot derrick that marks the site of the first commercial oil well west of the Mississippi River. This deep-rooted historical aspect is part of what the town hopes will appeal to new residents looking for a blend of rural charm and historical richness.
As part of their strategy, MakeMyMove highlights that these efforts are set to make Neodesha an attractive option for remote workers seeking a change of pace from urban environments.
Other MakeMyMove partnerships
Aside from Neodesha, Kansas, other towns previously launched an incentive program for remote workers willing to relocate, including West Memphis, Arkansas, and Columbus, Georgia.
These initiatives aim to boost the local economy and diversify the community by enticing professionals who can work from anywhere.