Cities in Indiana that Will Pay You to Move There - UPDATED for 2026

If you want to live in a place known for charming small towns, low cost of living, family-friendly suburbs, a variety of outdoor recreation options, affordable housing, as well as urban living, Indiana is a great option. Even better, Indiana is a state that will pay you to move.

Below is an updated summary of relocation incentives that are currently available in cities across Indiana. While most of these programs are for remote workers, there’s a growing number available for in-person workers who want to be a part of their community’s local workforce.

Cities in Indiana that Will Pay You to Move There

Angola

Total Incentive Package: $19,849

Population: 19,489

Housing feature: 5% in down payment assistance and closing costs for eligible buyers through the Hoosier Homes Plus program.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Coworking space CoWork Steben features a podcasting studio (6-month free membership included in MakeMyMove’s incentive package).

Angola is surrounded by Steuben County’s 100+ lakes, offering year-round lake living, including boating, fishing and swimming in the summer and a refrigerated toboggan run (no snow required) at nearby Pokagon State Park in the winter.

Albion

Total Incentive Package: $11,700

Population: 2,200

Housing feature: 5% in down payment assistance and closing costs for eligible buyers through the Hoosier Homes Plus program.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Albion’s downtown has been awarded the distinction of one of the “best main streets in Indiana”.

Albion is part of Noble County, whose tagline is “where nature rejuvenates you.” Albion offers outdoor escapes from lake kayaking and trail biking to seasonal fun at Pumpkin Fantasyland.

Auburn

Total Incentive Package: $11,700

Population: 13,888

Housing feature: 5% in down payment assistance and closing costs for eligible buyers through the Hoosier Homes Plus program.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Affectionately called the “Home of the Classics,” Auburn showcases its automotive legacy through three car museums and the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival.

Content Creator Nate Spangle breaks down why Auburn, Indiana, is a great city.

Located in DeKalb County, Auburn is best known for its automotive heritage but also offers other amenities such as boutique shopping downtown and live music at nearby Byler Lane Winery. The community takes strong pride in its schools, including DeKalb High School, known statewide for its championship athletic programs.

Avon

Total Incentive Package: $5,849

Population: 23,611

Housing feature: Several options for ranch-style homes.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Washington Township park sits on the outskirts of the city and in addition to summer fun at its splash pad, you may stumble upon its “Haunted Bridge”.

Avon is a suburb located just west of downtown Indianapolis - most stores and restaurants are centrally located, making errand running quick and efficient. Avon High School’s award-winning marching band has won several state championships and Bands of America three times in a row.

Bloomfield

Population: 2,297

Housing feature: A variety of homes available at different price points on large plots of land.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Quarterly mover events including farm to table dinners, beach days and winery tours (part of MakeMyMove relocation package).

Bloomfield is a quiet town in Greene County, known for its historic courthouse square, scenic rural setting and access to outdoor recreation. It’s located within a short drive of larger hubs like Bloomington and Crane Naval Base.

Bloomington

Total Incentive Package: $8,100

Population: 79,968

Housing feature: Historic homes, lake condos and new builds

Cool perks or unique attributes: 3-year membership to The Mill co-working space and free networking events included with MakeMyMove incentive package.

Home to Indiana University, Bloomington’s diverse and global student population influences its local food and music scene. Located near Lake Monroe, hiking trails and Prairie Creek Reservoir, locals have access to an abundance of both cultural and outdoor recreational activities.

Bluffton

Total Incentive Package: $11,700

Population: 10,556

Housing feature: 5% in down payment assistance and closing costs for eligible buyers through the Hoosier Homes Plus program.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Bluffton High School was designated a Purple Star School in 2025.

Bluffton is a small city in Wells County located within an easy drive of Fort Wayne. Some of its amenities include trails along the Rivergreenway, the popular Bluffton Street Fair and outdoor adventures at Ouabache State Park with its resident bison herd.

Fort Wayne

Total Incentive Package: $11,700 - $14,480

Population: 267,927

Housing feature: 5% in down payment assistance and closing costs for eligible buyers through the Hoosier Homes Plus program.

Cool perks or unique attributes: This award-winning city has been named the #1 Best City to Raise a Family by SmartAsset, one of the top 10 Cities for Quality of Life by Nerdwallet and a 4-time winner of the All-America City awards, to name just a few.

Fort Wayne is a fast-growing city defined by its riverfront, revitalized downtown and a nationally recognized parks and trails system, anchored by Promenade Park and its three rivers. Cultural draws like the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, the Fort Wayne Art Museum and Electric Works - give everyday life an energetic, family-friendly feel.

French Lick

Total Incentive Package: $5,000

Population: 1,807

Housing feature: Multiple cabin-style homes

Cool perks or unique attributes: A luxury resort town dating back to the late 19th century, attracting visitors from all over the country for its mineral springs.

Located in southern Indiana, French Lick is known for its iconic French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels (where you can ride a trolley), the French Lick Scenic Railway featuring themed rides, world-class golf courses and access to outdoor recreation at the Hoosier National Forest and Patoka Lake.

Huntington

Total Incentive Package: $15,000

Population: 17,033

Housing feature: 5% in down payment assistance and closing costs for eligible buyers through the Hoosier Homes Plus program

Cool perks or unique attributes: The city’s Memorial Park won the Indiana Historic Preservation Award.

Just minutes from Fort Wayne, Huntington pairs a walkable historic downtown with peaceful, tree-lined neighborhoods. Residents enjoy strolling along the Little River, cooling off at Lake Clare on summer days and attending events at Forks of the Wabash Historic Park.

Indianapolis

Total Incentive Package: $10,000

Population: 880,621

Housing feature: A variety of housing options are available in distinctive neighborhoods including Broadripple, Massachusetts Avenue, Lockerbie Square, Irvington and Woodruff Place

Cool perks or unique attributes: Incentive package includes a 1-year membership to 16 Tech coworking space and a curated guide to Indy’s hottest spots, events and hidden gems.

Indianapolis, Indiana’s capital city is known for its iconic landmarks like Monument Circle, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Canal and City Market districts and an extensive network of trails and parks including the award-winning Cultural Trail.

Check out all the cities in the Indianapolis Region that will pay you to move.

Jasper

Total Incentive Package: $5,500

Population: 16,703

Housing feature: A mix of older homes, newer construction and country living on spacious properties (some set among rolling hills).

Cool perks or unique attributes: Known for its German heritage

Jasper is a southern Indiana city that celebrates its German roots at events like its annual Strassenfest. Its downtown is home to the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center, where you’ll find the Arts Wing featuring galleries, workshops, private studios and a Block Box Theatre. It’s also home to the Jasper Public Library. Locals enjoy staying active on the Jasper Riverwalk.

LaGrange

Total Incentive Package: $11,700

Population: 2,735

Housing feature: 5% in down payment assistance and closing costs for eligible buyers through the Hoosier Homes Plus program

Cool perks or unique attributes: Located near one of the largest Amish populations in the U.S.

Known by locals as the “Land of 101 Lakes,” LaGrange is defined by its slower-paced, peaceful setting. Heavily influenced by its Amish population which is ingrained throughout the community in businesses that sell handcrafted furniture, quilt shops and foodie-centric Amish bakeries.

Loogootee

Total Incentive Package: $5,500

Population: 2,601

Housing feature: Mix of older homes and houses in newer subdivisions.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Has an established history centered around its small-town basketball culture.

Loogootee is a southern Indiana town known as the gateway to West Boggs Lake and the 8,000-acre Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area, offering year-round boating, camping and fishing. Its close proximity to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division also brings a steady mix of jobs.

Monticello

Total Incentive Package: $10,700

Population: 5,508

Housing feature: Mix of older neighborhoods and waterfront housing.

Cool perks or unique attribute: Home to Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park Resort.

Monticello is a lakeside community home to both Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman, where residents can enjoy everything from boating and fishing to live music cruises aboard the iconic Madam Carroll - Indiana’s largest inland boat. The community also offers both private and public schools for families with school-aged children.

Muncie

Total Incentive Package: $6,500

Population: 68,500

Housing feature: Historic homes and a large variety of rentals.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Entrepreneurs and remote workers can take advantage of business resources such as workshops and classes at The Innovation Connector (included in MakeMyMove relocation package).

The home of Ball State University, life in Muncie can include First Thursday arts walks, live performances at Emens Auditorium and hands-on experiences at Minnetrista Cultural Center. It has a walkable downtown and the Cardinal Greenway is part of an extensive trail network.

New Castle

Total Incentive Package: $5,900

Population: 17,382

Housing feature: A large variety of housing options at different price points.

Cool perks or unique attribute: Has the largest high school gym in the U.S.

Home to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, it’s no surprise that New Castle is known as a true basketball town. Beyond sports, residents also enjoy community gatherings at the Arts Park & Pavilion and outdoor recreation just minutes away at Summit Lake State Park.

Noblesville

Total Incentive Package: $15,000

Population: 75,170

Housing feature: Historic homes, new construction and waterfront living.

Cool perks or unique attribute: Named One of America’s Most Welcoming Places by MakeMyMove.

Noblesville is a fast-growing city known for its historic courthouse square, waterfront recreation on Morse Reservoir, music and events at Ruoff Music Center and miles of trails and parks that make outdoor activities part of everyday life.

Plainfield

Total Incentive Package: $7,360

Population: 36,074

Housing feature: Historic homes and a large variety of rentals, including townhomes and condos.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Level 2 coworking space is launching its “Prototype Lab” that will feature advanced tools like a 3D printer and soldering machine. (1-year membership included in MakeMyMove incentive package).

Plainfield is a west-side suburb of Indianapolis, located just minutes from the Indianapolis International Airport for easy travel and commuting. It’s distinctive for its 30+ mile interconnected trail system that winds through town, into the countryside and even leads to Splash Island waterpark, where locals cool off on summer days.

Richmond

Total Incentive Package: $7,500

Population: 35,500

Housing feature: Historic homes

Cool perks or unique attributes: Main Street Richmond co-working space features private offices, meeting rooms and event spaces ( 1-year membership included with MakeMyMove incentive package).

Richmond is an eastern Indiana city known for its annual Ice Sculpture Festival, well-loved Hills Bark Park where local four-legged residents can get loose, and its picture-perfect Richmond Rose Garden (where a MakeMyMove mover got married earlier this year). It’s also home to the Depot District and the Gennett Records Walk of Fame.

Santa Claus

Total Incentive Package: $6,850

Population: 2,657

Housing feature: Christmas Lake Village- a gated lake community.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Home to Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari Amusement and Waterpark (family season pass included in MakeMyMove relocation package).

Santa Claus is a Hallmark movie come to life. Located in southern Indiana, the town is home to beloved attractions like the Santa Claus Museum & Village and festive destinations such as Santa’s Candy Castle, giving the entire community a warm, family-friendly identity that residents embrace well beyond December.

Tell City

Total Incentive Package: $9,200

Population: 7,515

Housing feature: Homes with river views

Cool perks or unique attributes: Named One of America’s Most Welcoming Places by MakeMyMove.

Set along the Ohio River within the foothills of the Hoosier National Forest, Tell City’s Sunset Park is the perfect setting for participating in recreational activities along the riverfront. The town’s German heritage still shapes its identity today through local traditions, architecture and one of the region’s most beloved festivals - Schweizer Fest.

Terre Haute

Total Incentive Package: $8,800

Population: 58,621

Housing feature: Large porch-front homes near downtown.

Cool perks or unique attributes: The Station coworking space features a patio and demonstration workshop space ( 1-year discounted membership included in MakeMyMove incentive package).

Often called the “Crossroads of America,” its identity is shaped by its colleges - particularly Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology - which bring athletics, arts, and research into everyday life. The city’s downtown has seen meaningful reinvestment through projects like The Mill mixed-use district, restored theaters, diverse dining options and a casino.

Vevay

Total Incentive Package: $7,000

Population: 1,762

Housing feature: Brick homes from the 1800s and early 1900s.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Statues of local celebrity “Fred the Goat” can be found throughout Vevay Hill.

Vevay is a walkable Ohio River town in southeastern Indiana known for its European heritage, steep hillside views, and one of the most scenic main streets in the state. Vevay is especially distinctive for its wine culture, including the annual Swiss Wine Festival, which draws visitors from across the Midwest.

Wabash

Total Incentive Package: $17,600

Population: 10,275

Housing feature: 5% in down payment assistance and closing costs for eligible buyers through the Hoosier Homes Plus program.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Wabash proudly carries the legacy of being the First Electrically Lighted City in the World.

Wabash’s arts scene punches far above its weight, with Broadway tours, major musical acts and cultural programming hosted at the Honeywell Center and Eagles Theatre. The presence of Wabash College, along with downtown murals, maker spaces and galleries, gives the city a creative energy few communities of its size can match.

Warsaw

Total Incentive Package: $11,700

Population: 16,097

Housing feature: 5% in down payment assistance and closing costs for eligible buyers through the Hoosier Homes Plus program.

Cool perks or unique attributes: Home to major orthopedic manufacturers has created demand in the area for medical engineers.

Warsaw’s lake-centered lifestyle comes to life across its lake (over 100 throughout Kosciusko County) with boating, lakeside dining, kayaking and at its Lakes and Trails festival every summer.

Here are some articles from Indiana movers that highlight their relocation journey and what their life looks like now in Indiana:

Full Circle: How Two Purdue Grads Came Home to Noblesville

Back to Bloomington: How Two IU Alumni Came Home Through

MakeMyMove A Place to Belong: How Jasper, Indiana, Gave One Family a Fresh Start

Or, if you want to keep exploring states and places that will pay you to move there, check out these articles:

States That Pay You to Move: Exploring Remote Worker Relocation Programs

Places That Will Pay You to Move There in 2026

Living Well for Less: 10 Affordable Alternatives to America’s Expensive Metros