Move to Paducah
Total Incentive
$6,500
Description
Welcome to Paducah. We're so glad you're here!
Watch this welcome video from Paducah Mayor George Bray about why you should call Paducah home!
Wondering if Paducah is for you? Read more below about why we love it here.
🎨 Arts, Culture & Creativity
Paducah is one of a small number of UNESCO Creative Cities in the United States, reflecting its long-standing role in arts and craft traditions. The city’s riverfront floodwall murals, galleries, museums, and performing arts venues anchor a strong cultural presence. Residents can engage with local arts through exhibitions, theater, music, and hands-on workshops offered throughout the community.
✈️ Central Location & Connectivity
Paducah sits along I-24 between Nashville and St. Louis, providing convenient access to major regional destinations. The city’s location makes it an easy base for travel throughout the Midwest and South. Barkley Regional Airport offers daily jet service to Charlotte, connecting residents to a broader national and international network.
🏠 Affordable Living & Neighborhoods
Paducah offers a relatively low cost of living with a range of housing options across more than 50 neighborhoods. Historic homes, established residential areas, and access to high-speed internet make the city practical for families, professionals, and remote workers.
💼 Education & Career Pathways
The city serves as a regional center for education and employment across western Kentucky and surrounding states. Public schools, the Paducah Innovation Hub, and higher education institutions—including West Kentucky Community and Technical College and Murray State University’s Paducah campus—provide academic and workforce pathways. Major healthcare facilities and regional employers also support a broad local economy.
🎭 Entertainment & Community Life
Paducah hosts numerous festivals, parades, and cultural events throughout the year. Its historic downtown includes museums, restaurants, retail shops, and performance venues such as Market House Theatre, the Carson Center, and Maiden Alley Cinema. These spaces support an active calendar of performances, film screenings, and community gatherings.
🏕️ Outdoor Recreation
City parks and trails support walking, biking, swimming, and skating, while nearby waterways offer boating and fishing. Within a short drive, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and Shawnee National Forest provide additional opportunities for hiking, camping, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities.
On top of that, we've assembled local perks to help you explore, connect, and thrive from day one:
The $5,000 residency award gives newcomers a financial boost to start their life in Paducah, whether for exploring the city, investing in hobbies, or enjoying local experiences.
A 1-year membership to Sprocket coworking space offers a professional environment to work, connect with others, and build a network, making it easier to feel at home in the city’s professional community.
Joining the Paducah Young Professionals for a year opens the door to social events, local projects, and mentorship, helping newcomers quickly integrate into Paducah’s social and professional life.
Paducah is great but don’t just take our word for it - hear from one of our own movers...
"The people here don’t just say “welcome to the neighborhood,” but instead, “Hey, why don't you join us for a bonfire?...Everyone is so warm and outgoing here and it’s so convenient to live in such close proximity to one another."
Read more about Teresa's journey from the Chicago suburbs to Paducah here.
Am I eligible?
Be 21 years old or older
Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or have other credentials necessary to work in the United States
Live at least 100 miles outside the limits of the City of Paducah at the time of application for the program
Earn at least $40,000 annually
Work full-time for a company in which all offices are located at least 100 miles outside the Paducah city limits
Be able to perform a majority of their employment duties remotely from a home office or co-working space or
Are self-employed and able to relocate while retaining their current clients/portfolio
Acquire primary residency in the City of Paducah within three (3) months of acceptance into the Remote Workers Incentive Program
Agree in writing to retain primary residence in the City of Paducah for at least one year beyond the initial twelve-month program
Not be a participant in any other publicly-funded program/initiative
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Living in Paducah
Learn about where you could live, before you get there. The below Places are eligible relocation destinations for this Program.
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