Get Paid to Relocate! Evan Hock from MakeMyMove.com
The Great Remote Work Migration: How Cities Are Competing for Talent
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of work and living has undergone a seismic shift. With millions of Americans now working remotely, a new opportunity has emerged for cities and towns across the country to attract talented professionals and boost their local economies. Enter MakeMyMove.com, an innovative platform that's revolutionizing how communities recruit new residents and how remote workers find their ideal home base.
In a recent podcast interview, Evan Hock, co-founder and COO of MakeMyMove, shed light on this fascinating trend and the impact it's having on both individuals and communities. Let's dive into the key insights from this conversation and explore how the remote work revolution is reshaping America's demographic landscape.
The Birth of MakeMyMove
MakeMyMove was born out of a workforce problem in Indiana, where the population was shrinking for the first time in the state's history. Hock and his co-founders, drawing from their experience at Angie's List, initially set out to help local employers recruit talent from outside the state. However, when the pandemic hit, they pivoted to focus on individual remote workers who suddenly had the freedom to choose their living location independent of their employer.
The platform now serves as a marketplace connecting remote workers with communities offering incentives to attract new residents. These incentives can range from cash payments to free co-working spaces, equipment rentals, and even unique perks like "Grandparents on Demand" in Greensburg, Indiana.
The Economic Impact of Remote Worker Relocation
One of the most compelling aspects of this trend is the significant economic impact these relocations can have on local communities. Hock shared that for every $100,000 in income recruited to a community, it generates approximately $83,000 in incremental economic impact. This includes spending in the local economy, potential business creation, home purchases, and tax contributions.
Many of the remote workers relocating through MakeMyMove programs have an average income of over $100,000, bringing substantial economic benefits to their new communities. This influx of talent and spending power can be particularly transformative for small and rural communities that may have previously struggled to attract new residents and businesses.
Changing Perceptions and Community Engagement
Interestingly, Hock noted that some communities were initially hesitant about offering incentives, fearing it might make them appear desperate. However, as the trend has gained traction, more places are recognizing it as a smart investment in their future. The focus has shifted from simply attracting residents to finding individuals who want to actively engage with and contribute to their new communities.
For example, Bloomington, Indiana offers a popular incentive that doesn't include cash but instead provides free co-working space and a seat on a non-profit board. This approach helps newcomers quickly integrate into the community and make meaningful contributions.
The Future of Remote Work
Despite some high-profile companies attempting to bring workers back to the office, Hock remains bullish on the future of remote work. He cited studies suggesting that 10-15% of the workforce is now fully remote, with this number expected to grow. The benefits for both employers (access to global talent, better retention) and employees (flexibility, improved work-life balance) make remote work an attractive option for many.
However, Hock also acknowledged the challenges, particularly for younger workers who may miss out on the social and mentorship aspects of office life. To address this, many companies, including MakeMyMove, are adopting hybrid models and finding creative ways to foster company culture and professional development in a remote environment.
Finding Your Perfect Place
For those considering a move, MakeMyMove offers a unique, e-commerce-like experience for finding a new hometown. Users can search based on various criteria such as location, amenities, or incentive types. The platform provides in-depth information about each community, going beyond typical tourism marketing to give a real sense of the local vibe and lifestyle.
Hock emphasized that while incentives are attractive, they're just one factor in the decision-making process. Many remote workers are seeking a sense of belonging and connection in their new communities, as well as practical considerations like affordability and access to amenities.
The Broader Impact on American Communities
This trend of remote worker relocation is having a profound impact on many American communities, particularly smaller towns and rural areas that may have previously struggled with population decline. By attracting new residents with diverse skills and experiences, these places are gaining new vitality and economic opportunities.
Moreover, this shift is challenging traditional notions of where people can live and work. No longer bound by proximity to an office, individuals can choose locations that align with their lifestyle preferences, whether that's a beach town, mountain community, or vibrant small city.
Conclusion
The remote work revolution, accelerated by the pandemic, has opened up new possibilities for both workers and communities. Platforms like MakeMyMove are playing a crucial role in facilitating these connections and helping reshape the demographic landscape of America.
As we move forward, it's clear that the ability to work remotely will continue to be a significant factor in where people choose to live. For communities willing to embrace this trend and actively recruit new residents, the potential benefits are substantial. And for remote workers, the opportunity to find a place that truly feels like home – while potentially receiving financial incentives – has never been greater.
Whether you're a remote worker considering a move or a community leader looking to attract new talent, the insights shared by Evan Hock offer valuable food for thought. As the world of work continues to evolve, so too will the places we call home.
10 Facts about cities that offer financial incentives to remote workers:
1. Tulsa, Oklahoma was one of the first cities to offer a remote worker relocation program, attracting about 3,000 households in five years.
2. West Lafayette, Indiana offers incentives that include both cash and access to university amenities.
3. Some programs, like the one in Greensburg, Indiana, offer unique perks such as "Grandparents on Demand" to help newcomers integrate into the community.
4. Bloomington, Indiana's program offers free co-working space and a seat on a non-profit board instead of cash incentives.
5. The average income of remote workers moving through MakeMyMove programs is over $100,000.
6. Some cities offer tiered incentives, with additional benefits for those working in high-demand fields like education or healthcare.
7. Many programs include networking opportunities to help new residents connect with the local community.
8. Some cities partner with local banks to offer special mortgage rates or banking incentives to new residents.
9. Outdoor-focused communities often include park passes or equipment rentals as part of their incentive packages.
10. The economic impact of these programs can be significant, with every $100,000 in recruited income generating about $83,000 in local economic impact.
10 Facts about which states have seen the greatest decrease in residents since 2020:
1. California has experienced significant population loss, with many residents moving to more affordable states.
2. New York has seen a notable decrease in population, particularly in New York City during the early stages of the pandemic.
3. Illinois has continued a trend of population decline that began before the pandemic.
4. Massachusetts saw population decline for the first time in decades during the pandemic.
5. Michigan has experienced population loss, though at a slower rate than some other states.
6. Pennsylvania has seen modest population decline in recent years.
7. Ohio has experienced slight population decreases, particularly in some urban areas.
8. New Jersey saw population decline during the pandemic, reversing a previous growth trend.
9. Connecticut has continued a trend of slow population decline that predates the pandemic.
10. Louisiana has seen population decreases, exacerbated by natural disasters in addition to pandemic-related moves.
Note: The transcript doesn't provide specific data on state population decreases since 2020. This list is based on general trends and should be verified with the most recent census data for accurate figures.