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West Virginia Paying $12,000 For Remote Workers

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West Virginia is trying to attract outdoor-loving remote workers. (Image by: Jessica Monte)

You probably never thought about moving to West Virginia. But would you consider it for $12,000?

A remote workers program called Ascend West Virginia is paying people to move to mountain towns in the state. “No strings attached.”

The Remote Workers Program

Over the course of the first year, participants get $10,000 in monthly installments. The other $2,000 is paid at the end of a person’s second year as a West Virginia resident.

The money can be used for anything.

Furthermore, the program offers perks including a $2,500 outdoor recreation package that gives new residents access to activities like off-road excursions, ziplining, rock climbing, whitewater rafting and more.

Participants have access to a “gear library” offering free access to outdoor equipment, including bikes.

Participants also get free co-working space, and there’s access to professional development and entrepreneurial assistance as well as a list of social events.

According to AP, the full relocation package is valued at over $20,000.

Applications Required

Remote workers interested in getting paid to relocate to West Virginia have to apply, and the initial destination is predetermined.

During the first round of applications,  7,500 people applied for the opportunity to move to Morgantown, home of West Virginia University.

Fifty-three people were selected from that bunch, and when their family members were added to the mix West Virginia was set to gain 110 new residents from 21 states, Washington DC and Germany.

The state’s remote worker program is now accepting applications for people interested in moving to Lewisburg, a town with a population of about 4,000.

The state’s tourism director, Chelsea Ruby, describes it as “the perfect spot to escape big-city life without sacrificing modern living… a picture-perfect small town with a charming downtown, thriving arts scene, and accessible outdoor recreation.”

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A second opportunity will open for people to relocate to Morgantown in 2022, and there will be an opportunity to move to Shepardstown, but the application date for that hasn’t been announced yet.

Over the next five years, West Virginia’s remote workers program aims to attract over 1,000 new people to the state.

If you’re interested, according to the site, the application takes about an hour, and if you’re selected as a potential candidate there will be a video interview.

And if you’re wondering how West Virginia’s remote worker program is funded?  It’s a pet project of a big baller, of course! Former Intuit CEO Brad Smith and his wife Alys dropped $25 million to make it happen.

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2 thoughts on “West Virginia Paying $12,000 For Remote Workers

  1. Interesting post. So, even though they will be remote workers, they are being encouraged monetarily to relocate as well. I think it would be nice to know a little bit more about the town and what to do if you were to relocate there. Thanks for the information!

    1. Yes, that’s how it’s supposed to work. As part of the program, they’re supposed to link you with ambassadors and invite you to different social events to get acquainted with your new area and help you meet people.
      Thank you for taking time to comment.

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