Perry County, Indiana: A Hidden Gem for Remote Workers, Led by a Storyteller Who Knows the Journey

In an era when rural communities across the nation are looking for innovative ways to attract new residents, Perry County, Indiana, has emerged as a shining example of how a place can redefine itself through a powerful blend of community engagement, personalized outreach, and strategic marketing. The county’s efforts have not gone unnoticed—MakeMyMove, a relocation program that connects remote workers with communities looking to grow, has named Perry County one of its Top Community Award winners for 2024.

So, what makes Perry County stand out? According to Shiraz Mukarram, the Marketing and Special Initiatives Manager at Perry County Development Corporation (PCDC) and the driving force behind the county’s MakeMyMove program, it’s the deeply personal approach that has made all the difference.

A Human-Centered Approach to Growth

Unlike many incentive programs that rely solely on financial rewards to attract new residents, Perry County’s strategy is built on authentic human connection. Shiraz explains that the process of welcoming new residents begins not with an email but with a personal phone conversation. “I feel like one of the first instances people get to know about Perry County is through phone conversations with me,” he shares. “Once they see the content on the MakeMyMove website and explore our Pick Perry website, they start to understand the community. But it’s that direct interaction that truly sparks their interest.”

Having moved to Perry County himself, Shiraz understands the emotions tied to relocating. “I always tell people that Perry County is a gem of a town. We have river-facing towns, award-winning schools, a safe community the biggest acreage of Hoosier National Forest, rolling hills, a low cost of living—so many factors that make this a perfect place to call home.”

Beyond a Transactional Welcome

One of the key differentiators of Perry County’s approach is its commitment to ensuring new residents feel like more than just a number. - Erin Emerson, the President & CEO at PCDC and Shiraz have created a robust welcome package that extends beyond financial incentives.

“We have such strong collaboration with our local stakeholders and businesses that we’ve created a welcome bag filled with goodies,” Shiraz explains. “It’s not just restaurant passes or gym memberships; it’s a reflection of what Perry County is about. The goal is to make new movers feel like they belong from day one.”

More importantly, the commitment to new residents doesn’t end when they move in. Shiraz makes himself available to every mover, ensuring they have the support they need to integrate into the community. “This isn’t just about getting people here for a year and then forgetting about them. We want people to stay, to build their lives here. I tell every mover—I am a phone call away, 24/7, for anything they need.”

That commitment to genuine support is evident in the little things as well. Recently, a young family that had just moved from Colorado with a newborn was still waiting for their furniture and belongings to arrive. When Shiraz learned that they didn’t have a television, he simply gave them his own. “With a newborn, you would just lose your mind without something to help entertain you,” he recalls. “It felt good knowing that I could make their transition a little easier, even in a small way.”

A Unique Approach to Engagement

One of the ways Shiraz keeps new movers engaged is by making their introduction to Perry County fun and social. “I see every meeting as a playdate,” he shares. “Each mover has their own needs and personality, and I want them to feel like they’re stepping into a community that is genuinely excited to have them.” Whether it’s attending local events with new residents, helping them find niche social groups, or introducing them to small business owners through his Small Business Spotlight series, Shiraz goes out of his way to foster relationships that extend beyond logistics.

For instance, when Kevin and Heather Bens, a couple looking to open a service dog training business, reached out, Shiraz didn’t just send them a list of available properties—he leveraged his local connections to find them a rental with the acreage they needed. “They were over the moon,” he recalls. “And now they’re considering buying that land. Seeing movers truly integrate into the community like that is what makes all the work worth it.

“Just working with Shiraz was amazing. He has a lot of insight into all the opportunities here. Even though Perry County is a small community in Indiana, they try to have as many opportunities as possible for everybody, they’re really welcoming. So, for our long-term goals of creating a non-profit organization for training service dogs, he’s going to be there to help us and be there every step of the way.”

Creating a Welcoming Space for All

Beyond offering logistical and social support, Shiraz understands the importance of inclusivity in a small community. As a person of color himself, he recognizes that some potential movers may have concerns about diversity and belonging.

“Sometimes movers hesitate before asking me, ‘Do you know how many people like us live in your town?’” Shiraz shares. “I tell them, I’m a person of color, and I have never felt unwelcome here. We have a growing, diverse community, and you won’t be alone. As an immigrant myself, I understand the emotions tied to moving somewhere unfamiliar. That’s why I make sure every new resident feels like they have someone in their corner from day one."

Through MakeMyMove, Perry County has attracted movers from diverse backgrounds, including several families of color. By ensuring new residents know they will be welcomed and supported, Shiraz is helping shape the county into an even more inclusive and inviting place.

Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

Despite its many successes, Perry County has not been immune to challenges, particularly in the area of housing availability. As Shiraz explains, “One of our biggest challenges has been housing. If a family of five or six moves here, it can be difficult to find a rental property that fits their needs.” However, the county is actively working to address this by investing in new developments, multifamily housing, and expanding its rental market.

Even with these challenges, the program’s ability to attract and retain movers has been impressive. “Many people come in expecting just an incentive check, but they leave with a sense of community,” Shiraz says. “That’s why we continue to see retention rates high—because people fall in love with Perry County.”

A Model for Other Communities

Perry County’s success has not only brought in new residents but has also positioned it as a model for other communities looking to enhance their welcoming efforts. When asked what advice he would give to other places hoping to achieve similar success, Shiraz emphasizes the importance of personal connection.

“You can’t treat this like a cookie-cutter process,” he says. “Every mover has a different story, a different set of needs. If you want people to feel like they belong, you need to meet them where they are and genuinely invest in their well-being.”

Looking ahead, Perry County strives to take its program to the next level. Plans include making the welcome package even more personalized, continuing to strengthen ties with local businesses, and further investing in infrastructure to support new growth. “We’re always thinking about what’s next,” Shiraz says. “Winning this award is a validation of everything we’ve done so far, but it also motivates us to do even more. I feel like it’s a testament to something that we’ve always known—that we have a genuinely kind and supportive and neighborly community. I’ve seen this firsthand when I moved here, and I see this every single time through every mover’s eyes.”

Perry County’s recognition as a Top Community by MakeMyMove in 2024 is a testament to its dedication to fostering genuine connections, creating a welcoming environment, and investing in the long-term success of its new residents. With leaders like Shiraz at the helm, the county has proven that the key to attracting and retaining new residents isn’t just about incentives—it’s about building relationships and ensuring people feel at home.