America’s Most Welcoming Places: MakeMyMove Announces Award-Winning Communities

Across the United States, communities are redefining what it means to be truly welcoming. In recognition of their exceptional efforts to attract and support new residents, MakeMyMove has named six cities and regions as recipients of its inaugural America’s Most Welcoming Places Award.

This year’s honorees are (in alphabetical order):

Columbus, GA - led by Columbus 2025

Eastern Kentucky - led by Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR)

Noblesville, IN - led by The City of Noblesville and the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce

Perry County, IN - led by Perry County Development Corporation

Texarkana, USA - led by AR-TX Regional Economic Development Inc

Tulsa, OK - led by Tulsa Remote

While each community and leadership team has their own unique assets, style and playbook, all are setting new standards for what it means to attract and welcome new residents to their communities. The secret to their success? Community-wide support for their work, and heart.

Please meet the inaugural award winners.

Columbus, GA: Curating Connections and Treating New Residents Like VIPs

Within weeks of launching their first remote worker recruitment campaign, the team at Columbus 2025 received more than 7,000 applications from individuals eager to relocate to their city of 200,000 in southwest Georgia. Undaunted, the team got to work, meticulously reviewing applicants to identify 12 they felt confident would not only move, but also lay down roots in the community. They filled those first seats in record time and have since relaunched with a goal to recruit another 24 households.

Columbus is strategically growing its population, with a community talent strategy aiming for a 4% increase by 2026. Their matchmaking approach thoughtfully selects movers who will relocate for the long term. The Columbus team doesn’t just recruit remote workers—they connect them with local leaders and community opportunities to ensure they stay.

Laser focused on new resident retention, Columbus invests in getting to know their applicants in a way that’s more like matchmaking than recruiting. Kylie Grilla, Project Manager at Columbus 2025, personally conducts interviews with prospective movers, learning about their backgrounds, interests and reasons for considering Columbus. "We believe in building personal connections, not just reviewing applications," Grilla said. "That's why we take the time to interview each person, understand their story, and ensure they'll thrive in Columbus before extending an offer.”

Once newcomers arrive, Grilla ensures that they integrate smoothly through initiatives like the Columbus Connectors program, which pairs new residents with longtime locals who share similar interests or professional backgrounds. The city also hosts “mover mixers,” where new arrivals can meet local leaders and business stakeholders. "It’s about making them feel like local celebrities," said Tabetha Getz, Executive Director of Greater Columbus 2025. "They’re not just moving here; they’re becoming a part of something bigger."

For Columbus, the investment in making moves with longevity in mind is paying off. Many movers have already purchased homes and joined local organizations. Will Bishop, who moved back to Columbus after years in Nashville and Atlanta, shared how much the city has evolved: "Columbus is a very different place than it was when I left nine years ago—it's grown a lot. It’s thriving." The program also recently celebrated the birth of Columbus’s first ‘mover baby’—a milestone that highlights the program’s ability to attract long-term residents.

Eastern Kentucky: Changing the Narrative and Entering Their Growth Era

“Appalachia all day, every day,” is how Latasha Friend starts her days at Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), a nonprofit driving population growth in Eastern Kentucky. Friend (yes that’s her last name and she wants to be yours) is the Eastern Kentucky Remote Manager and on a mission to change the narrative about Eastern Kentucky from the inside out. And she’s doing it one new mover at a time.

Eastern Kentucky has long been known for its breathtaking landscapes, deep-rooted traditions and resilient communities. But thanks to the efforts of Friend, the team at SOAR, and invaluable partners including the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Kentucky General Assembly, Corbin, KY, the Harlan County Fiscal Court, the Hyden-Leslie Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Power, One Clay County, One East KY, and Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority - the region is now gaining national attention for something else: its unmatched hospitality and a growing movement to welcome new residents.

Friend leads Eastern Kentucky’s MakeMyMove campaign to invite and welcome new remote workers to the region. Under her leadership, the initiative has expanded from four counties to 34, drawing more than 5,500 applications from people eager to call Eastern Kentucky home. Her approach is anything but transactional—she personally connects with movers, helps them find housing and even sends holiday recipes to make them feel at home.

“I kind of roll out the red carpet,” Friend said. “If you need help with an itinerary, if you want me to show you around myself and drive you in my car, take you to lunch and introduce you to locals, I’m going to do that as well.”

This sense of personal investment extends beyond just Friend. She says her job is made easier when new residents arrive because she can rely on the community to just do what they always do - take care of each other. When flooding recently threatened the home of new resident Mario Meza, Friend reached out to check on him and his family. Tearing up, she reads an email from Meza who describes the community’s response as “the embodiment of agape love coupled with military precision.” Whether it’s rallying volunteers to help unload a moving truck (even Congressman Hal Roger’s office assisted with this one) or responding to a weather emergency, Eastern Kentucky proves time and again that care for community is at its core.

“You probably have about four to five people stop and ask if you’re okay if your car breaks down on the side of the road,” Friend said. “There’s not a moment you should feel alone in a community like Eastern Kentucky.”

Beyond the people, the region itself offers an outdoor lover’s dream—hiking, rock climbing, underground kayaking and the houseboat capital of the world at Lake Cumberland. Combined with a lower cost of living and expanding high-speed internet access, the area is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for new movers.

While some locals were initially skeptical about attracting new residents—especially after the decline of coal forced many to leave—Friend and others are working to change that mindset.

“We’ve always been told that you have to go somewhere else to be successful,” she said. “But over 5,500 people have applied to move here. That should give us hope. We live in an amazing part of the United States.”

For her tireless efforts to make remote workers feel not just welcome, but wanted, MakeMyMove has named Eastern Kentucky one of America’s Most Welcoming Places. It’s a well-earned recognition for a region that proves community is more than just a word—it’s a way of life.

Noblesville, Indiana: A Noble Welcome in the Heart of the Midwest

With its historic downtown square, scenic White River, high-achieving schools, strong small business economy and major music scene, Noblesville, Indiana, offers more than just a place to live—it provides a rich, connected way of life. In recent years, the city has become a draw for families and entrepreneurs. Now, efforts to recruit remote workers are helping to introduce Noblesville to potential new movers across the country.

Chuck Haberman, Economic Development Assistant Director for the City of Noblesville, attributes the success of the program to the city’s commitment to personal connections. “We don’t just want people to move here—we want them to integrate into the community and thrive,” he says. “It’s not just about economic impact; it’s about quality of life.”

Through MakeMyMove, Noblesville has drawn remote workers from across the country—many of whom had never even heard of the city before. But once they arrive, they’re embraced by a support system unlike any other. The program offers what officials describe as a “concierge-level” experience, ensuring new residents find everything from basketball leagues to pediatricians. "We want every new resident to feel like they’re joining a family, not just a community," said Chuck Haberman, Assistant Director, Economic Development.

Bob DuBois, President and CEO of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, sees this hands-on approach as a defining feature of the city’s success. “Our goal isn’t just to attract remote workers—it’s to make sure they belong,” he says. “We’re there every step of the way, whether they need help finding a pet sitter or getting plugged into the local business community.”

New residents are also invited to networking events, city gatherings and cultural celebrations. They receive VIP perks, like exclusive chamber and coworking memberships and free tickets to concerts at Ruoff Music Center. “That’s definitely a fan favorite,” Haberman laughs.

The success of Noblesville’s remote worker program is evident not just in statistics, but in the way new residents immerse themselves in the community. Take AJ, a recent mover from Minnesota who relocated for remote work. Within a year, he reached out about opening an arts supply store downtown—further enriching Noblesville’s thriving creative economy.

In his 2024 State of the City address, Mayor Jensen recalls meeting a MakeMyMove family at a local farmers market. “They told me, ‘This program has changed our lives. Our kids come home from school happy, they’re not being bullied—it’s the first time we’ve ever felt this kind of community.’” The mother was in tears and the mayor admitted he had to choke back his own.

For DuBois, this program is just the beginning. “We’re using what we’ve learned from MakeMyMove to build a ‘Noble Welcome’ initiative for anyone moving to Noblesville—not just remote workers,” he says. “We want to make sure everyone feels like they belong here.”

As Noblesville continues to grow—with ambitious housing developments and a booming local economy—the city remains focused on its most valuable asset: its people. And with a leadership team dedicated to fostering connection, Noblesville is proving that a great place to live isn’t just about amenities—it’s about feeling like you’re part of the family.

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 U.S. are striving to attract new residents, Perry County, Indiana, has become a model of what true hospitality looks like. Nestled along the Ohio River with rolling hills and vast stretches of the Hoosier National Forest, Perry County has earned a well-deserved spot on MakeMyMove’s list of America’s Most Welcoming Places.

At the heart of Perry County’s remote worker recruitment success is Erin Emerson, the President & CEO at PCDC and Shiraz Mukarram, a trained journalist from Pakistan who moved to the United States over a decade ago. Now serving as the Marketing and Special Initiatives Manager at the Perry County Development Corporation, Mukarram has spent the last two years transforming the county’s approach to inviting and welcoming new residents. "As an immigrant myself, I understand the emotions tied to moving somewhere unfamiliar," he said. "That’s why I make sure every new resident feels like they have someone in their corner from day one."

Mukarram’s background as a journalist has been instrumental in crafting a narrative that makes movers feel invested before they even arrive. His Small Business Spotlight series, for instance, has highlighted over 70 local entrepreneurs, putting faces and stories behind the storefronts to make the county feel more like home. Since launching the MakeMyMove initiative, Mukarram has helped facilitate the relocation of 18 remote workers and their families, a process that goes far beyond a perfunctory greeting. Leveraging the relationships he’s developed with local businesses, he’s built a support system for new residents that includes free high-speed internet installation, gym memberships and restaurant discounts.

“This isn’t a transactional move,” he emphasized. “We create a whole package, a whole experience. From the moment they show interest to well after they move in, we’re there. I tell them, ‘I’m just a phone call away—24/7.’”

And he genuinely means it. Mukarram recently recruited a young family to Perry County from Colorado. They had just welcomed a newborn and were still waiting for their furniture and belongings to arrive—including their television.

Upon hearing this, Mukarram took the TV off of his own wall and gave it to them. "With a newborn, you would just lose your mind without something to help entertain you," he recalled. "It felt good knowing that I could make their transition a little easier, even in a small way." That level of care and attention sets Mukarram apart.

A particularly rewarding moment for Mukarram was helping Kevin and Heather Benz, remote workers from North Dakota with a dream of training service dogs, find the perfect property to launch their nonprofit. “As soon as they started talking about this dog training program and all these ideas they had in terms of bringing it over here to Perry County or starting something here, I knew we had to find them the right space,” Mukarram recalled. “It was even more amazing to find out that once Kevin and Heather saw that property, they were like, ‘You know what? We might even be interested in purchasing this property after the rental time is over.’”

Mukarram also understands the importance of ensuring that every mover—regardless of background—feels like they belong. As a person of color living in a small town, he recognizes that some potential movers may have concerns about diversity and inclusion.

"Sometimes movers hesitate before asking me, ‘Do you know how many people like us live in your town?’" Mukarram shared. "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.’"

Winning the MakeMyMove award for America’s Most Welcoming Places, Mukarram believes, is a validation of what the county has known all along: that true community goes beyond incentives. “It is incredibly validating for Perry County,” he reflected. “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.”

Texarkana, USA: A Dual-State City with a Unified Vision

Texarkana, a city uniquely split between Texas and Arkansas, has earned a spot on MakeMyMove’s list of America’s Most Welcoming Places. The city’s remote worker incentive program, led by Rob Sitterley, President & CEO of AR-TX Regional Economic Development Inc., has already seen impressive results, welcoming several new residents in its first months while attracting over 5,500 interested applicants.

“We’re a unique community where residents can choose to live in either Arkansas or Texas, but what makes Texarkana truly special goes well beyond geography. It’s the spirit of collaboration, the strength of our people and the shared vision for a vibrant community that set us apart,” said Sitterley.

Sitterley credits Texarkana’s dual-state appeal and a strong focus on higher education as major draws for movers. Unlike many incentive programs that focus solely on financial perks, Texarkana offers a pathway for professional and educational growth, allowing newcomers to pursue degrees at Texas A&M-Texarkana, the University of Arkansas-Texarkana and Texarkana College.

“Our incentive package is different because it’s heavily weighted toward higher education,” Sitterley explained. “One of our movers, a young professional from Miami, saw this as a perfect opportunity to finish his bachelor’s degree while working remotely. Another, in her 50s, is taking a welding course at Texarkana College to incorporate metalwork into her art—all tuition-free through the program.”

Beyond financial incentives, Texarkana ensures new residents are immediately integrated into the community. Sitterley personally connects each mover with real estate agents, introduces them to city leaders at welcome events, and even lends a personal hand when needed. “One of our movers lost his remote job, and we helped him find a local position. Another had a spouse who was a nurse—we got her hired at a local hospital within three days,” he said.

Brenda Hartman, who relocated through the MakeMyMove program, praised the city for its accessibility and community feel: “Texarkana is a growing community with fantastic schools and wonderful people. It’s ideally located just a few hours from major cities like Little Rock, Shreveport and Dallas. Plus, we have a new airport, which makes travel even more convenient. If I had to do it all over again, I would still pick Texarkana as my new home.”

The city’s close-knit yet dynamic environment makes it easy for newcomers to feel at home. “Texarkana has about 150,000 people, but it feels much smaller,” Sitterley noted. “We’ve had buy-in from all corners—our mayors, chamber of commerce, banks and universities. Everyone is invested in making sure our movers succeed here.”

Sitterley also highlighted Leadership Texarkana, a nine-month program that immerses participants in local civic and business life, further cementing connections. “It’s about cultivating future leaders and ensuring they have a built-in network,” he said.

Texarkana’s approach is proving so successful that Sitterley is already looking ahead, planning to double or even triple the number of movers in the coming years. “We started with a goal of 10 a year, and we’ll easily hit that in our first year,” he said. “The sky’s the limit.”

Tulsa, OK: Creating the Blueprint for Turning Movers into Lifelong Residents

Tulsa has emerged as a national leader in attracting and retaining remote workers thanks to its innovative Tulsa Remote program. Launched in 2018, the initiative has established Tulsa as more than just a relocation destination— Tulsa Remote has created a diverse, vibrant community of over 3,500 remote workers that fosters long-term connections. With 90% of all members choosing to stay in Tulsa past their one-year commitment, Tulsa Remote proves that a strategic, people-first approach can turn a relocation incentive into a long-term success story.

Unlike traditional incentive programs that focus solely on financial perks, Tulsa Remote places a strong emphasis on integration and belonging. Justin Harlan, Managing Director of Tulsa Remote, highlights this approach: “From the start, we saw the potential for collaboration because both Tulsa Remote and Make My Move were committed to helping people explore cities beyond the traditional coastal hubs—places where remote workers could build meaningful careers and fulfilling lives.”

Attracting new residents is only the beginning. What sets Tulsa Remote apart is its intentional focus on ensuring that every participant feels supported throughout their transition. “We keep potential movers engaged through touchpoints that provide them the opportunity to learn more about Tulsa and the program,” explains Harlan. “Throughout the application process, we encourage them to reach out with questions and connect them with the right team member—whether it’s our Onboarding Team and Housing Support Manager, Recruitment Manager, or one of our Recruitment Coordinators— we ensure they receive personalized guidance at every step.”

To further facilitate connections, members receive three years of free access to Gradient, Tulsa’s Innovation Hub and premier coworking space, designed with remote workers in mind. Their time at Gradient not only fosters professional growth but also encourages collaboration among other remote workers and local Tulsans. Additionally, Tulsa Remote offers a robust calendar of networking events, meetups, and social opportunities which ensures new residents quickly find their place within the community.

Tulsa Remote proves that the city isn’t just a temporary stop but a place where people put down roots. More than 600 members have purchased homes, a clear indicator of their long-term investment in the community.

As one Tulsa Remote member succinctly put it: “The $10K is what piqued my interest and made me apply, the Hosted Visit is what made my decision to move, and the community is what made me want to stay.” While the financial incentive grabs attention, it’s the deep sense of belonging that convinces people to stay.

These six communities—Columbus, Eastern Kentucky, Noblesville, Perry County, Texarkana, and Tulsa—are examples for what a truly welcoming community can be. They demonstrate that attracting new residents is not merely a matter of offering financial incentives, but of cultivating a culture of genuine connection, support, and belonging. From personalized interviews and red-carpet treatment to neighborly acts of kindness and long-term integration strategies, these communities have shown that the heart of successful growth lies in human connection. They remind us that when people feel seen, valued, and supported, they are not just more likely to stay—they are more likely to prosper and contribute to the very fabric of their new home. In an increasingly mobile world, these award-winning communities offer a powerful lesson: that the most valuable asset a city or region can possess is its people, and the most enduring investment is in creating a place where everyone feels like they truly belong. As these models of welcoming spread and inspire others, the very definition of "community" is being reimagined, one new resident at a time.