West Virginia is a state of extreme beauty, including 2,032 miles of whitewater (the greatest density of whitewater in the country), 1.5 million acres of public land (state parks and forests and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve), and 4000+ roped and bouldering routes.  There may be no better place for an outdoor enthusiast than West Virginia.  Beyond the natural beauty of the state, you’ll find amenities and institutions usually identified with larger metropolitan areas.  The state boasts historic resorts like the Greenbrier and is home to a variety of arts and culture (local galleries, museums, and performing arts venues).  It is known for authentic mountain music with a distinct Appalachian sound that owes to influences from folk, bluegrass, gospel and more.  There are one-of-a-kind historical destinations and 44 colleges and universities of varying sizes and types.

The state of West Virginia is leading the way in recruiting remote workers seeking a lifestyle steeped in outdoor recreation and adventure with a sense of community connection and shared purpose.  If this sounds appealing to you, look no further.  The program is described below and in the individual offer pages for specific regional areas.

“Ascend WV is a talent attraction and retention program designed to support remote professionals and their families as they relocate to West Virginia in pursuit of high quality of life and an outdoor-driven lifestyle. Experience work-life balance through community, purpose, and the outdoors in the mountains of West Virginia.”

Ascend WV was founded with a “shared vision for innovation and a deep love for the mountains of West Virginia.”  In 2022, Brad D. Smith returned to his mountain home after a very successful career in Silicon Valley.  He became the 38th president of Marshall University while he and his wife Alys, an accomplished attorney, undertook significant philanthropic work that includes this recognized talent attraction and retention program.  Mr. Smith credits West Virginia as the foundation for his own success and wants to share the place he loves with others.  As Ascend WV says, “let our country roads take you home to the place you belong.”


Charleston


West Virginia is a state of extreme beauty, including 2,032 miles of whitewater (the greatest density of whitewater in the country), 1.5 million acres of public land (state parks and forests and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve), and 4000+ roped and bouldering routes.  There may be no better place for an outdoor enthusiast than West Virginia.  Beyond the natural beauty of the state, you’ll find amenities and institutions usually identified with larger metropolitan areas.  The state boasts historic resorts like the Greenbrier and is home to a variety of arts and culture (local galleries, museums, and performing arts venues).  It is known for authentic mountain music with a distinct Appalachian sound that owes to influences from folk, bluegrass, gospel and more.  There are one-of-a-kind historical destinations and 44 colleges and universities of varying sizes and types.

The state of West Virginia is leading the way in recruiting remote workers seeking a lifestyle steeped in outdoor recreation and adventure with a sense of community connection and shared purpose.  If this sounds appealing to you, look no further.  The program is described below and in the individual offer pages for specific regional areas.

“Ascend WV is a talent attraction and retention program designed to support remote professionals and their families as they relocate to West Virginia in pursuit of high quality of life and an outdoor-driven lifestyle. Experience work-life balance through community, purpose, and the outdoors in the mountains of West Virginia.”

Ascend WV was founded with a “shared vision for innovation and a deep love for the mountains of West Virginia.”  In 2022, Brad D. Smith returned to his mountain home after a very successful career in Silicon Valley.  He became the 38th president of Marshall University while he and his wife Alys, an accomplished attorney, undertook significant philanthropic work that includes this recognized talent attraction and retention program.  Mr. Smith credits West Virginia as the foundation for his own success and wants to share the place he loves with others.  As Ascend WV says, “let our country roads take you home to the place you belong.”


Martinsburg

Picture a mountain retreat with proximity to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland.  Nestled along the Potomac River, the Eastern Panhandle offers an array of outdoor activities, including a chance to hike the Appalachian Trail as it passes through Harpers Ferry, to ski in one of seven ski areas, to paddle down the river on over 100 paddling runs, or to mountain bike the many trails.  The area boasts international cuisine and local favorites including craft breweries and artisan pizza.  There are several long standing farmers markets and the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival that has taken place every October for decades in celebration of the apple harvest.  The Eastern Panhandle also has a rich mix of cultural assets and activities, including Civil War history and arts of all kinds (music, dance, film).  So much to do and to see – it would be hard not to settle right in.

You’ll be welcomed by local ambassadors who can point you to the best places to work remotely (coworking spaces and other public areas with internet access) and connect you to established professional development and entrepreneurial assistance opportunities.  The Eastern Panhandle puts you right in the heart of beautiful surroundings with welcoming neighbors, yet close enough to metropolitan areas that you won’t ever feel you’re lacking for anything.


Move to the Eastern Panhandle

Free Outdoor Recreation Experiences and Gear Rentals

Professional Development and Entrepreneurial Assistance

Greenbrier Junction

Beauty abounds in Greenbrier Valley.  There’s no better place for the outdoor enthusiast than one with a free-flowing river, one of the largest cave systems in North America, hiking and biking trails galore, rolling farmland, and mountain slopes.  The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the Greenbrier State Forest, and the one-million-acre Monongahela National Forest each offer opportunities for any outdoor adventure one might conjure up.  Couple the beauty of the great outdoors with small town charm and a premier resort that draws people from around the world, and you have found a home in Greenbrier Valley.  

You’ll be welcomed by local ambassadors who know the food scene that includes special farm-to-table dinners, can point you to the best places to work remotely (coworking spaces and other public areas with internet access), and connect you to established professional development and entrepreneurial assistance opportunities.  The communities of Greenbrier Valley are close-knit places with loads to offer and a desire to share what makes this such a special area to put down roots.


Greenbrier Valley

Morgantown

The Morgantown Area really has it all.  Enjoy all the positives of a college town, with the energy and activities of the West Virginia University campus in Morgantown, located in one of the fastest growing counties in the state.  The Monongahela River and Cheat Lake offer fishing, water sports, and beaches for relaxing.  Hiking opportunities are everywhere with hundreds of miles of trails.  You can walk, run, bike, or even in-line skate for 48 miles on Morgantown’s acclaimed “Rail Trail.”  The area has a great education system, highly rated healthcare, and scores of different housing options, from single family homes with acreage to more urban spaces.  Everything you need is right here in the Morgantown Area, with a high quality of life for a low cost of living, and yet it is a quick hop to five major metros when you yearn for the big city.

If you choose the Morgantown Area, you’ll be welcomed by local ambassadors who know the local food scene, can point you to the best places to work remotely (coworking spaces and other public areas with internet access), and connect you to established professional development and entrepreneurial assistance opportunities.  It won’t take long to settle in to an area with such warmth and vibrancy to share.


Move to Morgantown

Hi I have put in a couple applications for West Virginia make my move, do you send out a letter to let us know we are accepted or not?

How is Healthcare access? Are there facilities and specialized care or does it require traveling to nearby larger cities. Same question for pet care

We are disabled but have a guaranteed monthly income

So I noticed that it is divided into regions? Is this the whole state? My family is from the Nicholas County area, and I would like to move there. 

Thinking of making West Memphis your new home? You’re on the brink of discovering a community where the allure of small-town living blends seamlessly with the vibrant culture and amenities of the nearby big city. West Memphis is not just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive, offering the best of both worlds minutes from downtown Memphis. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise with the Big River Trail providing a picturesque setting for a variety of activities. Whether your passion lies in cycling, hiking, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of nature, the opportunities for adventure and relaxation are boundless. 

The culinary scene in West Memphis is as rich and diverse as its community. A plethora of dining options await, offering everything from sumptuous local cuisine to international flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Shopaholics will be delighted by the array of shopping venues, from charming boutiques to convenient retail centers, ensuring a shopping experience that caters to all tastes and needs. 

Looking for entertainment? The Southland Casino Hotel is your playground. Featuring over 2,500 gaming machines, an enticing buffet, and luxurious accommodations, it promises vibrant nights and exciting experiences. 

As you consider making West Memphis your home, envision a life filled with the warmth of a welcoming community, the beauty of natural surroundings, and the excitement of nearby city life. Here, you can create a fulfilling life, build lasting friendships, and enjoy the richness of a diverse and vibrant community. 

Welcome to West Memphis, where your new life awaits.

West Memphis

Move to West Memphis

$10,000 cash for relocation if purchasing a home OR $5,000 cash for relocation if renting

Nestled in Western Arkansas along the picturesque Arkansas River, Fort Smith serves as a hub of business, industry, and community for the surrounding 300,000-plus people living within its metropolitan region. Fort Smith is the state's third-largest city and offers a blend of rich heritage, natural beauty, and trailblazing community spirit. 

Discover year-round entertainment at venues and attractions like the Fort Smith Convention Center, Riverfront Amphitheater, Museum of History, and the newly constructed U.S. Marshals Museum, and explore recreational parks including a diverse trail system, skate and bike park, golf courses, the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, and inclusive play spaces for children of all abilities. 

Booming with new development, Chaffee Crossing is Fort Smith’s fastest-growing area, featuring unique dining, shopping, and recreational experiences. Nearby, the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education welcomes new residents pursuing medical occupations in osteopathic medicine, occupational and physical therapy, and biomedicine, and the Peak Innovation Center equips career and college-bound students with real-world skills and industry-specific certifications. Each year, thousands of visitors gather in Fort Smith to attend the Steel Horse Rally, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the region, and Peacemaker, an outdoor music festival that highlights the best country, rock, and blues acts touring today. 

Blaze your own trail in Fort Smith, Arkansas! It’s super affordable, rich with history, and surrounded by stunning natural spots. It's the perfect place for a fresh start among friendly neighbors. Come see why we love it here!

Fort Smith

Move to Fort Smith

50% Off a 6 Month Membership to The Mill Coworking Space

1 Year "Special Deputy" Membership to the US Marshals Museum

1 Year Membership to the Fort Smith Museum of History

4 Season Passes to Parrot Island Water Park 

Season Tickets to University of Arkansas Fort Smith Athletics

Frankfort, the capital of Kentucky, offers a wide away of amenities for remote workers lookers looking for the best of what Kentucky has to offer.  Frankfort has curated a program to ensure each new remote worker gets welcomed and immersed with the locals. Read more about each part of the program:

Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson and First Lady Natalie welcome movers to Mingle with the Mayor. At this casual and fun evening you will meet other movers new to Frankfort, sample Kentucky cuisine, and learn the traditions of the Bluegrass state. You'll enjoy lively conversation about your new home as you mingle and mix at the Mayor and First Lady's historic downtown home. The date will be set once all movers have settled in Frankfort.

Progressive Dinner with Downtown Frankfort Residents

Make New Friends at a Downtown Frankfort Progressive Dinner hosted by a group of neighbors in the historic district. Join other new movers to Kentucky's Capital City and enjoy a casual family meal as you progress from house to house. This experience will include hors d'oeuvres, salad, main course, and dessert each taking place at a different walkable location. Get to know your new neighbors and take a leisurely stroll through town. Date to be determined when all movers have settled in Frankfort.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour with Freddie Johnson

Tour the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery with Bourbon Hall of Famer Freddie Johnson, the 3rd generation of his family to work at the distillery! End your tour with a Buffalo Trace Distillery gift card that can be used to snag a bottle of the Distillery’s coveted bourbon.

Tour Frankfort with a local. Patty Peavler, retired banker, author, and historian, will lead you on a journey through Frankfort history. Your experience begins at the Capital City Museum on Ann Street as a hub, and you'll spoke out on the Frankfort Trolley to visit some of our most historic sites including the Corner in Celebrities where 3 Presidents came for breakfast, Fort Hill which Sanford Goin and volunteer troops in the Civil War held for the Union ensuring Kentucky remained in the United States, and the Frankfort Cemetery where Daniel Boone is buried. En route you'll discover the home where Bibb Lettuce was invented and the home of the man who coined the phrase, "Dog is man's best friend."

A Frankfort Welcome Basket will Greet Movers on Move In Day. This $300 Value is Filled with Gift Cards to Local Favorites such as Sig Luscher Brewery, Bourbon on Main Bar and Restaurant, and Locals Food Hub which features hand tossed pizzas and Kentucky Proud Products. Tickets to the Summer Movie Series at the historic Grand Theatre are included.

*The cash is paid in two installments. One installment after the move date and the second installment upon completion of the 12th month of residence. 

It's for real, and MakeMyMove helps you find the right community for you, connect with locals there, and get support to make your move a piece of cake.

Frankfort, the capital of Kentucky, is a picturesque small city located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass Region. Whether you're seeking a change of pace or simply a new home, Frankfort is a great option for remote workers looking for an urban lifestyle in a smaller city setting.



Frankfort

Move to Frankfort

$50 Buffalo Trace Distillery gift card to snag a bottle of the Distillery’s coveted bourbon

Round of Golf at Juniper Hill Golf Course

• Prevented from creating new community posts and comments

These incredible communities are welcoming remote workers, teachers, nurses and more with incentives and networking programs.

Move to the place that moves you.

Users are automatically given this role when one of their posts is approved

• Community posts no longer require approval

• Can moderate comments on community posts

Interested in living in {{formattedLocationText}}? Read local reviews and explore statistics on crime, school systems, real estate, and cost of living.

• Can invite new members to the community

• Can change the roles of other members, excluding Owners

• Can change the roles of all other members

{{formattedLocationText}} - Guide to Living & Working

Post with pictures to get more clicks! 📸

Feel free to add a hashtag to your post in the text box if there is a topic you’d like to add.

If you’d like to include a link, click the chain link icon in the bottom of the text box.

Please share this post on your personal sites and social media.

Questions & Answers

Hi I have put in a couple applications for West Virginia make my move, do you send out a letter to let us know we are accepted or not?

How is Healthcare access? Are there facilities and specialized care or does it require traveling to nearby larger cities. Same question for pet care

Is this only for employed people? We are disabled but have a guaranteed monthly income

Hello, So I noticed that it is divided into regions? Is this the whole state? My family is from the Nicholas County area, and I would like to move there.

the villages florida

Get Paid to Live in West Virginia

Move to the Eastern Panhandle

$20,000