Oklahoma Town Offering People $10,000 to Move There

By: Julia Mehalko | Published: Apr 21, 2024

Tulsa, Oklahoma is trying to entice United States citizens to move to its city. To better convince people around the country, they’re even offering $10,000 to each person willing to relocate within the city limits.

As good as this deal sounds, there is a catch. Tulsa has qualifications about who can get this $10,000, as they’re only looking for certain types of people.

About Tulsa, Oklahoma

As the second most populous city in the state, Tulsa has a ton of history — both good and, unfortunately, bad — attached to it. First settled by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in 1836, the city became officially incorporated in 1898.

Advertisement
A view of Tulsa, Oklahoma and many tall buildings seen at night.

Source: Jon Grogan/Unsplash

Population in Tulsa boomed in the 20th century, thanks to the discovery of oil. The city also increased in traffic and population thanks to the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad, which first stopped at Tulsa in 1882, as well as the city’s prominent spot on the Arkansas River.

The Oil Capital of the World

Upon the discovery of oil, Tulsa was coined the “Oil Capital of the World.” Oil was plentiful in this city, which increased the wealth of many families who settled in the area in the 20th century.

Advertisement
A view of water and green trees, with the city of Tulsa behind it.

Source: Lucas Alexander/Unsplash

The wealth in Tulsa during this time led to beautiful buildings being built. To this day, many tourists flock to the city to take a look at its Art Deco architecture, particularly in the Deco District.

Tulsa Today

While not as well known as other historical cities in the U.S., Tulsa remains a hot spot for travelers who want to learn about history and see beautiful Art Deco buildings.

Advertisement
A close-up of an Art Deco-style building in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Source: Johnathan Walker/Unsplash

Though it is the second largest city in Oklahoma, Tulsa today calls itself the “world’s largest small town,” thanks to its large population, yet small-town feel. It’s this small-town feel that has caused many Americans to consider moving to the town.

Tulsa Wants More Residents

Tulsa is looking for Americans who want to move to its city. To convince people they should make the big leap and move there, the city is offering $10,000 per person who settles within city limits — as long as they apply and meet all requirements.

Advertisement
Many tall buildings seen in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the daytime.

Source: Daniel Santiago/Unsplash

The Tulsa Remote Program does have requirements, as they’re looking for certain types of people to move there.

Remote Workers Are Welcome

First and foremost, Tulsa is looking for remote workers only. They want people who have full-time employment, yet work from home. In this way, they’re really only looking for flexible American workers.

A woman works from home using her laptop at a desk with a calculator beside her.

Source: Windows/Unsplash

“Hi, remote workers! Looking for a new start?” the program’s website reads. “We offer a $10,000 grant to help you make Tulsa your new headquarters and your new home.”

Advertisement

Building a Working Community

It appears the city is striving to build a community of remote workers. The program was created to encourage “building and fostering a thriving remote work community in Tulsa.”

A person running across the street by many cars in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Source: Drew Harbour/Unsplash

To successfully do this, the city is also offering “resources to help newcomers thrive” — such as the $10,000 grant. Finally, Tulsa is also working to promote “an active and supportive community.”

Advertisement

Requirements

The Oklahoma city is only looking for remote workers — but that’s not all. Tulsa also has a few requirements that program participants must meet in order to be fully accepted into the program, and therefore get that $10,000.

A body of water seen in the evening, with lights in the distance, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Source: Drew Harbour/Unsplash

First, only applicants who are authorized to work in the United States will be accepted. You must already have a full-time job outside of Oklahoma — such as a work-from-home job — to qualify.

Advertisement

No Oklahoma Residents

Those who currently live in Oklahoma cannot apply to this program. The requirements state that applicants must have lived outside of the state for at least a full year upon applying.

A look up at tall Tulsa, Oklahoma buildings underneath a cloudy blue sky.

Source: Sara White/Unsplash

Finally, the city also wants workers who are at least 18 years old. Once they have been accepted into the program, they must move to Tulsa within 12 months of acceptance.

Advertisement

Background Checks

Once applicants have passed all of these basic requirements, a further look into their application will be conducted. This will mean that all applicants must undergo and pass a background check, as well as an income verification.

A large garden and mansion that consists of the Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Source: Mick Haupt/Unsplash

The program’s staff will also conduct an interview with potential applicants virtually. This interview tends to be about 30 minutes and must be done in English.

Advertisement

How You Get the $10,000

Once candidates have been approved to join the program, there are different ways they may receive the $10,000 grant. For those who are renting or looking to buy a home, the program will disburse your money monthly in various payments.

A bridge and body of water seen in the evening in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Source: Sam Coin/Unsplash

Applicants who have already purchased a home in Tulsa may receive the $10,000 in a lump sum.

Advertisement

Remote Working in Tulsa

Already, there are a ton of remote workers who have relocated to Tulsa to begin a new life. According to the program, about 2,500 stay-at-home workers have moved to the city.

A woman sitting on a park bench in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the daytime.

Source: Reagan nicole/Unsplash

This program — and the $10,000 grant that is offered — will likely bring more remote workers to Tulsa in the near future.

Advertisement