To promote relocation and boost the local housing market, West Memphis, Arkansas, is offering a financial incentive to remote workers willing to make the city their new home. The City of West Memphis has partnered with MakeMyMove, a platform designed to connect remote workers with communities seeking new residents. Qualified individuals can receive between $5,000 to $10,000 for committing to move to West Memphis within a six-month time frame, the initiative was reported by The Commercial Appeal.

During an interview with Action News 5, Mayor Marco McClendon highlighted the appeal of West Memphis as a place that offers, “small town living, but with big city advantages.” Tempting prospective movers with the proximity to Memphis' amenities such as Grizzlies games, and historical Beale Street. Potential applicants should be aware, however, that they must be 18 years or older, hold at least an associate’s degree, and have a current income of at least $80,000. According to the same report by Action News 5, more than 700 applications have already been received.

In parallel to attracting new residents, there's a focus on converting renters into homeowners. Mayor McClendon's vision includes reversing the city's current housing statistics, where 60% of the population rents and only 40% own their homes. In a statement obtained by Local Memphis, McClendon says, “It's been successful and great for our community to get those individuals here. And the goal is to buy a home here in West Memphis, where we are building several new homes, [and there's] more than enough people to become homeowners."

The initiative could have broader community benefits beyond just the real estate market. Wauke Goodlow, a resident living close to where new houses are poised to be constructed, expressed optimism about the prospective change, hoping it will foster a safer environment. "I feel good about it," Goodlow told Local Memphis, adding, "I'm just praying that, you know, the new development comes up, and the people that buy or rent, however they're going to do it, we all work together and make this little community just a little safe and nice environment for us and for our children."

With anticipation around the promise of new technology job opportunities hinted at by Mayor McClendon, West Memphis is poised to position itself as a competitive and attractive location for those who can work from virtually anywhere. As the city awaits the finalization of these developments, the focus remains on enhancing the quality of life for future and current residents alike through incentives that encourage home ownership and community growth.