Eggs, burgers, and $5,000: How small towns in the US are attracting big-city workers

Small towns in states like Indiana, Kentucky, and Mississippi are attracting workers away from big cities and into rural and suburban areas, according to a report by Fortune.

The report states that these towns are offering a range of perks, from something as simple as free eggs to relocation grants of up to $5,000.

According to Fortune, Noblesville is providing a $5,000 relocation grant, annual memberships to the town’s coworking space and chamber of commerce, and even a $500 health and wellness stipend. "New Haven, IN, is offering burgers and bourbon with the mayor. In Wabash County, IN, you can join your neighbors on a rafting trip. In Mayfield, KY, they are offering a monthly gift of a dozen locally sourced eggs," the report added.

Amid rising housing costs, struggling education and healthcare systems, and hopes for better infrastructure, many Americans are now considering a move to smaller towns.

Citing an analysis from Realtor.com, the report claimed that millennials, in particular, are relocating to small towns and rural areas at the highest rate seen in decades.

Despite major companies like Amazon and JPMorgan Chase mandating employees return to the office five days a week, Hock notes that remote work remains relatively stable, and demand for MakeMyMove programs has never been higher.

Notably, mortgage payments have nearly doubled in the past five years, according to a report of Mitrade. As per the report mortgages are now averaging $2,237 per month, plus $416 for property taxes and $361 for insurance. Home prices have also surged by $31,300 to a median of $446,300—the second-highest in history, the report added.

Meanwhile, job cuts by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) have also impacted affordable housing, Mitrade claimed.