Written By: Iona Brannon
Story in Travel + Leisure
If you’ve been considering a lower cost of living and a slower pace of life, southern Indiana has a compelling offer: move to a rural community, and you’ll get $5,000 to do it.
The “Choose Southern Indiana” program, launched in summer 2021, is an initiative focused on bringing more residents to eight counties across South Central Indiana, including Jasper in Dubois County. Started by Radius Indiana, a regional economic development organization, more than 100 people and their families have moved to the area.
“We get a lot of people that don’t know a soul here, but they’re coming because of a job or because they like the quality of life,” says Kristal Painter, who oversees the program. “They’re looking for somewhere where they might be able to have a yard, or neighbors, or it’s safe for their kids to go to school or play outside.”
For remote workers, the program has two tiers: $5,000 for those earning at least $50,000 annually, and a new $3,000 option for people who make between $40,000 and $49,999. Professional workers willing to take local jobs may also qualify for an incentive program. Once they are hired by a local employer, they can apply for the $5,000 incentive.
The incentive is split into two payments—half upon moving, half after one year of residency. Applicants must currently live outside Indiana and commit to staying for at least two years.
With a population of about 17,000, Jasper, Indiana, has emerged as one of the program’s most popular destinations. The town, known as “Wood Capital of the World,” is home to major furniture manufacturers and has attracted new residents to work for many local businesses, including St. Benedict’s Brew Works, which even recruited its master brewer through the program.
The small-town vibe appeals to people like Sam Brodrick, who moved to Jasper from Mumford, Tennessee, in the spring of 2024. Brodrick was initially skeptical of the program (even thinking it was a scam), but his family settled in quickly—and the sense of safety and Midwestern charm have been hugely positive to him.
Jasper, located about two hours south of Indianapolis, is also a fun day trip option. The revitalized downtown square hosts monthly community events, and Jasper has invested heavily in public art with a walking Art Loop with 13 murals and statues within four blocks of the town center.
And the “Choose Southern Indiana” program goes way beyond just writing checks. Quarterly events help newcomers feel welcome, with activities like kayaking, hiking in the Hoosier National Forest, and Amish bread-making demonstrations. The community-building efforts seem to be working—of the 100 people who’ve relocated so far, only six have left. For those in the know, it’s little wonder. With its easy outdoor access and a family-friendly vibe, it can be hard not to fall in love with southern Indiana.