Remote workers get $5k (and a whole lot more) to move to Muncie.
The place that inspired NBC’s popular “Parks & Recreation” is recruiting remote workers to their very real, very inimitable Midwest college town.
Muncie’s relocation incentive includes $5k and a host of perks provided by Ball State University. More than that, Muncie residents enjoy a surprising array of accessible big city amenities - a night out at the ballet or a trip to the Children’s Museum can be planned same day. And it’s affordable. And there’s parking. We think the show writers missed a few things.
Not pictured: the world class art museum, golf, mini golf, canoeing, the Bob Ross Experience, all the downtown restaurants, farmers markets, the planetarium, Muncie Children’s Museum, the largest university-based orchid collection in the country, co-working spaces, Muncie Ballet, Muncie Symphony Orchestra, the wetland nature preserve, all the other parks, Cornerstone Center for the Arts and a lot more….
The Incentive Package
Program participants will receive:
$5,000 cash for relocation
Free co-working space at the Innovation Connector
Access to the Ball State University libraries
6-mo membership to Rec Fit at BSU
Discounted pricing on BSU athletic events
Concierge-quality relocation support team
1 bed/2 bath apartment for sale downtown Muncie. $140k. Source: Zillow
Eligibility Criteria
Must relocate to Muncie within the next 6-12 months
Must be self-employed or a full-time employee with remote work privileges
Must be 18 years or older
Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the U.S.
What do we know about Muncie, Indiana?
Muncie has that unique small college town advantage that means you get so many great big city amenities, but without the big city hassle or price tag. Home to Ball State University, the city features a quaint and revitalized downtown area with fresh, locally owned restaurants, and many opportunities for arts and entertainment, including the Muncie Ballet and Muncie Symphony Orchestra.
Within walking distance to downtown is Muncie’s Old West End Historic District, a residential neighborhood known for incredible architecture and beautiful homes built from the mid-1800s to early 1900s.
As for outdoor recreation, residents are excited about the extensive new rails to trails system. Next level athletes might like to train with Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour for the Ironman 70.3 that the city hosts annually.
Muncie’s commitment to Hoosier Hospitality may best be felt through the Muncie Afghan Refugee Resettlement Committee (MARRC), a local organization created in 2021 to welcome refugee families from Afghanistan into the community as permanent and successful new neighbors.
Meet the neighbors
Laura and her family from the Chicago suburbs to Muncie, Indiana in 2021. She says, “even setting up utilities was a pleasant experience.” That’s quite the endorsement.
Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour makes his pitch for you to move to Muncie.
He calls himself Mr. Muncie. Watch this and we think you’ll agree, the moniker checks out.
Amanda moved to Muncie from Florida - watch to find out what surprised her about Muncie and led to her staying and starting a business.
Muncie by the numbers
Muncie's cost of living is lower than the national average. Remote workers relocating from Chicago to Muncie and earning $75k will save about $20k annually.
Residents enjoy 1 Gig internet speeds through the local fiber network.
Cardinal Greenway runs through Muncie, 62 miles of paved rails-to-trails for biking, walking, running and roller blading.
Neighborhoods within walking distance to downtown feature gorgeous architecture and affordable pricing. This 3/2 sold in 2021.
Ball State University is ranked as one of the top 100 public colleges and universities by U.S. News & World Report
Athletes race a total of 70.3 miles to the finish line in the Muncie Ironman competition.
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About MakeMyMove: Founded and operated by the team that built Angie’s List, MakeMyMove helps communities across the U.S. recruit new residents. Covid has changed the way many of us work, created significant shifts in the American economy, and created space for us to assess and prioritize our quality of life. If moving to a new place or taking a new job is in your future, check out MakeMyMove.com to see the places that will pay you to move there.