Oklahoma’s Relocation Initiative Attracts Californians

According to a recent report by the Los Angeles Times, Oklahoma’s relocation program is enticing Californians with a $10,000 incentive to move to the state.

The article features insights from former California residents, Cynthia Rollins and Zach Maineke, who opted for a remote work opportunity in Tulsa.

Initially hesitant, both expressed that their new life in Oklahoma has been rewarding.

“Living in California, everything felt overwhelming: the traffic, securing a place, and just the hustle of daily routines,” Rollins shared.

Mainke, who relocated with his wife three years ago, noted that low living costs and a better environment for raising a family were significant factors in their move.

“In Los Angeles, unless I had a roommate, finding a home was practically impossible,” Mainke reflected. “At 37, we realized we needed to make a change if we wanted things like a family and a home.”

Rollins mentioned that before deciding on Tulsa, she spent time researching the city online, wondering if it could be a good fit for younger people.

The Tulsa Remote program, which started in 2019, offers $10,000 grants to remote workers willing to come to the city for at least a year.

The LA Times highlighted that over 7,800 Californians have shown interest in the program, with 539 successfully relocating to Tulsa.

To qualify, applicants need to be 18 years or older, work full-time outside of Oklahoma, and commit to living in Tulsa for one year.

The Tulsa Remote website notes that about 76% of individuals who complete their first year tend to remain in the city.

A spokesperson for Tulsa mentioned that the program has welcomed over 3,700 remote workers, emphasizing applicants’ desire for community, affordable living, vibrant dining options, and parks for their children.

Data from the US Census Bureau shows California consistently ranks high for outbound migrations, largely due to its high cost of living and liberal policies.