This Gorgeous U.S. State Will Pay You $1,000 a Year to Move There

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It’s a great time to be in the market for a change of scenery, and we’re not talking about the best places for a quick weekend getaway.

Social media is buzzing with news that picturesque locations all over the world are offering financial compensation just for moving there. For starters, this quaint village in the Swiss Alps will pay you $25,000 to become a resident. Looking for something a little closer to home? Look no further than the state of Alaska, which pays its residents over $1,000 every year just for living there.

Permanent residents who opt into the state’s Permanent Fund Dividend Division can receive yearly checks of up to $1,100 a year, according to its website. While that probably won’t cover the cost of your beautiful new Alaskan home, the payouts can certainly add up over time—or just pay for your daily latte addiction.

You can thank Alaska’s oil revenues for this annual bonus to your paycheck. Each year, the payment is recalculated based on a five-year average of the Permanent Fund’s performance and can change depending on funds available, number of applicants, and other factors. Annual payouts have ranged from roughly $800 to $2,000 over the past couple of years. In 2018, residents received $1,600 in payouts, the eighth highest dividend in the program’s history!

But lining your pocketbook with Ben Franklins isn’t the only perk this state has to offer. You’ll also have a front-row seat to astonishing scenery, and local wildlife. And here are 15 more of the most beautiful places in America you need to take a trip to.

To receive the checks, you must claim indefinite residency in Alaska, live there for one calendar year, and may not be absent from the state for more than 180 days. Eligible applicants should also not have any felonies over the past year, the website says.

Even if you’re not ready for a big move, we guarantee this state is worth a short trip at the very least. Don’t miss the 15 other under-the-radar places that are worth your vacation funds.

[Source: Viva Lifestyle and Travel, Alaska Permanent Fund]