%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-columbus-georgia-MSTWLCMPLCUS0425-dc8be9c9c467483f9900b52ca4a1682d.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
This Southern City Is the Most Welcoming Community in the U.S., Report Finds
In April, MakeMyMove, an online relocation marketplace for recruiting remote workers, released its list of the most welcoming places in the U.S. It noted in its findings that "these cities and regions have gone beyond traditional growth strategies to successfully attract and integrate new residents, proving that a thoughtful, hands-on approach can reshape a community's future."
It added that it selected these destinations for their "innovative approaches to population growth," including via initiatives like Columbus 2025, a project aimed at increasing "prosperity, reducing poverty, and improve overall quality of life for a stronger and more vibrant region for decades to come," and the Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) program, whose mission is "to solve the deep-seated issue of population retention and growth in Eastern Kentucky."
After reviewing all the programs and efforts, it named Columbus, Georgia, a city tucked along the Western border of the state, as the No. 1 pick, thanks to its "precision in people-matching."
"Columbus is strategically growing its population, with a community talent strategy aiming for a 4 percent increase by 2026," the findings stated. "Their matchmaking approach thoughtfully selects movers who will relocate for the long term. The Columbus team doesn't just recruit remote workers—they connect them with local leaders and community opportunities to ensure they stay."
Coming in second is Eastern Kentucky, which earned a top spot thanks to its neighborly care.
"What distinguishes it? A deeply rooted culture of hospitality, where residents personally welcome newcomers—sometimes with home-cooked meals, assistance with moving or even a ride to town," it stated.
And rounding out the top three is Noblesville, Indiana, known for its "concierge-level" community integration. It added, "The city's hands-on approach ensures that newcomers feel like part of the community from day one."
"These communities understand that relocation isn't just about moving boxes—it's about building a life," Evan Hock, the co-founder and COO of MakeMyMove, shared. "The leaders behind these programs are creating real human connections, removing barriers for newcomers, and proving that a welcoming community is the best incentive of all."
Want to find even more welcoming communities? See the full list and what makes each destination special enough to call "home" at makemymove.com.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hill
an hour ago
- The Hill
Budget office says GOP's ‘big beautiful bill' will make rich richer, poor poorer
The Republicans' 'big, beautiful bill' will make the poorest Americans even poorer, while padding the wallets of the highest earners the most, according to a new analysis released Monday by Congress's budget arm. The assessment, conducted by the Congressional Budget Office at the request of top Democrats, found that the top 10 percent of earners in the country will see an average boost of $13,600 per year over the next decade as a direct result of provisions in the law, while the bottom 10 percent will see an average annual decrease of $1,200. The report challenges the arguments made by President Trump and other Republicans that the massive domestic policy package would benefit workers at all levels of wealth and income. And it's given fuel to the attacks from Democrats that the legislation was, all along, designed to help the wealthiest people at the expense of the working poor. 'They just confirmed Trump is enriching his billionaire friends at the expense of American families,' Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), the senior Democrat on the House Budget Committee, posted Monday on X after the CBO report was released. 'It is the largest transfer of wealth from working Americans to the ultra-rich in history.' Enacted last month, the 'big, beautiful bill' was a compilation of virtually all of the major domestic policy items Trump had promised on his way to a presidential victory in November. It features an extension of the sweeping tax cuts Republicans had adopted in 2017, during Trump's first term, which were slated to expire at the end of the year, and provides a big boost in spending for border security, the military and domestic energy production. A portion of those new federal costs were offset by steep cuts in federal programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, which benefit lower-income people. The law also puts new limits on ObamaCare subsidies and adopts new caps on federal student loans, which also affect lower-income people disproportionately. The CBO's analysis aims to gauge the cumulative effect of the various components of the law, as applied to households at differing income levels. Most workers will benefit from the law to some degree, largely due to the extension of the 2017 tax cuts, CBO found. High earners benefit the most — $13,600 for the top 10 percent, $3,200 for the next 10 percent below them — because they make the most money and tend not to receive benefits from the federal programs set to be cut. The 20 percent of workers in the middle of the income spectrum will also see a bump: between $800 and $1,200 per year over the next decade, CBO estimated. The lowest earners, however, will see a reduction in overall resources under the new law, largely because the cuts in federal programs like Medicaid and SNAP will eclipse any benefits, including the tax cuts, elsewhere in the bill. That negative trend is expected to hit those in the bottom 20 percent of earners, CBO said, resulting in a $1,200 reduction for the lowest 10 percent of incomes, and a $400 reduction for the 10 percent directly above them. Republicans have dismissed the CBO's projections in the past, arguing that they fail to take into account the broad economic boost provided by the tax cuts — a 'dynamic' benefit the Republicans say benefits people of all income levels.
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
How to negotiate credit card debt relief on your own
Credit card debt has been climbing steadily over the last several months, with Americans adding another $27 billion to their credit card balances in the second quarter of 2025 alone. In total, cardholders now owe a staggering $1.21 trillion in credit card debt — a new record-high. That represents an uptick of 2.3% from the first quarter of 2025 and a rise of nearly 6% compared to the second quarter of 2024. So what's behind the latest surge? While numerous factors are at play, this increase was driven, in large part, by a mix of persistent inflation, high interest rates and continued reliance on credit. With credit card APRs still hovering close to 22% on average, even a modest balance can snowball quickly, making minimum payments feel like throwing water on a grease fire. The good news is, though, that you may have more control than you think. If your balances are growing faster than you can pay them off, negotiating with your creditors directly can be a powerful (and often overlooked) strategy to utilize. Below, we'll examine how to do that. Get help and start tackling your high-rate debt today. If your balances are growing faster than you can pay them off, here's how you can try to negotiate relief with your creditors: If you're going to negotiate debt relief on your own, preparation is everything. Start by gathering all your financial documents and creating a realistic budget that shows exactly how much you can afford to pay. Credit card companies want to see that you're serious about resolving your debt, not just looking for a temporary break that will leave you in the same position months later. Your negotiating position also strengthens significantly if you're able to prove you're facing a genuine financial hardship, so document everything, whether it's an issue caused by job loss, medical bills, divorce or other circumstances. Many credit card companies offer programs for financial hardship, and offering clear insight into what's impacting your ability to pay could be your key to getting help. Chat with a debt relief expert about the help available to you now. Credit card debt relief comes in a wide range of forms. For example, some creditors offer help that can temporarily reduce your interest rate, modify your payment plan or pause your payments altogether for a set period if you're experiencing financial hardship. If a hardship program won't provide enough relief, or if you don't qualify for one, a settlement approach may be better. This typically means offering to pay a lump sum payment that's less than your total balance in exchange for the debt being considered paid in full. This strategy works best if you let your accounts go past due, which signals to your creditors that you are unable to pay and potentially on a path to bankruptcy. Credit card companies know that if you file for bankruptcy, they might get nothing, so a reasonable settlement offer can be attractive. Just beware that going past due could negatively affect your credit score, and your settlement payment to the creditor will likely need to be made in one lump sum. When you're ready to make contact, call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask to speak with the hardship department or collections department, depending on whether your account is current or already past due. During the call, be polite, direct and honest about your situation. Explain why you're struggling, how much you can afford to pay and what kind of arrangement you're looking for. If you're trying to settle your debt, don't be afraid to negotiate. While you should ideally be prepared to pay between 50% to 70% of your total balance as a settlement, you may be able to settle for less, depending on the age of the debt, your financial situation and other factors. Note, though, that your first few offers might be rejected, especially if you're offering a lot less than your current balance. That doesn't mean the conversation is over, though. Keep trying to find a middle ground with the creditor, but don't make promises you can't keep, either. If your creditor agrees to new terms, ask for written confirmation before sending any payment. Verbal agreements mean nothing when it comes to debt settlement, and you want clear documentation that shows the terms you've agreed to and confirms that the remaining balance will be forgiven once you fulfill your part of the deal. While a DIY approach to negotiation is feasible, there are situations where professional debt relief brings value to the table. These companies have established relationships with major creditors and understand the specific programs and settlement ranges that different companies typically accept, and their experience can be particularly valuable if you're dealing with multiple creditors or if your debt situation is complex. Debt relief companies also handle the time-consuming aspects of negotiation, making calls and following up on paperwork while you focus on other aspects of getting your finances back on track. For those who feel overwhelmed by the prospect of negotiating or who have had unsuccessful attempts on their own, this type of professional help can provide practical benefits and peace of mind. However, these services aren't free. Debt relief companies charge fees based on a percentage of the debt enrolled and will likely advise you that choosing to stop payments and letting your debts go past due demonstrates to your creditors that you're experiencing a hardship. However, this can hurt your credit score and lead to collections calls or lawsuits. It's also important to vet any company carefully, read the fine print and make sure the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Credit card debt can feel overwhelming, especially when interest charges keep piling on. There are paths forward, though, whether you choose to negotiate directly or seek help from a professional. The key is taking action early, understanding your options and making a plan you can follow. While relief may not come overnight, every step you take brings you closer to resolving your debt and getting your finances back on track.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Trump smartly responds to brutal jobs report by firing the job numbers person
In the wake of a brutal report showing U.S. job growth slowing and unemployment rising, President Donald Trump did what any sensible leader would do: He fired the person responsible for the report. I applaud Trump's decision, part of his ongoing war with numbers he doesn't like. For far too long, Americans have allowed 'low' or 'bad' numbers – from grades to bank accounts to performance reviews – to dictate how they feel about themselves. Our bold president is changing that outdated form of thinking, instilling in all of us the belief that we can believe whatever we want to believe, ignoring dumb liberal concepts like 'facts,' 'numbers' and 'reality.' The Aug. 1 jobs report (allegedly) showed that employers added only 73,000 jobs in July. Also, as USA TODAY reported: 'Job gains for May and June were revised down by a whopping 258,000, portraying a much weaker labor market than believed in late spring and early summer.' Opinion: Trump brings back dreaded Presidential Fitness Test. Let's see him run a mile. How dare stupid 'numbers' throw a wrench in Trump's Golden Age I was specifically told by none other than President Trump that we are entering a Golden Age, that America is the 'hottest' country in the world, and our economy has never been better. So, like Trump, I choose to believe these numbers are not real, much like I choose to believe the numbers on my Marxist liberal bathroom scale are not real shortly before I throw it out the window. Opinion: Trump's mental decline is on vivid display as he rages about Epstein, windmills Hours after the jobs report was released, Trump threw Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner Erika McEntarfer metaphorically out the window, writing on Truth Social in a completely sane and rational manner: 'I was just informed that our Country's 'Jobs Numbers' are being produced by a Biden Appointee, Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, who faked the Jobs Numbers before the Election to try and boost Kamala's chances of Victory. This is the same Bureau of Labor Statistics that overstated the Jobs Growth in March 2024 by approximately 818,000 and, then again, right before the 2024 Presidential Election, in August and September, by 112,000. These were Records — No one can be that wrong? We need accurate Jobs Numbers. I have directed my Team to fire this Biden Political Appointee, IMMEDIATELY. She will be replaced with someone much more competent and qualified. Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they can't be manipulated for political purposes. McEntarfer said there were only 73,000 Jobs added (a shock!) but, more importantly, that a major mistake was made by them, 258,000 Jobs downward, in the prior two months. Similar things happened in the first part of the year, always to the negative. The Economy is BOOMING under 'TRUMP' despite a Fed that also plays games, this time with Interest Rates, where they lowered them twice, and substantially, just before the Presidential Election, I assume in the hopes of getting 'Kamala' elected – How did that work out? Jerome 'Too Late' Powell should also be put 'out to pasture.' Thank you for your attention to this matter!' I, for one, welcome Trump's era of only believing numbers that are good Those evidence-free claims make perfect sense and sound totally legit. It also does not seem at all hypocritical that the White House, in June, proudly boasted about BLS data showing core inflation holding steady. Those were good numbers, so the people distributing get them get to keep their jobs. Duh. It's high time American numbers and the people who use them recognize they will be held accountable for making President Trump look bad. (I'm looking at you, polling numbers.) The last thing our economy needs is a bunch of negative numbers accurately portraying the state of things. The Trump administration is all about positivity, and anyone who says otherwise will be fired IMMEDIATELY! Follow USA TODAY columnist Rex Huppke on Bluesky at @ and on Facebook at You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jobs report triggers Trump, so he's firing BLS commissioner | Opinion
