Latest news with #EvanHock
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Travel + Leisure
19-05-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
This Southern City Is the Most Welcoming Community in the U.S., Report Finds
About 8.2 million Americans moved between states in 2022, and as census data shows, that number is only going up year after year. If you're one of the millions looking to pack up all your stuff and move to a brand-new state in 2025, MakeMyMove has a few places for you to consider. 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
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MakeMyMove initiative sparks national interest in Central Indiana
In 2020, a group of Indianapolis-based economic development professionals decided to try something different. Rather than attracting businesses to the community, why not attract individuals, specifically remote workers, to the community? 'We're in 17 states right now and Indiana is the first in the nation to have a statewide recruitment program,' MakeMyMove COO Evan Hock said. 'With 34 local programs across the state, all of it is sponsored by Indianan Economic Development funds.' Those interested in moving to Indiana can apply on the MakeMyMove website and receive thousands of dollars in incentives. Communities set up their own incentive programs. 'Noblesville, for example, has $15,000 in cash and amenities, including memberships to the Chamber and the local co-working space," Hock said. "You can pick your spot based on the region and the program they offer.' Zionsville is participating. So is Muncie, Greenwood and everywhere in between. The incentives are meant to help movers get involved and explore the community they've chosen. The closer they are to Indianapolis, options like tickets to racing events, sporting events and more are available. Participants must be moving in from out of state and they must bring a remote job with them. The organization's goal is to recruit 50 new households by the end of May 2025 and Hock said they are 10 percent of the way there with many more in the pipeline of the application process. Central Indiana has proven to be an attractive option. According to Payscale, housing in Indianapolis is 22% lower than the national average and the cost of living is 10% less. 'The first mover we had came to McCordsville. They were able to get a home with more space and a different pace of life. It's whatever suits your preference,' Hock said. 'It's a new way for communities to grow and we're continuing to scale up the program.' It's a win-win for everyone, according to Hock. Not only are there incentives for families moving in, but it's also a great opportunity for the economic vitality of the community. 'We have a software engineer from Silicon Valley come to Indy and they're bringing that spending power with them," Hock said. "Remote workers are free agents and they are coming in from California, Texas and Florida looking for affordability and community connections. They're finding that in places like Zionsville and Lebanon.' For more information on the program, visit the website at
