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View Full Version : West Virginia’s New Remote Worker Program Will Pay You $12,000 to Move There



Teh One Who Knocks
04-13-2021, 12:32 PM
BY LIZ CANTRELL - Travel + Leisure


https://i.imgur.com/hZCoZsQl.jpg

Almost everything about the way we work has changed in the past year, from the technology we use, to where (and when) we clock in. Many people have come to enjoy the benefits of working from home — some become international digital nomads in countries like Dubai and Dominica, which are offering new extended-stay visa programs. For Americans, the latest place to launch a remote worker program is a bit closer to home: the Appalachian state of West Virginia.

Today, West Virginia announced a program called Ascend WV, which will pay people $12,000 and give them a year's worth of free outdoor recreation if they move to the Mountain State. The program is kicking off by accepting applicants who will commit to living in Morgantown (later cities will include Shepardstown and Lewisburg, one of America's favorite mountain towns.)

The Ascend WV program, supported by a $25-million grant from West Virginia native Brad D. Smith and his wife Alys, will entice outdoor adventurers looking for wide-open spaces and a low cost of living. Those who are accepted will enjoy several benefits: $12,000 in cash with no strings attached; one year of free outdoor recreation on public lands; access to free co-working space in West Virginia's mountain towns; free access to outdoor gear rentals; the ability to earn remote work certifications through West Virginia University; and networking opportunities and events.

West Virginia is an outdoor-lover's paradise, with 2,032 miles of whitewater, 4,000 rock climbing routes, 1.5 million acres of public lands, 1,500 miles of public trails, and America's most recent national park: New River Gorge Park and Preserve. The state also has offbeat attractions, like the Green Bank Observatory and the National Radio Quiet Zone. But there are also plenty of places to indulge and unwind, like The Greenbrier, a legendary resort in White Sulphur Springs.

To learn more and apply to the Ascend WV Remote Work Program, visit www.AscendWV.com.

https://i.imgur.com/zszIxZal.jpg
Downtown Morgantown, West Virginia

FBD
04-13-2021, 12:37 PM
oooh, freee outdoor recreation! like....disc golf :dance: fuggin 18 over yesterday, just wasnt really feelin it, though my buddy said I played well.

lost in melb.
04-13-2021, 12:47 PM
Morgantown's actually not too bad, if a tad dull..

Teh One Who Knocks
04-13-2021, 12:54 PM
Morgantown's actually not too bad, if a tad dull..

Dull? It's a college town :-s

lost in melb.
04-13-2021, 01:07 PM
Dull? It's a college town :-s

I confess only saw one aspect of it. I mean it's not a beautiful heritage town like Winchester or something like that...(well, central Winchester)

lost in melb.
04-13-2021, 01:09 PM
Don't get me wrong, good on them for doing this and maybe they'll bring in some interesting people as well

Teh One Who Knocks
04-13-2021, 01:12 PM
I would imagine that the amount of activity in Morgantown is seasonal, much busier and alive when college is in session.

lost in melb.
04-13-2021, 01:24 PM
I would imagine that the amount of activity in Morgantown is seasonal, much busier and alive when college is in session.

Perhaps that's what they're trying to do... even things out a bit across seasons.

The outdoor activities are stunning, though. This would be a dream for somebody looking for an outdoor lifestyle with the convenience of town life.