Neodesha, Kansas, a quaint town with a population hovering around 2,100, is nestled strategically about 100 miles from larger metropolitan areas like Wichita, Topeka, and Tulsa. What sets Neodesha apart in the annals of history is its towering 65-foot structure, once integral to the drilling framework of the first commercial oil well west of the Mississippi River. While this landmark symbolizes Neodesha’s illustrious past, the town has faced significant challenges over the decades. The closure of the Standard Oil refinery in 1971 marked a turning point, resulting in a drastic population decline—its numbers reportedly halved overnight, according to the town’s mayor, Devin Johnson. Such a rapid exodus is reflective of the broader trend affecting many rural communities across America, where stagnation in growth often leads to decay. Johnson’s poignant assertion that “if you are not growing, you are dying” encapsulates the existential struggle many similar towns face, and Neodesha’s plight is no exception.
In response to years of decline, Neodesha has taken proactive measures to reverse its fortunes. In a strategic partnership with MakeMyMove, an online relocation platform, the town is offering enticing incentives aimed at attracting new residents. These incentives include waiving state income tax through 2026, providing property tax rebates, and offering childcare support for working families. The town also boasts an educational initiative known as the Neodesha Promise scholarship program, which provides significant financial assistance for local high school graduates pursuing higher education—a program that can cover tuition for various institutions nationwide. Since the program’s inception in 2024, more than 30 individuals have been drawn to the town, signaling a modest yet promising uptick in residency, according to MakeMyMove’s co-founder and chief operating officer, Evan Hock.
The scholarship initiative spearheaded by local resident Ben Cutler demonstrates community investment in recovery. Growing up in Neodesha himself, Cutler is committed to enhancing the town’s appeal for young families, emphasizing the necessity of building a vibrant community. His generous funding for educational opportunities highlights a substantial local effort to cultivate a supportive environment for future generations. Cutler’s enthusiasm for community development mirrors a shared hope that Neodesha can reclaim some of its former glory.
Beyond attracting new residents through financial incentives, Neodesha is also focusing on infrastructure improvements. Plans are underway to construct hundreds of new homes, apartments, and duplexes, facilitating increased accommodation for incoming families. Coupled with retail and commercial developments, this multifaceted approach aims to invigorate the local economy. Renovating historic buildings on Main Street adds an aesthetic charm, blending the old with the new, while signaling the town’s commitment to preserving its identity.
Similar initiatives have emerged across several communities in the United States, where local governments are adopting cash incentives or voucher programs to attract relocators. For instance, the influx of offerings to potential movers in areas like Topeka, where financial packages can reach upwards of $15,000, exemplifies a broader trend in rural revitalization efforts. Additionally, programs from the West Virginia Department of Tourism have also introduced attractive incentives tailored for workers willing to settle for an extended period, showcasing that community-building can stem from innovative economic strategies.
While financial incentives can undoubtedly facilitate relocation, experts assert that the decision to move is generally motivated by factors beyond mere monetary allure. Evan Hock notes that potential residents are increasingly seeking affordability while valuing community connection and quality of life. With a notable shift away from urban metropolitan areas, as highlighted by United Van Lines’ annual studies, individuals are beginning to prioritize livability over location prestige. The allure of a more affordable lifestyle without the burdensome costs of major cities is reshaping migration patterns across the nation, pushing families towards smaller towns like Neodesha.
Case studies, such as that of Kaitlyn Sundberg and her husband relocating from Southern California to Neodesha, illustrate this shift. Struggling with the high costs of living and seeking a more family-friendly environment, Sundberg found her niche in Neodesha—an unexpected yet fulfilling departure from the status quo. The blend of affordability, community warmth, and potential for personal and professional fulfillment can draw new residents to previously overlooked locales.
Neodesha’s efforts offer a glimmer of hope and a roadmap for other small communities grappling with similar crises. By implementing comprehensive financial incentives, focusing on infrastructure improvements, and nurturing community attachments, Neodesha is setting the stage for a revival that could redefine its trajectory. As towns across America confront the realities of outmigration and economic stagnation, the steps taken by Neodesha may well serve as a model in the art of small-town reclamation. Efforts infused with community spirit and strategic innovation can indeed foster the resilience that will keep these towns vibrant and viable in the years to come.