Move to pretty Appalachian City

Cumberland, Maryland, is offering a unique incentive through its 'Choose Cumberland Relocation Program,' providing $20,000 to 10 new residents willing to invest in their homes and commit to the community for five years. The program consists of $10,000 in relocation cash and an additional $10,000 in matching funds for home renovations or down payments on new homes, funded by a $100,000 grant from the Maryland Community Legacy program. Interested parties must either have full-time remote employment, be self-employed, or hold a job in the area, and must move within six months after acceptance. Cumberland has seen a significant population decline from 40,000 in 1940 to around 19,000 today, with a fifth of residents living in poverty, prompting this initiative to attract new families. Critics of the program argue that funds should benefit current residents, but city officials maintain that the goal is to bring in employed individuals who can contribute positively to the community. The application window for this program is currently open and set to close soon.