CANAAN VALLEY, W.Va. — Ashley Eklin’s life took a new direction after receiving a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2022. “That was my pivotal moment,” she admits, referring to her time living in the Chicago area. Faced with new realities, Eklin decided to embrace change and pursue her dreams, leading her to relocate from Chicago to Inwood, West Virginia with the help of the Ascend West Virginia program.
Her move was largely driven by the program’s promise of financial incentives to build a life in the Mountain State, offering a change of both geography and lifestyle within the state’s eastern panhandle. “I hadn’t even visited, and I bought a house,” she recalls of her bold decision, moving with her two pets and, later, her fiancé. Now, she finds fulfillment in exploring outdoor activities unprecedented in Chicago, like kayaking and astrophotography.
Ascend West Virginia: An Initiative to Boost State’s Economy
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted many Americans into remote work. It spurred a demand for relocation into areas with lower living costs. States such as Indiana, Kansas, and Kentucky began offering incentive-driven relocation programs. West Virginia’s population has declined significantly—more than 4% over the past decade. The state confronted economic struggles with one of the nation’s highest poverty rates. To address this, Ascend West Virginia launched in 2021 amid national changes. Crafted by Danny Twilley of West Virginia University, the program set out to attract remote workers by tapping into West Virginia’s remarkable outdoor recreational potential.
The program offers up to $12,000 over two years to selected remote workers, free recreation opportunities, and coworking spaces. Funded privately by the Wing 2 Wing Foundation from Brad D. Smith, a West Virginia native and former Intuit CEO, the initiative benefits from the tourism department’s advertising efforts. Participants need to demonstrate their ability to sustain themselves financially in the state, supporting an economy eager for population and economic revitalization.
Participant Experiences and Program Impact
Ascend West Virginia has been successful in retaining transplants and influencing positive economic change. Reports reveal retention rates as high as 96% among the initial participants after a two-year commitment. The program impacts include stimulation of local businesses and bolstering state revenues, with participant contributions reaching an estimated $750 million according to studies. Those calling themselves “Ascenders” enjoy extensive outdoor activities and coworking experiences.
For Chipper Thurber, relocating his family from Pennsylvania to Fairmont, West Virginia, offered the promise of outdoor adventure. Ascend West Virginia provided him the cash incentive and recreation opportunities pivotal for his decision. Thurber found the incentive appealing, but he admits that outdoor prospects were more enticing. Similarly, Kimberly and Andrew Ayers, outdoor enthusiasts originally from West Virginia, found reason to return to the Mountain State with the program’s opportunities and community spaces to conduct their professional pursuits.
Economic Benefits and Future Outlook
The program opened doors for more than 1,500 new residents, contributing significantly to the state’s economy by factoring in local purchasing and taxes. Inspired by the positive response, Ascend West Virginia plans to expand its participant base beyond its initial goal. Comparable programs like Tulsa Remote in Oklahoma illustrate the influential capacity of such initiatives, with attempts made across various states adapting to their economic and population challenges. Consequently, West Virginia’s program thrives as small but impactful steps towards reversing population decline.
Challenges and Continued Opportunity
While programs like Ascend West Virginia demonstrate success, external factors such as workplace location demands challenge their participants. Ashley Eklin, now commuting regularly to Washington, D.C., accepts the inconvenience for the tranquility her new home offers. Confronting traffic is a trade-off amidst a pursuit for geographic and life balance, signaling broader benefits West Virginia’s unique incentives offer to prospective participants seeking a sanctuary.