7 Places That Will Pay You to Live There

Curtis, Neb.
Incentive: Free lot on which to build your new home

This tiny Midwestern town (population 832) is projected to be even tinier by 2020, declining at a rate of more than 1% annually throughout the next five years. So with a goal of attracting new residents to the area, both the city and Consolidated Telephone Company are offering free lots in specified areas on which you can build new houses or move a modular house.

All available lots are on paved streets with existing utilities. You must commence construction within six months of being granted the lot—and you must complete construction within 24 months.