With the flexibility to work wherever they want, 20% of Americans moved during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Pew Research.

Many of these people who moved were apartment dwellers seeking more space in locations that people have started to refer to as Zoom towns. In an article on NAIOP's website, Kathryn Hamilton, vice president for marketing and communications at the association, writes that these hot spots offer roomy homes and yards, lower costs of living and proximity to outdoor activities.

Aware of their appeal, some of these Zoom towns are ramping up their efforts to attract new residents, according to Hamilton. For instance, Tulsa Remote offers $10,000 to remote workers who move to the city, according to Ownerly. In Georgia's Chatham County, The Savannah Technology Workforce Incentive reimburses relocation expenses for qualified technology workers who move to the area. A public-private partnership called Choose Topeka funds housing and relocation expenses for professionals relocating to the area.