Almost heaven: West Virginia entices nature-loving remote workers

Under the remote worker programme, out-of-state participants who move to West Virginia will receive $12,000 along with passes for a year to indulge in whitewater rafting, golf, rock climbing, horseback riding, skiing, ziplining and other activities.

West Virginia in the southeastern United States is joining the growing list of places recruiting remote workers — with a thrill-seeking twist. A public-private programme launched Monday will try to lure outdoor enthusiasts to live in the rural state with enticements of cash and free passes for recreational destinations. The goal is to leverage one of West Virginia’s most appealing assets, its epic natural beauty, to stem the tide of population loss in the only US state that has fewer residents now than in 1950. The new programme represents a more targeted effort than a bill proposed by Republican Governor Jim Justice for a massive income tax cut, which fell apart in the legislature just before the regular session ended Saturday.