Neodesha, Kansas, stands at a crossroads. With a population teetering around 2,100, this small town is sandwiched between larger metropolitan hubs like Wichita and Topeka, Kansas, as well as Tulsa, Oklahoma. While the town holds historical significance as the site of the first commercial oil well west of the Mississippi River—signified by its iconic 65-foot-tall tower—Neodesha has faced considerable challenges in recent decades. Once vibrant with the prosperity of the oil industry, the abrupt closure of the Standard Oil refinery in 1971 led to a stark population decline, halving the number of residents virtually overnight. The city’s mayor, Devin Johnson, aptly captures the sentiment: “If you are not growing, you are dying.”
As the sun sets on Neodesha’s glory days, the town has struggled with an aging housing supply, dwindling numbers of residents, and a pressing need to rejuvenate itself to remain relevant. The question now arises: How does a community bounce back from such a significant loss?
In a bold move aimed at reversing its downward trajectory, Neodesha has allied with MakeMyMove, a unique online relocation marketplace geared toward connecting potential residents with places eager for growth. This partnership has resulted in an attractive package for new residents, granting incentives such as the waiver of state income taxes through 2026, property tax rebates, and childcare support for working parents. The initiative also highlights existing perks like student loan repayment assistance, which can amount to $15,000, and a scholarship program known as the Neodesha Promise for local high school graduates.
Since its inception in 2024, the MakeMyMove initiative has sparked interest, with over 30 individuals currently considering relocation. Evan Hock, co-founder and COO of MakeMyMove, emphasizes the program’s success, noting the awarding of more than $1 million in scholarships to help foster a stronger educational foundation for Neodesha’s youth.
While new families and individuals may be lured in by the financial incentives, the underlying message is clear: Neodesha is taking proactive steps to ensure that it’s not just a place to move, but a community to thrive in.
Beyond mere financial incentives, Neodesha is also focused on revitalizing its infrastructure. Recent initiatives target the construction of hundreds of new homes, apartments, and duplexes. There’s a concerted effort to develop commercial retail spaces and breathe life into the main street through the renovation of historic buildings. Mayor Johnson emphasizes the importance of cherishing the town’s existing qualities while working toward becoming an inviting place for potential new residents.
The commitment to improving the town’s landscape is reflected in the broader trend across many American towns that are responding to the migration of urban residents seeking more affordable living conditions. Cities like Topeka and communities in Alabama and West Virginia are offering similar incentives to draw new residents, making Neodesha’s efforts a part of a larger movement toward rural revitalization.
As Neodesha works to reshape its identity, real stories are emerging that highlight what attracts individuals and families to rural living. Take Kaitlyn Sundberg and her husband, Jack, for instance. Once confined to the high costs of Southern California, the couple found themselves in a situation where affording a home felt impossible. In their quest for more affordable living conditions, Jack secured a job further afield in Southeast Kansas. Their visit to Neodesha opened their eyes to what small-town life could offer, including its family-friendly atmosphere.
In Sundberg’s perspective, the essence of a community goes beyond mere financial incentives; it’s about the quality of life one experiences. As she recalls, a simple Saturday in Neodesha, witnessing children riding bikes, left a significant impression, leading the couple to make the decision to relocate even before the incentive program was rolled out. Energy, warmth, and acceptance characterize their new neighborhood, where connections between residents form the backbone of community life.
While Neodesha’s initiatives are just beginning, they serve as valuable case studies for other small communities across America. The crucial factors driving successful relocations extend beyond monetary incentives; compellingly, community connection, quality of place, and promising opportunities for families play a pivotal role in encouraging individuals to commit to a new home.
As the town continues to evolve, it holds a mirror to the shifting landscape of American communities. Revitalization efforts that bolster both infrastructure and community bonds will serve as the key to sustaining Neodesha’s future. Certainly, as word spreads and more families like the Sundbergs discover the allure of small-town living, Neodesha may find itself on an upward trajectory, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.