A breathtaking city in western Maryland is offering $20,000 to 10 homeowners who agree to relocate there, with the only catch being that they’re willing to invest in their property and become a part of the community. Cumberland — once known as the state’s “Queen City” — features cobblestone streets, and its horizon bristles with church steeples. Nestled along the north branch of the Potomac River, the Appalachian wonderland was at one time a hub of industry and boasted a population of 40,000 residents in 1940. However, after the glass and tire factories shuttered, and the railroad became obsolete, the number of residents plummeted to just 19,000 people. Today, a fifth of its residents live in poverty. In order to save the city from oblivion, Mayor Raymond Morris and other city officials have launched the “Choose Cumberland Relocation Program” to attract new residents. The mayor explained that the program is not a social services program, but rather to bring in people who are employed. The city will provide new residents with $10,000 in cash and $10,000 for renovations and down payments. The money will come from a $100,000 grant from Maryland’s Community Legacy Program, which supports efforts to revitalize decaying cities. There is a stipulation that new residents participating in the program must commit to living in the city for at least 5 years.
