Situated about 100 miles from major urban hubs like Wichita, Topeka, and Tulsa, Neodesha, Kansas, is a quaint town with a population of around 2,100 residents. This town, once famous for being home to the first commercial oil well west of the Mississippi River, has seen better days. The towering 65-foot structure that once supported its drilling framework now stands as a testament to its storied past, but Neodesha is not just a relic of history; it is striving to redefine its future.
For decades, Neodesha has been grappling with the challenges of a diminishing population and deteriorating housing conditions, a plight common to many small American towns. The fallout from the closure of the Standard Oil Co. refinery in 1971 was particularly devastating; Mayor Devin Johnson notes that the population halved overnight. “We have seen that decline as every small community has over the last 50 years,” he said, highlighting a phenomenon where stagnation often leads to a slow decline. The adage that “if you are not growing, you are dying” resonates deeply within the town’s leadership.
To combat these challenges, Neodesha took a progressive step by partnering with MakeMyMove, an online platform that assists communities in attracting new residents. This collaboration has opened a new chapter for Neodesha, replete with incentives designed to entice newcomers. Prospective residents can benefit significantly from waivers on state income tax until 2026, property tax rebates, and daycare assistance for working families, alongside previously established programs like the Neodesha Promise scholarship that helps fund higher education.
The scholarship initiative, fuelled by local benefactors such as Ben Cutler, aims to award up to $15,000 for student loan repayment and covers tuition for graduates of Neodesha High School at various educational institutions nationwide. Cutler expressed his commitment to building the community, seeking to make Neodesha a desirable location for young families. This sentiment underscores the town’s concerted efforts to regain its vibrancy by appealing to a younger demographic.
Building the Future: Housing and Community Development
Neodesha is not just focusing on attracting new residents through incentives; substantial investments are being made in housing and community infrastructure. Plans are underway to construct hundreds of new homes, apartments, and duplexes, fostering an environment conducive to family life and community engagement. Simultaneously, the rejuvenation of historic buildings along Main Street adds a touch of character to the town, promoting both aesthetic appeal and economic vibrancy.
The mayor emphasizes the importance of cherishing existing assets while simultaneously revitalizing the community. “We’ve got to cherish what we’ve got but make sure we make Neodesha an attractive place for people to come,” Johnson stated, encapsulating the drive for a balanced approach to development and preservation.
Across the United States, several towns are adopting similar strategies as they confront issues related to population decline. Cash incentives and relocation vouchers now serve as the bait for attracting newcomers. For instance, in Topeka, relocating workers can receive substantial benefits, while initiatives in West Virginia and Alabama aim to lure remote workers with lucrative offers. Despite these initiatives, experts caution that while financial incentives can attract interest, they are not the sole motivators for relocating.
Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove, emphasizes the importance of community connection and an appealing quality of life. “Affordability is key, but community also plays an important role,” he said, indicating that emotional and social factors often trump financial incentives. As metropolitan areas face rising living costs, many individuals and families are gravitating towards smaller towns that offer a more livable environment.
Real-Life Stories of Change
The transformation narrative of Neodesha finds resonance in personal stories. Take the example of Kaitlyn Sundberg, who relocated from Southern California in search of a better quality of life for her family. Struggling to afford housing in a high-cost region, she and her husband set their sights on Neodesha, drawn by its charm and community feel. Her emotional connection to the town—evidenced by tears of joy during their house-hunting expedition—highlights the essence of what makes a place feel like home.
Sundberg’s experience is a microcosm of the broader trends playing out across America as people seek fulfilling lives in communities that prioritize family and connection. Now the executive director of the new early learning center in town, she is one of many who embody the dynamic spirit necessary for revitalization.
Neodesha stands at the precipice of a new era filled with potential. By embracing innovative strategies, investing in community infrastructure, and valuing personal connections, the town is redefining itself against the odds. As the initiatives take root and attract new residents, Neodesha could serve as a model for other small towns facing similar challenges. Hope is not lost; in fact, it may just be the beginning of a remarkable transformation.