The COVID-19 pandemic has created a population shift in the United States. While some people were forced to move due to economic reasons others who worked remotely in big cities took the opportunity to move to smaller towns.
Forecasters believe that many will continue to work from home after the pandemic subsides.
Big cities with high living costs took the biggest hits over the past year. New York City lost the most residents, followed by Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Austin, Phoenix, and Nashville have seen the biggest increase in new residents.
If the pandemic has inspired you to take your big city paycheck and move to a small, quaint city, Natchez, Mississippi will pay you $6,000 for the honors of relocating to the town of about 15,000.
It's all a part of a program called Shift South that aims to position the town as a desirable destination for remote workers.
"We are excited to be the first and only city in the Deep South to offer an incentive like this to remote workers," the city's mayor, Dan Gibson, told CNN. "Our warm and friendly people, the (Mississippi) river at our feet, our history, and our beautiful sunsets make Natchez a great city to call home."
The city is located in Southwest Mississippi on the river banks, across from eastern Louisiana.
Those who qualify for the program will receive $2,500 in moving expenses plus a $300 monthly stipend for one year.
To qualify for the program, applicants must be employed in the US as remote workers, purchase a home in Natchez for $150,0000 or higher, and make the city their primary residence. According to Zillow, the average home in Natchez costs $96,000, well below the national average of $250,000.
This colonial for $198,000 should do the trick.
The city hopes to recoup its initial investment by the increase sales and property taxes. The mayor believes that affordability is a great lure for the town.
"The pandemic has really been a wake-up call to what people have been feeling for a long time," Gibson said. "They're tired of the big cities, the high cost of living, and the long commutes. With this offer, you can live in a beautiful, historic small town where everything is convenient and affordable."
According to the city's website, "Natchez is filled with breathtaking views of the Mighty Mississippi, meticulously kept historic homes and churches, beautiful parks, historic walking trails, hand-crafted southern home cooking, informative tours of the city, vibrant nightlife, and much more for you to discover."
Should you relocate to the city you'll be joining famous residents, including five-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer Glen Ballard, former NFL running back Stevan Ridley, Blues Hall of Famer Hound Dog Taylor, former MLB pitcher Fred Toliver, and Richard Wright, author of "Black Boy and Native Son."
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.