Moving to a New City: How to Decide
A man ponders his next home location
Moving to a new place can be an extremely exciting experience. There can be big hang-ups that stifle that excitement when deciding where to live. The reasons for moving to a new place are many, but a few things remain the same no matter the purpose - you need to think through, and choose, a new city or county, or even country. We’ll give you some considerations and tips to help you choose, and then move, somewhere new.
1. Moving to Somewhere New Criteria
Before you start looking, you should think about and define what’s important to you. Are you moving because your current drive to work sucks? Do you want or need a bigger home? Looking to get out of somewhere with heavy crime? You might also be concerned about school for your children, or just plain and simply be tired of living in the city and looking for a quieter life. No matter your reasoning or thoughts, you should always make a list of the reasons why, and then adapt that list for your searching criteria. It makes the decision a lot easier!
2. Cost of Living Somewhere New
The cost of living varies significantly from one place to another. You should research the average costs in the area - costs like housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. There are tons of great resources out there. Websites like Numbeo or community forums (like Reddit) can provide a good baseline understanding of what your costs might be like. Once you have your criteria for moving somewhere new, you should match it with this general budget and your financial goals to ensure where you’re moving won’t leave you broke and battered.
3. Moving and the Job Market
If you’re moving to somewhere new and don’t already have a job, you should probably start looking at the market for your potential places. Job availability in your field, average salaries, and the economic health of the area all play large roles in your financial well-being. This, combined with your financial goals and the new area criteria should help you plan for your career in the new area.
4. Moving to a New Climate
Climate significantly affects your everyday life. Do you like a warm, sunny environment? If so, you probably shouldn’t move somewhere that stays cold for long stretches of time. The climate can and will affect your hobbies and your abilities to engage in them, so it’s very important to consider the weather when moving somewhere new.
5. The Education System after Moving
If you have children and you’re moving, or are planning to have children, the accessibility and prestige of local schools is often a high priority. Key indicators for educational stability and power come from data on test scores, after school and in-school programs, and teacher-to-student ratios. You can use something like GreatSchools.org to compare different schools in different areas.
6. Lifestyle and Culture in a New Place
Every city, county, and even some neighborhoods have different vibes and cultures. Some areas are alive and growing aggressively, supporting heavy night life and tourism. Other areas are more calm and cater to those who prefer life a little slower. Some are a mix of both! Considering what local activities are available in an area and if they align with your interests is really important. Social media and travel blogs can offer insights into the local scene, and give information on activities like museums, theaters, restaurants, and parks.
7. Visit Before You’re Moving
If it’s possible, you should probably visit an area before you move there. Spend a few days exploring and talking to locals, and you’ll have a feel of some intangibles like the community, traffic, and the general vibe. This can be make or break for an area feeling like home.
8. Transportation and Commuting
When moving to somewhere new, public transportation options are important if you prefer to not drive. Traffic flow and peak traffic hours are important if you do want to drive, as that determines things like how long it takes you to get to work!
9. Moving to Somewhere Safe
When moving, safety is a big part of that picture of an area. Crime statistics are available, and locals are usually wise to which areas you should avoid. Websites like CityProtect.com or the local police department are good tools for crime information.
10. Moving for Long-Term
The last consideration when moving to somewhere new is your long-term plans. Is this where you see yourself settling down for a long time, or is it more of a “for-now”? How will that ultimately affect your goals?
Conclusion
Moving to a new area is big decision. By taking your time to research and consider all of these, you’re more likely to find a place that not only meets your needs, but also exceeds them! That’s just enhancing your quality of life. Give us a call if you need help, and happy moving!
