It’s exciting to move to a new location but deciding where to live takes time. With research, you’ll be able to better prepare mentally and financially for your move. You’ll have to take into account many things before boxing up your belongings and venturing off into a new location.
Wants vs Needs
Make a list. What is it that you want and what is it that you need? If you have children, you’ll most likely need a bigger home in the suburbs near a school system. If you’re a recent graduate, you’ll want a lively city to catapult your career, like New York. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to make some sacrifices when you decide where to move.
Cost of Living
Money will unfortunately weed out some dream locations. You’ll need to calculate your cost of living to include housing fees, rent, utility bills, transportation, groceries and all other necessities based upon your income.You’ll have to be realistic when it comes to what you can afford.
A home will vary in price depending on its size, amenities and location. A home by the beach, an apartment with a view, or a condo in the heart of a city will come at a higher cost than the average median home. Location (from the state to the zip code) will determine the price. Make sure to check how safe a city and your potential surrounding neighborhoods are by checking crime statistics. There are various online sources, even an app, to check crime reports in the U.S. and Canada.
Job Market
Certain locations are best suited for particular occupations. Someone in the restaurant industry may want a livelier and larger city, while someone in the farming industry may need more space in a smaller more remote town. Look for the top markets in your career and what expansions each city could potentially offer, as well as career flexibility and stability.
Distance from Family and Friends
Once you’ve determined your ideal location, take into consideration how far away it is from your family and friends. Are you close enough where you can frequently visit your loved ones by driving or will you have to fly back home? It all depends on what kind of a person you are. Are you independent or more family orientated? Once you’re settled into your new place consider inviting your loved ones over to a housewarming party!
From tornadoes hitting the Midwest to fires burning through desert-areas, natural disasters and climates play an important role in selecting a new living space. Blizzards, droughts, earthquakes, floods, heat waves, hurricanes and even volcanoes affect the kind of life you can lead. Climate will also factor into this equation. Do you want to wake up to snow, rain, sunshine or humidity most of the year? You can check current and past weather conditions of U.S. locations through the National Weather Service.
Quality of Life
Do you like outside festivals, concerts, amusement parks, wine walks or museums? Look into the amenities each city boasts. If you’re a foodie, look for a wide array of restaurants. If you like hiking, look for a town near hills, forests or mountains. If you’re a swimmer, try living close to a body of water.
Cost of moving
So you’ve found your new home, now it’s time to pack your bags. Take into account how much it’ll cost to relocate. Will you be placing your boxes into a moving truck or transporting them via a moving container. Maybe you’ll fly instead of drive?
Have you decided where to move to? Do you have any tips for deciding where to move? Share your experience in the comments below!