Top 5 Things to Keep in Mind When Moving to A New City
If there is one thing that is constant when it comes to humans it is their inability to stay in the same place throughout their whole life. They are always on the move whether it is work-related or they are completely starting their life afresh in another location.
Moving to a new city can prove to be an exhilarating yet complex phenomenon. It has, in fact, become a fairly common practice among people living in the modern world. If we look at the United States of America, research shows high levels of mobility and a tendency towards migration amongst its residents. Whether it is the quest for better job opportunities, higher standards of living or even to start a family, Americans don’t seem to reside in one place for a very long time.
While the experience of moving itself is uniquely exciting and a big step towards a new chapter in your life, it is often not without difficulties and risks. Once you decide to make the big move, you find yourself at a crossroad of emotions where you may feel nervousness and apprehension amidst the excitement. There is a lot to consider as you prepare to make this big lifestyle change and hand over your previous keys.
If you find yourself in such a dilemma, worry no more as here is a checklist of the top five things to consider as you begin your adventurous move to a new city:
1. The Cost of Living
Moving your entire setup to a new city will always entail a cost which is why first things first, you should create a practical budget covering all potential costs such as moving and housing. Once your budget is set you need to decide on a city that you can afford, especially in terms of the housing cost. A piece of sound advice would be to never live beyond your paycheck as this could lead to significant financial stress.
Different cities and states offer different costs of living so it really boils down to your affordability. Will you be paying more money for food, rent, and utilities or will you be making up for that with a potential increase in income? With a hike in salary, living costs may not impact you but in the absence of a salary increment, a heavy cost of living will end up causing stress and disturbance to your peace of mind.
Therefore, it would be best to conduct extensive research on affordable states and all aspects of living costs before making the final decision to move cities.
2. The Type and Cost of Housing
Another thing you should ask yourself while planning your move is what type of house you envision yourself living in? Do you prefer an apartment, condo or a house and what is the size you are looking for depending on how big your family is? Once you narrow down your preferences, you should research if your desired city has a wide range of options for your chosen preference. Cities can offer densely urbanized neighborhoods, scattered suburbs or even both.
You should also think about the duration of your stay. For a more long-term fix, it would suit you better to buy a condo or a house and if you are moving temporarily then renting an apartment would be the best idea. If you are traveling to Alabama, there are apartments for rent in Birmingham at a reasonable price that will allow you to see the nearest tourist attractions in the place.
You should then consider the cost of both options and see what best fits your budget. Things to consider in terms of the cost would be to see if there will be bigger differences in the cost of mortgages, rent, and housing as compared to your existing situation. Some cities offer far steeper prices for housing than others so you should do research on affordable homes in your range and should investigate the rates for utility and taxes.
3. The Job Market
Whether you are moving for a job or for any other reason, you should always inquire about the employment market of the city. You should check for future progression in your current career to see if the move will be worthwhile.
A good idea would be to go over some local job listings to see if there is anything that could potentially be of value to you in case you chose to reevaluate your job and career in the future.
If you are moving with the intention of finding work, be sure to check if there are ample employment opportunities as some cities have still not recovered from the recession. As relocation comes with a significant financial burden, it becomes imperative to ensure your paycheck at the end of the month.
4. Schools and Basic Amenities
A crucial aspect to consider when deciding your new city of residence is the overall facilities and amenities offered.
For instance, if you are moving with children or plan to have children in the future, looking out for good schooling options should be a top priority in your checklist. The city you are opting for should have good academic institutions for children which should be at close distances to residential areas. Keep an eye out for school districts as they offer better costs and tax rates.
Other than that, you should look for city options that offer the best overall facilities for you and your families such as parks, museums, and libraries!
5. The vibe of the city and its residents
Are you an adventurous person who craves scenic landscapes and the thrill of a good hike or are you more into an active nightlife and vibrant energy? These are the questions you need to ask yourself before you begin your hunt for a new city.
No matter what your dream city looks like you should go for one that offers the best of both worlds to get that balance right. Before making the big move, one piece of advice would be to pay a visit to the city and see for yourself all that it has to offer that will best fit your needs.
Choosing a city that has offerings tailored to your hobbies and interests will be a great recipe for success and will help you adjust to the change more seamlessly.
Moving cities may indeed appear daunting and full of tough decisions. After weighing in all your options, in the end, the most important thing is for you to find a place that feels just right. Taking this leap forward can only happen smoothly if you are well prepared and have ticked all items in the checklist. Let this article be your guide towards a well planned and effortless move to your new home!
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