Factors to Consider When Deciding Where to Move
You need to take everything into account, as even the smallest thing can make a big difference to your life and your future.
1. Professional opportunities
Your job prospects and income potential will be a decisive factor in choosing where to move. You want to go to a place where you’ll have a chance to advance in your career or establish a successful business of your own.
Research opportunities within your industry and identify locations where there is a concentration of companies in your field or where your professional skills are in high demand.
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving for a Job. In this guide, we look at both sides of the coin when deciding if moving for a new job is worth it.
2. Affordability
How much does it cost to live here?
No matter how good a job you have and how much you earn, your money will go much further in some places than it will in others.
Affordability will be among your first concerns when deciding where to live.
“Affordability” refers to everything from housing costs and living expenses to taxes and insurance.
Compare the affordability of your current location with any place you are thinking of moving to at www.numbeo.com
3. Cost of living
The costs of goods and services vary greatly from state to state and city to city and define the living standards in an area.
Keep in mind, though, that expensive places are expensive because they are highly desirable for a variety of reasons; the cities with the greatest career opportunities and richest cultural scenes are the costliest to live in, while the more affordable places generally have less to offer in terms of job prospects and cultural activities.
You may also like to read: States with the Lowest Cost of Living. In this guide, we look at the top 10 states with the lowest cost of living.
4. Real estate market
The available housing options and the median home price in an area (as well as the resale value of homes) must be carefully considered when choosing where to live.
You need to be able to afford to buy/rent a home that suits your needs and preferences (appropriate size and type of dwelling, convenient location, good neighborhood, etc.)
And you need to be able to sell the property without losing money if you decide to move again.
5. Taxes
State taxes should also be taken into account when choosing a place to live as they will affect your finances and investments.
6. Climate
Climate impacts what outdoor activities you can enjoy, what clothes and equipment you’re going to need, how comfortable you’re going to be in your new surroundings, etc.
Even your daily activities and mental health will be affected by the weather; you may need to spend half an hour digging your car out of the snow in the morning, or you may feel depressed when the skies are overcast, etc. And some types of climate may have a negative effect on your health.
- Look into the average temperatures, humidity levels, and precipitation rates in an area
- Consider any weather-related natural disasters that are common in that part of the country
- Avoid climates that may aggravate your health condition.
You may also like to read: Where to Move to Avoid Climate Change. Climate change is already affecting where Americans choose to live. In this guide, we discover the safest states to move to and things about climate change to consider.
7. Safety
Crime rates can vary significantly, even from zip code to zip code, so it’s important to check an area’s crime statistics when deciding where to live.
Identify the risk of personal and property crime for a city, consider the police presence and activity in an area, and be aware of the warning signs of vandalism, drug dealing, and other nefarious acts in a neighborhood.
The FBI Crime Data Explorer is a good place to start researching local crime rates.
8. Commute times and transportation options
Commute time has a big impact on daily life, so consider the traffic patterns and transportation options.
Keep in mind that:
- Traffic will be lighter in the country and in smaller towns, but you may need to frequently drive to the nearest metropolitan areas to access amenities and services;
- Moving to the suburbs while working in the city will result in long daily commutes;
- If you choose to live in a big city, you’ll have to deal with heavy traffic and parking issues daily.
When looking for a new city to move to, focus on places that have good public transportation systems – efficient public transport makes it easier and cheaper to get around and helps cut down on commute times.
To find out how long your potential commute could be or to find a place within a set commuting time, visit www.commutetimemap.com
9. Education system
If you have children, you’ll need to examine the public school system, research school districts, and find out what extra-curricular activities are offered, so you can pick a place that will provide a safe, friendly, and stimulating learning environment for your kids and will help them develop their potential.
You may also like to read: How to Find a Good School When Moving. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new school for your kids.
Compare schools and colleges in a district on www.niche.com
10. Healthcare
Quality healthcare improves the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of the population, so when choosing a new place to live, be sure to look for towns and cities with good hospitals and good medical care facilities.
Easy access to healthcare is especially important for children and older adults, so senior citizens and families with kids should make certain to move to an area where medical services are readily available.
You may also like to read: Downsizing from a House to an Apartment. Not only do you have to decide what location your new home will be in, but also the type of home you want. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to an apartment.
11. Culture and lifestyle
Each town and city has its own cultural scene, and different places offer different social opportunities, so you need to find the right match for your lifestyle.
Consider your hobbies, interests, and desires, and think about where you’ll be able to follow your passions, practice your favorite activities, and lead a comfortable, enjoyable life:
- If you appreciate diversity, thrive in a dynamic and progressive environment, and want a wide choice of recreational and entertainment options, you should move to a bustling urban setting;
- If you cherish nature, crave peace, and enjoy outdoor activities, you won’t be happy stuck in a large metropolitan area – moving to the country or to the mountains may be the best choice for you;
- If you love arts and music, you should opt for a major city that offers plenty of cultural experiences;
- If you’re into sports and games, you may want to be near your favorite team and live in an area where many sports events take place or where you’ll be able to practice your favorite sport all year round, etc.
You need to find a place where the culture reflects your values, where you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your recreational passions, and where you’ll be surrounded by people who have similar interests and beliefs as you.
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to the Country. In this guide, we help you decide if moving to the country is best for you by looking at the pros and cons of such a move.
12. Family and friends
Last but not least, you need to consider the people in your life when deciding where to move.
- If extended family and friends are important to you and you want to see them often, you shouldn’t move too far away from where they live.
- If you have close friends in another city, you may decide to relocate there to be close to them.
- If you’re expecting or have a baby, it may be a good idea to move closer to family, so you have some help raising your child.
- If you’re in your golden years, moving near your children and grandchildren can bring you joy and give you peace of mind, as you’ll be able to count on your family when you need help.
You may also like to read: Moving from the City to the Suburbs. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to the suburbs from the city.
How to Choose a City to Move To
Having thought through all the relevant factors and determined what really matters to you, you will know what kind of place you should move to. But where exactly should you live?
- Make a list of the most important features you need in your new area and the characteristics you’d like it to have
- Research your options – Peruse city guides and use various online resources to find out which cities might meet your needs and preferences;
- Create a spreadsheet with three columns – cities, needs, and wants. Assign values that show how well a city suits each of your requirements – from 10 (if the city offers exactly what you need/want) to 0 (if the city completely lacks the feature);
- Take a closer look at the cities with the highest scores and consider the trade-offs. No place will have it all – you’ll have to give up something for another
- Narrow down your choice to three or four places that best suit your needs and desires. Visit each of them and, if possible, spend an extended vacation there to get a feel of the area before making your final choice;
You may also like to read: The Benefits of Moving to a New City. In this guide, we look at 10 life-changing benefits of moving to a new city.
And remember, if things don’t work out the way you have hoped, you can always move again.
Home is where the heart is. So, when not sure where to move, just follow your heart; it is certain to find the right place for you.
Good luck with your move, and be sure to visit our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your move easier, cheaper, and safer.
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