Humans are creatures of habit, so it is no surprise that change can be scary. Uprooting your life and moving to a new place is a big deal. While you may feel anxious, moving to a new city can also be a chance to start over. If you’re looking to make a big move, take a deep breath and relax. This is your opportunity to shine, and we’ve got a few tips for you.
Choosing your New Hometown
You may already have a city in mind, but just in case, we’ve included a few tips on how to pick one. First, you’ll want to choose a general location. When selecting the city or region, you should consider the following:
- Available Jobs in Your Field
- Nearby Attractions
- Cost of Living
- Average Income
- Crime Rates
All of these factors can be found with a quick Google search. You’ll undoubtedly find the Census Bureau’s database helpful. It will allow you to narrow down median income, poverty rates, unemployment rates, and other vital factors down to the county and city level.
Tips for Families
If you are bringing your family with you or plan to start a family in the next ten years, you should also consider the quality, type, and location of local schools. Scope out city parks, sports teams, and other activities available.
Securing Housing
The type of housing you choose will depend on your income and your stability. If you’re planning to settle down, and you have the credit score to do so, it may be worth it to search for a house. However, you’ll want to save your money until you’ve become well acquainted with your new town.
Chances are you’ll need to find an apartment before you do anything else. In accordance with suggested tips for long-distance apartment hunting, we’ve highlighted the following:
Scan Online
The easiest way to apartment hunt from a distance is to do an online search. Most landlords use the internet for advertising, and advertising on Facebook has become particularly popular. Beware of any deal that looks too good. Crooks sometimes list apartments for rent or houses for sale that aren’t truly available. Be sure to double-check addresses and legitimacy before you put down your deposit.
Factors to Consider
- Square Footage
- Pet Policies
- Security Deposit
- Utilities (included in the rent?)
- Location
- Accessibility
When it comes to housing, it truly pays to research before you move.
Getting Oriented
If you’ve never lived in a city before, it helps to know that most cities have a grid layout to the streets. Grab a map and familiarize yourself with main thoroughfares as well as the side streets around your new home. You can find a map and some enthusiastic helpers at the local chamber of commerce.
Ask Your Neighbors (Safely)
Thanks to the internet, you can use local Facebook groups to your advantage. You can safely ask your new neighbors about everything from the best grocery stores to local ordinances by posting online. There will always be friendly residents willing to help.
Moving to a new place can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many resources available to you that will help you turn a strange city into your new hometown.
