After a few years in one place, you can either settle down or think about moving. If the city you are in is not allowing you to live your best life, it may be time to think about going somewhere else. If you have family, friends, or a job offer somewhere, this can help narrow down the choices. However, if none of those factors exist, it can be a lot tougher to decide where to go next. Here are some questions to help you choose which one of the many cities in the United States you will call home.
How’s the weather?
It is no secret that the weather can affect your mood, productivity, and health. Some people like warm climates while others prefer cold ones. If you love the outdoors, it can be depressing to be stuck in a city that gets a lot of rain. Therefore, you should look at the weather and climate of different cities and make a list of the ones that are most attractive to you. Look up temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sunshine hours. Some cities such as Albuquerque and Phoenix get a lot of sun while other cities such as Seattle and Pittsburgh get very little.
What’s your housing budget?
Property prices can vary widely from city to city. Not surprisingly, places such as Los Angeles and Miami are some of the most expensive places to live in the US while places such as Buffalo and Knoxville are among the cheapest. That said, many factors can impact housing prices such as location, transportation options, and neighborhood amenities, and the price of property can change significantly from one neighborhood to the next. Visit the website of a reputable real estate agent such as Myers & Myers Real Estate to research available listings and see if you can comfortably afford a mortgage or rental in your city of choice.
Can you get a good job?
The job market is a big factor in choosing your next city. Some cities are very competitive and it can be more difficult to secure a good job there, especially if you have to come up against locals who may have better connections. However, other cities have excellent job markets with high demand for workers and a wide variety of job opportunities in a variety of industries. Visit job sites such as Glassdoor to look for open positions in your desired industry and to explore companies based in these cities. It could save you a lot of stress if you can secure a job before your move, and your new employer may even pay for some of your relocation expenses.
What’s the culture like?
Some cities are more diverse and tolerant than others, which can be an important factor for many people when deciding where to live. Cities that are accepting of minorities and people from a variety of backgrounds usually have a more vibrant cultural scene than more homogeneous cities. Certain cities are also predominantly Republican while others lean towards Democrats. You may be politically neutral but keep in mind that political affiliations of the populace can affect local regulations as well as social attitudes. If diversity and inclusion are a high priority for you, do some research on the city’s history, culture, and political affiliations before making your decision.
How far away are your loved ones?
Proximity to friends and family can add to your quality of life. A move to a new city can be an exciting adventure but there is always the risk of feeling lonely and isolated if your friends and family are not close by. Be sure to take into account the distance between your new home and your loved ones when planning your move. You should also consider the cost of commuting to visit them regularly and whether this will put a strain on your finances. For instance, it may be cheaper to move closer to your parents than to pay for domestic flights to visit them every major holiday.
Where do you want to be in five years?
If you are thinking about moving, it is important to consider not only where you want to live but also how long you plan on staying there. While you could very well move again in five years, it may not be practical or economical to do so. Ideally, the place that you move to should be one where you can see yourself enjoying long term—or at least close to where you want to eventually put down roots. It also makes sense to think about the future when it comes to purchasing property because the sooner you start paying off a mortgage, the more you save on rental payments. That said, taking out a mortgage is only a sensible financial decision if you stay for longer than three years.
There are many things to consider before you pack up your life and start anew in a different city. Although a move can be scary and stressful it can also be very exciting and rewarding. The most important thing is to make sure that you take the time to do your research and choose the right destination based on your needs and circumstances. Do not be afraid to take the plunge. Who knows, you may soon find yourself living your dream life!