By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Of course, everyone is different when it comes to their idea of the perfect place to live. For some, it is the big city near the beach; for others, it is the quiet town hidden away in the mountains.
Whatever it may be in your case, when considering where to relocate you want to take your time and carefully consider all the factors involved. Here are 7 big ones that you should weigh:
No one wants to move to a high-crime area; and if you have a spouse and/or child, then you want to do everything within your power to keep them safe.
The Internet is full of resources that can help you determine the crime rate in a city or town. For example, City-Data.com offers a wealth of demographic information on cities and towns throughout the United States, including crime statistics. You can also contact the local police department of the area you are considering for your move and inquire about certain neighborhoods.
Apart from physical safety, the cost of living in a new area is perhaps the single most important factor you should weigh before finalizing your move. Of course, cost of living can be a tricky thing to gauge. For instance, some areas may have extremely high median rental costs (e.g., California, New York, Alaska, etc.) but also have many openings for high-paying jobs.
When you calculate cost of living, it is easy to focus on the big bills like rent and utilities. However, do not forget to include smaller costs associated with the area, such as laundromat costs, train fare, or road tolls. Do not be fooled: they will add up over time.
Along with the cost of living, you may need to determine how easy (or difficult) it will be to find a new job once you have relocated. If you have specific skills or certifications, is there a strong market for that type of work in the area? What is the average unemployment rate? Answering these and other questions will help you make a good decision.
Some people enjoy the buzz and excitement of living in a crowded city. Others much prefer the peace and tranquility of country living. You should weigh the pros and cons of your potential new home's population density: Will it be too noisy? Will you be bored? What about your family members?
You should think about the cultural aspects of the area, as well as available options for recreation. For instance, are people in the community generally quiet and reserved, or talkative and outgoing? Is it a conservative or liberal area? Does the area lend itself to outdoor activities like hiking or bike riding, or does it offer a vibrant nightlife?
How will you and your family get around the new area once you move? If you arrive in your own vehicle, will you keep it, or sell it and rely on public transportation? If you keep your vehicle, will it be reliable and get good gas mileage for the area you live in?
If you have children, you want to make sure they receive the best possible education. With that in mind, you need to examine the area's local schools. Do they offer high quality education? Are they overcrowded? Are there other options available besides public school?
As you can tell, there are a ton of things to think about before relocating to another area. And once you have made up your mind on where to move, you will also need a reputable moving company to help you successfully relocate — with minimum stress. If that's your current situation, then reach out to the A-1 Freeman Moving Group, and let our professional movers get your journey off to a good start.
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