Many of us ponder the idea of moving. Whether it's moving out of an apartment into a house or moving from one neighborhood to another, moving is something that will cross your mind from time to time. If you're thinking of moving, there are a few important considerations you should take. Instead of packing your bags right now, stop and consider the following:
1. Crime Rates
Before moving to a new city, you might want to know a little bit about its crime rate. Sacrificing your safety for a lower mortgage may not be worth it. You can check a city's overall safety ratings online with a quick Google search before deciding to move.
2. Cost of Living
If you're moving from the country to the city, you must know that your cost of living is going to change. Apartment, building amenities, and location play a big part in determining rent price. For example, living in Chicago is going to be much more expensive than living in the suburbs of Illinois.
3. Moving Itself
Moving isn't fun, and it isn't easy. Between packing up your belongings and moving everything into a new home, it's always a stressful time. Luckily, you can make moving easier by hiring professional movers to take care of moving any heavy items like your couch or workout machines.
4. Schools
Whether you're already a parent or plan on having children in the future, you'll want to consider the school district in the palace where you're considering moving to. Make sure that the schools rank well when it comes to graduation rates along with college attendance. Check out the options in the area to determine what types of schools are available, from charter and private schools to public schools.
5. Weather
If you're considering moving to a new state, you have to realize that you have no idea what the weather might be like. If you're from Texas and thinking about moving to Minnesota, you'll have to deal with harsh, cold winters, which can be difficult and scary to drive in if you're not used to it.
Similarly, if you're someone who loves snow, are you willing to give it up to live in a state that doesn't normally get any?
6. Transportation Options
If you enjoy driving, you might not like living in a city because of all of the traffic. On the flip side, if you're someone who has never driven before, you'll have a hard tie getting around in the suburbs and country. Make sure that the transportation options you'll have available to you in your new home fit with your lifestyle.
7. Property Type
When moving, you'll have the option of living in a house, condo, townhouse, and apartment. You may also have the option to rent or buy. Make sure that you understand everything that goes into buying a house over renting an apartment. For example, when you own a house, you're responsible for all costs, from fixing a broken furnace to paying for water. In an apartment, you're not.
An apartment might be the better option for you if you want to pay a few hundred dollars less a month and continue to rent instead of getting a mortgage.
You may choose a house over an apartment if you plan on having a family soon and know that you'll need more space and maybe even a yard.
8. The People
People and their values differ from city to city and state to state. If you're used to living in a more liberal area like California, you might find living somewhere like Texas difficult if you don't hold the same values and beliefs.
Similarly, if you want to live somewhere quiet, you may not want to live in a city like New York and would instead be happier living in the suburbs.
9. Your Surroundings
If you love the hustle and bustle of the city, then you might not be happy living under the stars in the country, even though the cost of living is much lower. Remember, wherever you move, you might not have the ability to walk down the street for a cup of coffee. Instead, you might have to get in a car and drive to the nearest town.
Determine what's important to you. If you like having a grocery store across the street, make sure that your new home provides that for you before you sign any lease or agree to buy.
10. The Employment Opportunities
If you want to be able to find a ton of employment opportunities for a specific field, you'll likely need to live in a city. Before you decide to move or even consider moving, make sure that there are jobs available for you. Do a search for your current job title and the city in which you're considering moving to see if there are any current job postings. If you only find one that seems like you'd be a good fit, you might have a hard time finding a job before or after you move.
Similarly, if you live in a small town and can't find a career that offers upward mobility, you might consider moving to a more populated area that offers you more options and opportunities to grow in your career.
11. Distance From Family and Friends
When you move to a new state, you won't get to see your family or friends as often. If you are someone who enjoys being surrounded by your loved ones, moving too far away from them might not be for you. Make sure that you consider having to make new friends as well. No one enjoys spending all of their time alone.
Final Thoughts
Daydreaming about moving doesn't mean you actually have to start packing your bags and looking for homes. Instead of making any decision, make sure that you weigh the pros and cons of leaving your current home so that you can make the best decision for yourself. You can only truly decide after you've made all of the necessary considerations mentioned above. And if you make that decision to move, buy some new kitchenware and some beautiful flowers to make your next place looking fresh.
Matt Casadona
Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. He is currently a contributing editor for 365 Business Tips. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys the San Diego life, traveling and music.
