Deciding to move from the suburbs to the city is a big deal because you're going to experience a completely different way of life. The suburbs usually get quiet after dinner, but the city never sleeps. Cities are full of opportunities, including employment, transportation, entertainment, nightlife, and dining, so you'll always have something to do. Of course, moving to the city is a big adjustment and there are a lot of things to consider, so we're here to help. Here are tips for moving from the suburbs to the city.
Expect Smaller Housing
Your dollar goes a lot further in the suburbs than it does in the city, especially in terms of housing. If you plan on spending the same amount on rent, you can expect a smaller apartment in the city than you had in the suburbs. You will always pay more for less in the city, whether you're renting or owning. Since you'll have less space, go through all of your belongings and decide what you should and shouldn’t bring. You likely won't have space for everything, so only pack the essentials for your move.
Luckily, you don't have to throw any of your belongings in the trash if they won't fit in your new home. Instead, you can rent a storage unit and store your belongings until you can get a bigger place. Even if you're able to afford a larger living space, you'll need to consider the costs of living. Everything from transportation to food is more expensive in the city, so you'll need to factor your expenses into the cost of rent.
Get Familiar with Public Transportation
Depending on the city, you may not want to bring your car along because driving in a city can be frustrating. Instead, it's typically faster to get where you're going with public transportation, and you won't have to worry about paying for parking. Once you've moved into your home, start getting acquainted with public transportation.
You may not want to sell your car when moving to the city because you can use it to travel outside of the city, but don't expect to use your car every day since it will take much longer than public transportation.
Go for a Walk
If you haven't spent much time in the city, it can be overwhelming. Odds are you probably have a job you have to get to at some point, so you should start to learn about your area and the best way to get to work, the grocery store, and different places around the city. Going for a walk is a great way to learn about your immediate surroundings and help you start to feel more comfortable in your new surroundings. Of course, it's easy to get lost in the city, so always bring your fully charged cell phone with you in case you need directions.
Making Friends
When you move to the city, you might not know anyone, making it difficult to break into the social scene. Making friends isn't easier in the city just because there are more people. People in the city seem busier and more rushed to get to where they're going, making them appear less friendly and approachable than what you might be used to in the suburbs. However, the city provides more opportunities to meet new people. While it may be hard to get yourself out there, it's a necessity if you want to make friends.
Going to a bar or restaurant alone might feel awkward, but it's one of the best ways to make new friends. Additionally, if you work in the city, you can start to make friends at work who will be willing to introduce you to new places and people.
Hire a Moving Company
When you move from the suburbs to the city, you can expect parking a moving truck yourself to be a hassle. Not to mention, it can be slightly awkward to stop traffic to parallel park on the street. Instead, you can let professional movers handle your move to the city since they're more skilled at parking those awkward trucks and will ensure your belongings make it to your new home without getting broken.
Hiring a moving company can also help you save time. Depending on your reason for the move, you may have to get to work the next day, so you don't want to spend all day moving your belongings; instead, you can spend your time getting acquainted with the public transportation schedule and trying to ensure you can make it to work from a new location on time.
Have a Job Lined Up
Before moving anywhere new, you should always have a job lined up to ensure you can afford your rent. Even though there are more employment opportunities in the city, there are also more job seekers. You'll have tons of competition for a city job, so you should start looking for new employment as soon as you decide to move to the city. Many employers will be willing to hire individuals out of state or away from the city as long as they can make it to the office for an in-person interview.
Even if you don't have a job lined up, you'll need to ensure your finances are in order. Consider how much you'll spend on rent and other expenses like utilities every month to determine if you can live off of your savings for a few months while you search for a job. Remember, you should never move somewhere and assume you can easily get a job. It can take many months for you to get hired, especially when there's fierce competition.
Final Steps
Moving to the city from the suburbs is an important decision you should never make on a whim. Before you start looking for a rental or home in the city, ensure you can afford to live there, whether or not you have a job lined up. Check your current finances, loan options, and run the numbers to ensure moving to a smaller home in the city is truly worth it for you.
Ellie Williams
Ellie Williams holds a Bachelors of Science in Hospitality with a minor in Marketing from Chico State University. She enjoys doing freelance writing on general business, wellness, and lifestyle tips. During her free time she enjoys catching up with friends and family or attending local events.
