If you’ve been thinking of packing up everything you own and moving to a new city, you aren’t the only one. An increasing number of people are moving to urban areas, whether they are only moving a few minutes away or across the country. If you know that you want to move but aren’t sure which city is the best fit for you, it’s important to consider a few things.
Determine if an Area Meets Your Needs
Think first about what you need. Consider affordability, something that is close to the type of work you do, and whether your children will be able to attend safe schools. The overall crime rate and cost of living are also important. The weather may factor in as a need or as a want. Those with chronic pain disorders may find that living anywhere too gray or rainy can cause it to be worse. Those who deal with anxiety or depression may prefer to live near the ocean.
Think About Whether the Area Has Your Wants
Whether you’re looking for homes in the Pacific Northwest or checking out homes for sale St Augustine FL, you’ll want to consider your wants as well. Are there plenty of playgrounds for the kids? Do you have access to the types of movie theaters, restaurants, bars, or shopping establishments you like to visit? Are you near a lot of green spaces and do they provide space for walking or biking? Are you close to friends and family or to other cities you love?
Factor in Public Transportation
Even if you love to drive, doing it all day every day can often become overwhelming. If you don’t want to spend all of your time commuting to work or driving to the various things you want to do on the weekends, you’ll want to look into the city’s public transportation options. Consider whether there are buses and trains, how much they cost, and whether they run on regular schedules and late at night. You may also want to consider the area’s walkability. Can you walk the kids to school? Will there be a great bakery around the corner? How close is the nearest park? Accessibility will help to determine if a city is right for you.
Consider the City’s Major Politics
One thing that many people don’t often think about when considering a move is the city’s (and state’s, if you’re moving out of state) overall politics. While there will be conservative, liberal, and independent residents in any city, you may find yourself unhappy if you are on the other side of the majority when it comes to your neighbors, making friends, and the overall effect of the local government on the city. Research the city’s political and voting history to determine if it is in line with your values and whether you think you’d be comfortable living there.
Research the Area’s Local Healthcare
Do you have any special health issues? If so, you’ll want to be sure the place you move to provides a variety of healthcare options that will meet your needs. Even if you don’t have any specific mental or physical health conditions, it’s important to live in an area that provides access to a robust healthcare system. There are a variety of ways to look into this information. First, you can tell your current doctor about your plans to move and ask if he or she has any recommendations. You can also search the American Hospital Directory for broader information or check in with your health insurance provider to see who it covers in the area you hope to move to.
Be sure to visit the cities you’re interested in, spending at least a weekend exploring neighborhoods and deciding if you feel you’d fit in there. After all, the last thing you want to do is move without checking a city out first and find out it doesn’t fit your expectations. Researching first ensures you find the right place for you and your family.
