Moving to new city is a part of life that most people go through. It is usually a great experience, seeing new things, meeting new people, and living a new life style. Unfortunately it can also turn bad if you made a few mistakes in your move. Either good or bad, you learn a lot. The key is to be prepared for a move as much as possible so you don’t end up moving back into your pink room back at Mom’s full of stuffed animals and live a life of regret.
Here are 8 things you should consider when moving to a new city:
1. Cost of Living: The cost to live in one city could be very different from another. Especially if you live in a city where tourism is popular. Things could be more expensive whereas the minimum wage may not suffice. Research the cost of living and make sure you will be able to afford it.
2. A Savings Account: It is very important to have some money to fall back on if your move pulls you back a bit financially. You never know if maybe you have trouble finding a job, or cost of living wasn’t exactly what you worked out in your head for your budget.
3. Job Market: If you are moving because you landed a new big girl job, AWESOME! But if you are moving and need to find a job, research the job market ahead of time. Look into the business growth of the city. Are there many jobs available in what you are looking for? Are you willing to take something else? It’s also a good idea to maybe apply for a few jobs, even if you cannot move in time to take them, just to see if you qualify.
4. Areas in the City: No matter how many websites you look at, you’re never going to truly know a city’s divided areas until you live there and explore them. However, you want to make sure you are moving to an area where you don’t have to carry a 9mm in your hand while you walk from your car to your front door. Do some research on neighborhoods crime rates and compare with rent cost and find a happy medium for you. Also see what attractions are nearby and see what you would like to be close to.
5. Ways to Meet People: It’s great if you decide to move with a roommate or your significant other so you aren’t completely alone, but it’s also refreshing to move to a new city not knowing anyone and starting completely over. Either way, you should probably meet new people. Work is a start to meeting people and you can make friends through your work friends. Also look into joining a gym, studio classes, religious group, art class, or any other ways you can meet local people!
6. Things to Do: You will want to make sure that the attractions in the city you are moving to relate to your interests. Are you looking for a city with shopping, music, history, business, celebrities, tourism, nature, active lifestyle, ect? Look into what your new city has to offer you and see if that is what you want for your life.
7. Cultural Difference: Let’s face it, each state is basically its own country, and sometimes each state is divided up as well. Everyone has their own lingo, social customs, and even driving style. A person from Los Angeles is a relaxed mellow person in general while driving like a mad man. While that same person raised in New York could have a rapid pace of mind while not even knowing how to drive. When you get to your new city take note how people behave, as well as treat each other, and try to accustom yourself to your new culture.
8. Businesses to Use: Talk around and get advice from people around to see what businesses are good. While you’re thinking Publix is a great grocery store to shop at, you could end up spending twice as much on groceries than you’re used to while Fry’s down the street could have great deals and save you money. Another important type of business to research in a new city is mechanics. Ask people you meet who they recommend and find a mechanic that won’t rip you off. AutoZone’s are also pretty good about recommending good mechanics that will take care of you.
