A Positively Moving Experience
What to take into mind before moving to a new city
Moving to a brand new city has many appeals for people; it’s a fresh start and a great way to shake up your routine and invigorate your life. However, it should be understood that this can be an intense – but very fulfilling experience. Here’s a list of important things to consider before your trans-urban move, prepared by the moving experts here at Noah’s Ark.
Find Reviews
There may be websites where people that live in the city post their thoughts and opinions. Of course, there’s going to be Optimistic Ogdens and Pessimistic Pauls in every city, however you can always get a clear idea of if there’s a sense of energy in terms of culture and neighborhood life. Many cities have passionate local associations full of people that will be very welcoming to new residents. Or you can read local Yelp reviews to get an idea of what it’s like to live in your chosen neighborhood.
Culture and Nightlife
See what events are available in your intended city based on your interests. If you love theatre, look for major and minor performance spaces, and check out their calendars to see if there’s anything you’re interested in. If you’re an art lover, or a sports junkie, check out what local museums, stadiums, or intra-mural sport groups are available. Make sure that your intended city has stuff going on that will reflect your interests and leisure needs.
Housing Prices
Compare the cost of your current housing to that of your new home, and see if there’s any major differences between your rent or mortgages. Some cities have high rent for tiny apartments, which can be a payoff to some or a ripoff to others. Other cities offer massive spaces for minor prices. See what your ideal price range is, and if any housing falls into that range.
Community
See if there’s community services like airports, public transportation, doctors, public schools, libraries, grocery stores, hardware stores, coffee-shops, 24 hour stores, or anything else that you might need on a day to day level.
Commuting Clock
Check out what amount of time it will take you to get to work from your intended residence. Some cities offer fantastic public transportation options from subways to busses that can get you to work in a blink. Other cities rely on cars, and either have super fast roads or regular gridlock traffic. See how much time you are willing to spend getting to, and back, from your job in order to decide on the commuting practicality of a city.
Education Options
If you are a student or have one in your family, investigate what the local graduation rates, college attendance rates, and school ratings are. See if there’s options for public or private schools based on your desires, and if the public schools receive enough funding from the city. Investigate if schools provide for your, or your student family member’s interests on an extra-curricular level, as well as what opportunities for tutoring there are locally.
Weather
Make sure to move somewhere that has weather that you can enjoy, or at least, tolerate. Cities with a neutral or moderate average climate helps you save on costs for heating or cooling, but it can be worth it to pay these bills if you love snow or constant sunshine. Look up what the average temperature is – both highs and lows – as well ass how often it rains and snows.
Average Costs
Check out what the average or mean prices are for regular necessities like gasoline, parking, groceries, transportation (tolls or public transit,) and repair or maintenance work is in the city you intend to move to.
