How To Pick Your Next Moving Destination
When you are shopping for your next moving destination, you’ll hear a lot of opinions. This city, some say, is too dangerous. That city, however, is too expensive, and don’t get people started on tax rates and schools.
Let us let you in on a little secret, there is no perfect city. Here’s an example, before I moved to California, friends told me, whatever I do, avoid Oakland. As a non-Californian, it made sense. After all, I hadn’t heard a lot of good things about Oakland.
After moving here, though, I took a trip through Oakland. Sure, there were rough areas, but that’s true of all big cities. A few blocks past the rough neighborhoods, though, I found a thoroughly charming city with an incredible nightlife, lots of great shopping and restaurants, and beautiful architecture.
By that point, it was too late. I had already settled several miles south of Oakland. I didn’t bother correcting my friends’ misconceptions about Oakland, but the experience taught me a lesson, which is don’t let other people pick your next city. Your moving destination is as personal as choosing a house or the furniture inside.
Some cities are great for families, some for singles, and others for diversity. Of course where you move might depend on job prospects. Silicon Valley, for example, is great for people in tech, but maybe unaffordable for teachers and other public sector workers. Omaha, Nebraska, on the other hand, has plenty of opportunities in financial services, and the cost of living is lower, but so is the pay.
Figure out what your priorities are before choosing a moving destination. If you’re like most of our customers, you’re going to choose your destination based on at least one of these factors.
Cost of living
Cost of living is one of the top reasons people move. We get it. It’s getting expensive pretty much everywhere, but especially in California, the Pacific Northwest, the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, as well as Colorado. Texas and Florida are especially popular for people leaving our high cost of living. Here is a list of highest and lowest costs of living.
Diversity
Generally, the bigger the city, the more diverse it is. In the Bay Area, though, even many smaller cities, such as Richmond, El Cerrito, Union City, etc. are very diverse. This is one place you might want to ask for advice. Do your own research but also ask on social media pages. Or, you could just consult this list, which might be misleading if you’re moving to a suburb. For example, some suburbs of these cities might be diverse, but others not so much.
School systems
Families, or those who want to start a family, typically hold school systems high on their list. Fortunately, U.S. News and World Report releases an annual school ranking report.
Crime rates
If a low crime rate is your top priority, you might be losing other quality of life factors, such as city amenities. Also, lower crime areas often cost a lot more. Here is a list ranking city crime rates.
Dating scene and social life
If you’re single and looking, some cities are much better than others. Another factor to watch for is some cities have more single men and others more single women. Decide which city works best for you.
Outdoor activities
Are you the outdoorsy type? Are you a beach guy or a mountain gal? You can’t work 24/7, which is why many people choose their city based on outdoor activities.
Climate
Is it possible to beat California’s climate? I don’t think so, but tell that to my friend who just moved to Maine, in part for its climate.
Featured image via MaxPixel