How to Successfully Relocate

Is the grass always greener?  Well, how much do you know about that grass?  The answer can depend on how you research this new patch of grass that you may call home.  Relocation can include another part of your state, a different state, going from a small town to big city living, or vice-versa.  Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if the grass really is greener.

What are you looking for?

Everyone’s reasons for relocating differ.  Your own reasons should be solidified as you engage in this process.  Some priorities to consider include: cost of living, schools, employment, cultural activities, and safety..  Websites like Niche contain information on cities, schools, colleges, and the cost of living for your relocation destinations.

Have you visited the area?

In the internet age, one can be whisked away anywhere virtually.  For some, relocating to another state or city without visiting is not that big of a deal.  For the rest of us, the feel, sights, sounds, and smells of our potential new home are vital to making the decision.  An in-person tour provides an idea of traffic, people, overall charm, culture, and pace of life that the internet simply cannot provide.

Does the neighborhood matter?

The short answer to this is “yes” to most people.  Typically, singles like to be downtown, while single-family units in the suburbs attract young families due to their stability.  Yet, every downtown is not built the same, and not every suburb is close to a city you want to live near.  This is where you can narrow down and ask what kind of downtown matters.  Is a live music scene attractive, or is it a vibrant urban food scene that matters to you?  Considering suburban life, a vital question to ask yourself is: what kind of big city do you want to have access to? For example, the suburbs of Dallas or Philadelphia are markedly different, but each offers unique lifestyles.