HUD Articles

Is it time for a change of scenery? Sometimes that means a new home or maybe even a new city. This is a big step to make because you are virtually picking up your life and everything that you know to move to possibly an unfamiliar place. Here are six things you should consider when relocating to a new city:

1. Rent vs. Buy

The most obvious thing to look for when moving is a place to live. Be sure to know your 5-10 year plan that way you can decide if you want to establish yourself in the area that you are moving to. Look into the costs of renting vs. buying a home. Also be sure to talk with a trusted real estate agent who will give you the best options that will save you money while still ensuring quality living.

2. Growth

Before moving to a city, it is important to research the city, state and surrounding areas. Let’s say for example, you are looking into moving to Charleston, South Carolina. It is vital that you research the growth of the city, plans for building and the housing market. You never want to move to a place where there is no room for potential growth either in the city or with you. Keeping the same example city of Charleston, check the surrounding areas. Charleston is in close distance to Savannah, Georgia, Columbia and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. Having fun cities close in vicinity can be a plus in case you want a weekend getaway or you are in a less popular city and want to be driving distance from a city with nightlife or other fun activities.

 3. Weather

You’ll want to be some place that feels like home and that makes you feel comfortable. With that being said make sure you look in to the weather and weather background of the city. Be sure to check into average temperatures to see if you can handle living in a city that gets below zero or a city where the norm exceeds 90 degrees. It is also important to check the background of the area to see chances and frequencies of tornadoes, earthquakes, wild fires and hurricanes. Doing so will better prepare you for what to expect if you do decide to move into a new city.

4. Schooling

If you are relocating with a family, make sure you check out the schooling system. You want the best education for your children whether they are in elementary school or going to college. Colleges are especially important to look at to tell where your son/daughter will be able to get in state tuition at. Grade schools are important to be able to tell if there are magnet schools in the area or if the school system offers languages or international business classes.  For more information on school systems by state, click here. 

5. Cost of Living

The cost of living in a city can affect a person or family greatly. It is important to sit down and do the math yourself or with a financial adviser to make sure that you will be able to live in a city and be financially stable. If you are younger and want to move to a city like New York fresh out of college, then make sure that you are saving up for the move and can afford to pay rent, eat and travel in the city. Researching the cost of living is also a good thing because it can show you how far your dollar can go. In some cities $100,000 can buy you a 4 bedroom home with a living room, dining room, large kitchen and basement. In other cities, $100,000 will only get you a small 2 bedroom townhome with minimal space.

6. Job Market

Check out the job market. The job market is important because you want to be sure that you are moving to a city that there is room from growth in the job market, availability and opportunities for you to climb up the corporate ladder.  Look into the cities market (Are they big on oil? Is this a banking city? Is hospitality and tourism a big part of the city?) and see if the market fits your expertise.

If you need relocation assistance, ERA Wilder Realty would be so happy to help you make the transition a pleasant and successful one.