How to Pick a City to Live in When Cross-Country Moving

January 16, 2023 / Posted in How-to
Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

With so many cities to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which place to call your new home. So, how to pick a city to live in? After taking some important and inevitable steps into consideration, you’ll have a much easier time deciding what the perfect place is for you, and there won’t be any second thoughts.

Texas Capitol in Austin over Congress Bridge
How to choose a city to live in - check out some steps you need to take

There are many things to think about when choosing a different place to reside, but the first and most important is the cost of living. You need to know that you can comfortably support yourself in your new home. The next step is to research the city’s job market, weather, crime rate, quality of life, and leisure opportunities to see which place is most suited to your individual needs.

How to Pick a City to Live In – Research Before the Big Decision

Before actually hiring long-distance movers such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving and deciding when is the best time to move, you should know where you’re relocating to, right? So, you’re probably asking yourself, “What city should I move to?” and how to do it in the most efficient way. Begin with considering a variety of factors, including the cost of living, quality of life, career opportunities, and attractiveness.

Start by researching different cities online. Look up population size, public transportation options, housing prices, and quality of life in each place you’re considering. Make sure that the city you choose meets all of your needs and has amenities that appeal to you.

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Best Places to Live in the US for 2024-2025

When choosing a place to live, considering factors like population size, average rent, and median home prices is crucial.

Based on the Best Places to Live in the US for 2024-2025 by US News Real Estate, cities like Naples, FL, and Boise, ID, offer diverse options. Rents in these places are currently ranging from $500 to over $2,100. On the other hand, home prices span from $20,000 to over $1 million

Commute time also plays a significant role in determining quality of life, and overall score for cities.

Colorado Springs, CO is ranked #3 and has an overall score of 7.0

Talk to People Who Have Lived in Each City

It’s always helpful to speak with people who have lived in a potential place you’ll call home before making a decision. This is a step you shouldn’t omit, especially if you have family and friends to turn to. Ask them questions about their experiences – did they enjoy living there? Did they find employment easily? What did they like best about the city? You’ll be provided with valuable insight into what life is like there before moving there yourself.

Take this opportunity to say bye to your friends, and who knows, you may even get recommendations for a good auto transport company if you plan to ship your vehicle as well.

A group of friends eating together and toasting after cross-country moving
Let your family and friends help in making the big decision

The Cost of Living Is One of the First Things to Explore

If you want to strike out and live on your own, see the world, and forge your own path, relocating to a new place may be the best option for you. Sometimes you’ll need to do this because you’re relocating for work, and you might choose a region with a more robust job market, for instance. But, one of the first things to do when choosing a new home is to investigate the local cost of living.

It’s likely that housing will take up a sizable chunk of your money wherever you wind up relocating to, but West Coast prices are especially high. This region is well-known throughout the country for its exorbitant house prices and rental costs. The World Population Review did research and found out that three of the priciest states in the United States are located in the Pacific Northwest: California, Oregon, and Washington. Ensure that you can live in Los Angeles or Seattle, or any other well-known city, before engaging professional cross-country movers for the move.

Check the Current Job Market and Whether It’s Suitable for You

Doing research on the job market before relocating is also vital if you want to find your perfect city. You don’t want to move somewhere only to find out it doesn’t have any job opportunities in your field! Make sure the city has plenty of options for employment that suit your skillset before committing to moving there. Researching the job market can also give you a better understanding of salary ranges and other costs associated with living in a particular area.

Depending on your industry and career goals, you may be looking for a city that has plenty of opportunities in your field. Do some research to see if the local economy offers enough potential employers and job openings that could help you further your career. You should also compare salaries, as different cities have different average wages and costs of living.

By understanding what the job market looks like in each city, you can ensure that you choose an area with enough potential for your chosen career path. Additionally, consider opportunities for internships or apprenticeships to gain more experience and knowledge in your field. If you want to get a job before the move, there are many amazing tips on how to research a job during the relocation process that can be found on LinkedIn.

It Should Be Safe and Have a Good Educational System

The environment in which you and your family live should be safe and secure, especially if you have children. Safety is paramount, so parents should make sure that the home and neighborhood are free from any kind of danger. In fact, choosing a secure neighborhood for your family is crucial when working with a long-distance moving company.

Consider factors like police presence, crime rates, and the existence of neighborhood watch groups before settling on a specific area. Researching local crime statistics is another item that may be checked off your relocation checklist with the help of applications like Neighborhood Scout.

The educational system is another important factor to have in mind, no matter if you already have a kid or relocating while pregnant. The quality of the local schools should be a priority. Finding good schools can be accomplished through a combination of online research of school reviews and ratings and personal interviews with local parents. This can tell you how happy students are with the academic offerings at local schools.

Kids at school after long-distance moving
How to find the best city for you and your little ones? Ensure there are good schools

Ensure the Local Culture and Amenities Are Satisfying

Are there plenty of parks, restaurants, and entertainment venues? Do they host regular events like festivals or concerts? What is the overall vibe like? These are all things worth considering before making a decision on where you want to live when relocating across the country.

Don’t cross over the possibility of relocating to the suburbs just yet! If you seek places with access to parks or green spaces, suburbia can really be the perfect solution, especially if you’re relocating with pets. In contrast, proximity to cultural institutions like museums, theaters, and galleries may be crucial if you often engage in such pursuits.

Verify that your requirements can be met within the confines of the city you’re considering before committing to long-distance moving services and booking professional packing assistance. Keep in mind that there will be less racial and ethnic diversity in a smaller community than in a larger city.

Metropolis or Small Town – The Question Is Now

In today’s ever-evolving world, it can be hard to decide whether to settle in a big city or a small town. Each one has its own unique benefits and drawbacks that must be considered before making the big move. Big cities offer an exciting lifestyle with plenty of job opportunities, culture, entertainment, and nightlife. However, they also come with high living costs, pollution, and congestion. Small towns often have a slower pace of life with lower costs of living but can also be limited in terms of job opportunities and entertainment.

The decision ultimately comes down to individual preferences and needs. Those who thrive on the hustle and bustle of city life may find themselves more at home in a metropolis, while those who prefer the charm of a close-knit community and meet neighbors without hassle might be more content in a small town. It’s important to consider your lifestyle when making such an important decision and weigh all factors carefully before deciding which would be the best fit.

A suburban area in Dallas, Texas
Figure out whether you're a metropolis or town kind of person

Local Climate Is Important When Choosing a Destination

The local climate can have significant long-term effects on both well-being and lifestyle, so it should be taken into account alongside career prospects and cost of living while searching for the ideal city. Anyone looking to relocate will be much more content if they are aware of and able to seek out the climatic preferences they have. Here’s why it’s crucial to pick a location with favorable weather:

  • A suitable climate will bring you many health benefits,
  • Your lifestyle can be significantly improved,
  • A good climate can help you adapt effortlessly to a different location.

How to Choose a City to Live In – Other Significant Factors to Have in Mind

Considering all of your reasons for the move could give you a great perspective on where to settle in. But, if you’re still not completely sure what that location is, check out some other things to consider when relocating:

Healthcare Availability

Living within ten minutes of a big hospital may not be a top priority if you’re in excellent health, but it might become one if you don’t have access to a healthcare system you trust.

Commute Time

The journey to an office is less important now than it was in the past since now, more than ever, people are able to do their work from home. Nonetheless, the typical commute might be a useful indicator of the frequency with which traffic interferes with getting to and from home, school, and the job. It can also help you decide whether you actually need to transport your four-wheeler with a car shipping company.

Desirability of an Area

Desirability can include factors such as proximity to transportation, job opportunities, quality of housing, cost of living, amenities, safety, and overall attractiveness. Look for a city that’s centrally located with easy access to highways, public transportation systems, airports, and other major hubs.

Embark on the Journey of Picking and Settling the Place of Your Dreams

Choosing the right city can be tough, but doing all the necessary research beforehand will help ensure that you make an informed decision on where to live next. Make sure that all needs are met prior to choosing a new home because it will provide peace of mind when starting this new chapter.

If you’re ready to take the leap, Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving can make your relocation smooth and stress-free. Our expert team is here to handle all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on settling into your dream home. Contact us today to get started!

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