Should I Move to a New City?

Deciding To Relocate To A New City Is A Big Decision

Our Decision Tree Infographic Below Can Help You Decide

We all think about making a big move to a new city, a new state, or even a new country. Lots of Americans move around. As a matter of fact, we’re one of the most mobile societies around. But when we do decide to pick up and move to a totally new place, it should be for the right reasons. After all, it’s a lot of work, it can be expensive and most of all it can have a big impact on your daily life and your future.

Portland, Oregon

Moving for the Wrong Reasons

There are lots of reasons we think about making a big change. Some, let’s admit are pretty flimsy – you had a fight with your girlfriend and suddenly really, really want to go far away; you had a bad day at work and you just know it’s time to quit and completely change your life; you’re in Las Vegas and you can’t stand one more hot summer! Give these quick decisions a bit of time to settle. If you still feel the same way a month later, maybe you should consider a move.

Moving for the Right Reasons

Austin, Texas

Other times, these thoughts about relocating have really got some substance. Geography impacts your lifestyle, career choices, income, and lots of other things, like how you get around (driving or public transportation, or commute times) and your health care options (especially if you have a chronic condition that can’t be treated where you live now).

Or, maybe it’s a lifestyle thing: you’re a country girl who longs to get out of the big city, or a city boy who just knows he’s made to live in a quiet country setting or small town.

Bottom line, if a move will bring you new career or education opportunities, bring you closer to loved ones, take you to an environment that better fits your personal “style” or lets you fulfill other goals you have for yourself or your family, it might be worth taking the leap.

So how do you choose if, when and where to move?

Are you ready for new opportunities?

Seattle, Washington

Especially if you are a young person, the world is out there. Trying new things and meeting new people is what you should do before you settle down to a family, a mortgage and a comfortable routine. When you’re young, before you accumulate a lot of stuff, you can move inexpensively. And, if you don’t like where you end up, you have plenty of time to change your mind, and you can always move back, with lots of stories to tell about your adventures in the new city.

Do you have a great job offer in a new city?

Even if you’ve had a career for a while, if you feel stuck and a new job opens up in another city that you feel fits you right now, moving might be the right thing for you. Still, before accepting a job in a new city, make sure the change will be a positive one for you and your family.  See our infographic for some questions to ask yourself before you decide.

Are you ready for a retirement move?

Salvo North Carolina

Retirement is a great time to move to that one place you always wanted to live. Once you stop working, and unless you have family and friends you really don’t want to leave, you are not tied to your old home town. And, making a long-distance move at retirement is often easier. Without the stuff that comes with career and family, you can sell up all those things that you don’t need anymore and downsize to a smaller home in a great retirement destination, or even build your dream home in that perfect spot you’ve been saving for your whole life. No matter how you plan to retire, there are many websites that can help you investigate the best places to retire and help you prepare for the big transition.

Find the Right Place to Live for Peace of Mind

Problems like bad schools, crime, cost of living, climate – all these things make a difference on whether you and your family can truly thrive. Be sure to thoroughly investigate any place you are thinking about before committing to a move, and understand the pros and cons of living there. Then make your decision. This is where you need to be honest. Moving away from something doesn’t always work out. Usually, your problems come with you. But, if you are truly moving to grow, you’ll expand your horizons, see new places and feel refreshed and invigorated by new challenges and routines.

Denver Colorado

Sometimes the place you are in really does lack some things you need to thrive. Finding a place where your values fit with the surrounding culture will bring you more peace of mind and help reduce the stress of daily living. If you can find that environment, you and your family will be able to grow in new ways you couldn’t before.
Bottom line, moving to a new city is a big decision. It can be expensive and stressful. But, if it’s done for the right reasons, it will be worth it.