Relocation is a perfectly fine thing to do in the U.S. and any other place in the world—in fact, about 40 million Americans or 14 percent of the population move every year at least once.
Before you pack up your things for Oregon or call a realtor in Kansas City to help you find a new home, consider what you’re really getting into.
Your Relationships
A glaring issue for people considering relocation is their immediate relationships with their significant other, relatives, and friends. Luckily, technology has advanced far enough that they can watch the latest TV shows or movies with friends via video calls, chat with their parents and grandparents, and keep a meaningful relationship going.
In fact, 58 percent of 1,000 Americans surveyed in 2018 said they were able to succeed in long-distance dating. Each relationship involved a lot of back-and-forth communication, whether via text, phone, or video chat.
Job Availability
You’re looking at the perfect home in a great location, with amazing amenities and a good neighborhood. The problem is, there are no jobs for fragrance chemists, therapists, or your unique career. You can start your own firm, work remotely, or look at a very long commute.
Continuing the trend, the technology is available for professionals to check the availability of jobs in their field. Furthermore, if you’re moving solely for your livelihood, you’re not alone—about 62 percent of Americans would move for better pay and benefits. About 75 percent of professionals aged 18 to 34 are likely to move for work, more than middle aged or older populations.
Cost of Living
The price of a food truck taco isn’t the same in Indianapolis as it is in Tulsa. When you move, consider the cost of living in the state you’re moving to. Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Michigan had the lowest cost of living average in 2018; on the opposite side of the scale are Hawaii, the District of Columbia, California, New York, and Massachusetts.
When considering your cost of living, you need to think about grocery, housing, utilities, transport, and healthcare costs. Draw up an extra amount for miscellaneous fees and you’ve got an idea of the cost of living in the place you’re moving to.
Living Situation
You might be sick of living above a comedy club or a rental house that you can’t own. In any case, you need to consider the place where you’re moving to. Are you sure you want a shoe box apartment just to cut down on commuting fees? Do you really prefer a two-bedroom house an hour away from work, or a bungalow only 30 minutes away from the city center?
Finding the right realtor will cut down your worries by a ton. They differ from real estate agents in that they are members of the National Association of Realtors and adhere to the Code of Ethics. The code of ethics ensures that customers are given the best value and choices for their next home.
Moving Costs
You know your cost of living, you know your rental cost or buying cost, but do you know how much you’re spending on your moving company or packing supplies? Think of what type of moving insurance you’ll need to buy for your valuables, the fee you may have to pay for movers to haul your stuff upstairs, or big and expensive items. Run a thorough inventory, so you don’t get caught out by hidden moving costs.
Once you’ve considered everything above, you’ll be in a better position to judge if a move is best for you. Of course, personal reasons may override any of these factors. What matters, in the end, is you make the move that works best for you.
