A Place to Call Home

Relocating: 8 tips for finding a place to call home

It is said that home is where the heart is. But, when considering a move, there is often more to think about. Increase your chances of selecting a great place to live by using the acronym relocate to remember what you should keep in mind.

Rent or own?
Do your plan to rent or buy? Your answer might depend on how long you plan to stay in your new found place. If you don’t have a lot of time to look or make a decision on a purchase of a home, it’s a good idea to rent first. That way you have time to get a feel for the city and its suburbs. Another smart option is to contact the Realtors in your desired cities. By providing them with a list of your housing wants and needs, you’ll increase your chances of finding the right place for you.

Education
If you’re a parent of school-age children, schools are of upmost importance in your decisons. A sign of a quality neighborhood is a well-kept school. Check the school’s report card online by visiting the state’s education department website. Realtors are also well-versed in neighborhood schools. A realtor can also help you match your housing with your child’s educational needs.

Lifestyle
Are you happiest in a place that offers a lot of cultural stimulation? Do you need to be close to your favorite sports team, music scene, or theatre groups? Would you like to live in a location that fits your hobby or favorite recreational activity? When thinking about how a place fits your lifestyle, remember to consider the spiritual opportunities. Do you enjoy being surrounded by a specific religious or ethnic community? The local Chamber of Commerce can provide a list of churches and synagogues. Call the ones that interest you to find out if the congregation active.

Overall feel
Before you decide on a place to move, visit the place and get familiar with the surroundings. There is always a feeling one gets from a city- that intangible presence, a feeling of knowing it’s the right place for you. Even if a city looks good on paper, your instinct might tell you differently when you spend time there. You won’t know until you stay for a few days, so make sure to plan a trip before making up your mind.

Care services
Medical facilities are important at any stage in life, but they are especially pertinent if you have children or if you are nearing retirement age. Your decision on where to relocate should include easy access to quality healthcare. Make a checklist of your healthcare needs before seeking information from your potential locations. Then, you can determine if a city is the best place for your overall health.

Affordability
Choosing a new place to live is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Three things to consider when determining how far your dollar will stretch in a town are wages, employment, and cost of living. Salary.com is a good resource providing The Salary Value Index. This report ranks cities by how expensive they are. Be sure to compare the cost of living between cities before making your final decision.

Temperature and weather
Climate plays a large role in our lives; it impacts our behavior, hobbies, and sometimes even our jobs. Do you love hot sunshine, or do you prefer milder weather? Do a little research about your future city. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check earthquakes, tornadoes, and other potentially not-so-pleasant weather aspects of your desired location. Living in a preferable climate contributes to your mental health, so choose wisely!

Employment
Employment opportunities fluctuate from state to state and city to city, so it would be a good idea to research the job market in different areas of the country. Determine the opportunities within your industry. Where is the highest concentration of job opportunities in your field? Don’t forget to research the potential for job growth in the area. You’ll want to choose a place that will provide job security as well.

As you can see, there are many factors competing for your attention as you search for a new place to live. Once you determine what is important to you and your family, you can embark on a successful search. All your efforts will be worth it in the end once you are settled in your ideal location. Happy hunting!