Moving to a new state is an exciting prospect; starting something new and creating a new path in life! So if you are ready to pack up your things and move, you should consider a few things before taking the leap, everything from the cost of living to the public transportation system. This guide will help you prepare for this significant change by giving you 7 things that will make your move easier!
Cost of living
Moving from one state to another can be a big change, especially regarding the price of everyday goods and services. The cost of living varies widely across the nation. For example, if you’re moving from New York City to Atlanta, your cost of living will decrease by over 30 percent because housing and food costs are generally cheaper in Georgia than in New York.
But what exactly is a “cost of living?” It refers to how much money you need each month to live comfortably in your new area—without having too much or too little money left over after paying for necessities like rent or mortgage payments, groceries and utilities. A cost-of-living calculator provides an estimate based on current prices and historical information about inflation over time so that you can know what kind of lifestyle your new city can realistically afford.
Parking and Public Transport
Parking and public transport are often overlooked when planning a move to a new city, but they can quickly become the bane of your existence if you’re not prepared.
Let’s start with parking. Finding somewhere safe to park can be tricky in the city if you have a car. It may seem obvious, but first, research how much it costs to park in your neighborhood—this will help determine whether owning or renting is more cost-effective for you. Then look into options such as street parking, parking garages, and a car storage facility, which can work out cheaper. Once you know what type of transportation method will work best for you and your budget, research drive times from home to work. Again, this information will help inform decisions about where exactly in a city you should live so that commuting isn’t too time-consuming (or expensive!).
Healthcare
If you’re on Medicare, the federal government will cover your healthcare costs if you move to a new state. This can be important because different states have different rules and regulations around health insurance. If you are receiving Medicaid in your current home state, this may not apply to your situation, but it’s good to know that it may be an option if moving. Also, if your health insurance is tied up with work or school (and most people have some coverage through their workplace), then there are usually ways for them to help with the transition of coverage when moving away from home.
Culture
Culture can be tricky to define and quantify, but the pervasive feel of a place makes it unique. Culture includes what people wear, how they greet one another in public (a lot of hugging in Texas!), and even how they treat their pets. Understanding what kind of culture you’re moving into is essential before committing yourself to a new state.
A few questions you should ask yourself:
- Are there any cultural taboos I’m not aware of?
- How do people interact with each other in public? For example, do they call out “Hi!” or wave when passing by strangers on the street? Or do they keep their heads down and eyes glued to their phones as if everyone else is just an obstacle between them and their destination?
- What are the local customs for holidays and special events like Valentine’s Day or Halloween (if applicable)?
The best way to gauge culture is to plan a visit and stay for a while before you make a permanent move.
Education
If you have kids, you’ll want to research the school system in your new city. For example, is there a school district you want to live in? What are the school rankings? How much do homes cost compared to other areas of the city with good public schools? If you have older kids, you might be thinking about them moving out for higher education. Is there a lot of student accommodation available? Is it affordable? It might be worth checking sites like https://www.hybr.co.uk/ before moving to see what’s available. In addition, you should look into whether there is a large population of people with your kids’ ages.
Employment
Moving to a new state is exciting, but it’s also stressful. A lot of factors need to be considered before making a move. For example, how will the cost of living affect your budget? Where are the jobs available, and what industries do they represent? How does this compare with where you live now? These are all questions worth asking yourself as well as doing research on to answer them.
State tax matters
Tax is a major factor in deciding where to live. However, state tax matters can vary widely from state to state, so it’s important to know your moving costs before you move.
There are excellent resources for comparing taxes by state and estimating your tax liability. For example, you can use the IRS Tax Rates tool, which includes non-resident income and property taxes for all 50 states, as well as other helpful information about filing your federal and state returns if you were living in another state during a specific time period. There are other free tax filing websites and services available as well.
Real estate market
One of the most important things to research before moving is the real estate market in your new city. Whether you’re looking for one of these home rentals in chicago, an apartment in Seattle, or a townhouse in Brooklyn, you can find information about almost any property in any location by talking with real estate professionals, looking at local newspapers and magazines, and researching online. Your goal should be to gather as much information about prices, trends and other factors that may affect your decision as possible.
When you’re ready to start searching for homes in your new city, reach out to a real estate agent who specializes in residential properties. When interviewing potential agents, consider how they’ll price homes, what they do when they’re not working, whether or not they have experience selling homes like yours, and whether or not their phone manner makes you feel comfortable. Then, once you’ve chosen an agent who best fits all of these needs, negotiate on behalf of yourself—don’t let them dictate terms!
Moving can be stressful
There are many things to consider when moving, from packing your stuff to deciding how to get them there. You can take steps to make the process easier, though:
- Ask friends or family for help if you’re moving away. If you don’t have anyone close by, consider hiring movers. They can pack and unpack your belongings for you—and will likely even carry heavy items like furniture upstairs for extra money!
- Keep a checklist of tasks before moving, so everything is remembered.
- Do your research and plan a visit to stay in your chosen state before you commit.
Conclusion
Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With some planning and research, you can find the best place for you and your family. And if all else fails? Try taking a deep breath before making any big decisions!
