As we look towards our “next big step” there is always the lingering question of “Where will I go?” The next step almost always includes a move to a new place. You have to pick the place, find an apartment, find a roommate and pretty much start all over. You could either be tired of your current place or moving for more professional opportunities. Making these decisions can cause extreme anxiety and stress.
When trying to find a new place to call home we should try to stay open-minded and think outside of the box. Remember this is not the first time you have done this. This was the same approach you took when choosing a college and your first place out of college. This post will give you tips as a website that will help you in determining your next spot.
First we will look at the many aspects to consider when moving to a new place. I have come up with several categories to consider when moving:
1. Location – Where would you like to go? Would you like to move South, North, East, or West? In the United States or outside the United States? Do you want to live near the beach? Near the mountains?
2. Weather – This is a big factor for some people. Can you tolerate a long winter? Can you tolerate a humid, hot summer? Do you like to snowfall once a year or constantly for 4 or 5 months? Do you like the rain?
3. Distance from Family or Friends – To some people this is an important aspect because they enjoy the added social support. It is sometimes hard to make friends once you move but remember that is an option as well.
4. Size Matters – To some it does. Some people enjoy the amenities of a big city while others enjoy the quaintness of a small town.
5. Amenities – Do you want to be close to public transit? Do you want to be near hip restaurants and nightlife? Do you want to be somewhere that the entire town doesn’t close down at 8pm? If you enjoy the outdoors, you might want to be in close proximity to parks and other outdoor facilities. If you enjoy attending cultural events, you will want to live in an area that is host to theatres, observatories, museums, and art galleries.
6. Professional Opportunities – In today’s economy this is a biggie! You definitely want to move to a place that provides new professional opportunities. Many of the up and coming cities can supply you with this. They may not be as big as others cities but will give you the amenities and opportunities you are looking for.
7. Matching the Vibe of the Place – The vibe of a place can make it or break it! If you are looking for a fast-paced, energizing area you will more than likely not be happy in a small, Southern town. However if you are a person that gets stressed out by crowds, a big city may increase your stress. A place’s vibe also depends on the people in that area. Do you like the people that you will be interacting with on a daily basis?
8. Cost of Living – Though some places may have everything on your list, the cost of living may be astronomical!! You may be willing to give up a few things to live in your dream location. Think about what you would be giving up. Is it worth living in your “dream place” if you can't afford to enjoy any of the amenities?
Once you have thought about the criteria, rank them in importance to you. This should help you with your decision. Take time to research and visit the places you are considering. Spend time with the people in the community. See what they do for fun. Try and avoid doing touristy things on your visit as this will not give you a good idea of the people.
If this has inspired you to take a move or start researching, I have one final tool for you to use. This is a website that administers a quiz to determine your top spots. You may be surprised by your results.
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