What’s Important?
Review the following factors before you pick up stakes and buy a one-way plane ticket:
- Proximity to friends and family
Is it important that you are within driving distance of your existing social network, or are you looking forward to “making a new life?” - Employment opportunities
Whether you have a position already or will be looking for one when you reach your destination, consider the strength of the job market in your field. - Weather
Are you a cold weather lover who will miss the sunny Southwest? How do you feel about moving to a region known for natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes? - Housing costs and availability
It’s better to know that your new salary won’t cover that fancy high-rise penthouse before you go apartment hunting. - Accessibility
Where’s the nearest airport, train station, highway, bus depot from where you plan to live? Does a remote location appeal to or discourage you? - Social life and recreation
What do you like to do in your spare time? Does the new location offer enough options and within a reasonable distance? - Education
You may want to take a class or go back to school. What’s available? - Safety
What’s the crime rate in the area you’re considering? Will you feel comfortable at all times of the day and night? - Transportation
Do you need a car? What’s available in terms of public transportation? - Demographics
Is your prospective new home a retirement community, college town, or somewhere in between? Is it culturally and ethnically diverse or homogenous?