How to Pick a City to Live in When Moving Cross Country
Posted in How-to on October 25, 2022
When you’re moving across the country, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what city to live in. There are a lot of factors to consider, from climate to culture to job opportunities. Here are some tips on how to pick a city to live in.
If you’re looking to relocate, choosing the right city is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, there are a lot of factors to consider. There are so many wonderful places to choose from, but it can be tough to narrow it down and decide where to live. That’s why we’ve put together a list of important things you should take into account before you make the final decision and invest in cross-country moving services.
When Figuring Out How to Pick a City to Live In, Start With Affordability
Money is a relative concept. According to the annual Modern Wealth Survey by Charles Schwab, it now requires a net worth of $2.2 million in the US as a whole to be regarded as “rich” by other citizens, up from $1.9 million in the previous year. Regardless of income, more than 25% of US citizens believe that riches bring financial security. Another 27% of people describe wealth as something other than money based on their quality of life.
However, the majority of us would rather have more funds to spend and save, or at the absolute least, some wiggle space in our spending plans. This is where affordability, possibly the most important consideration for those relocating to another state, comes into play. In this context, “affordability” includes all living expenses, such as groceries, utilities, transportation, and health care, in addition to housing prices. So, long before you call your long-distance movers and pay for the packing service, make sure you are absolutely certain you’ve chosen the right destination.
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What Are the Main Factors of Affordability?
There are many factors to consider when choosing a city to live in, but one of the most important is affordability. The cost of living in a city can vary greatly, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision and relocating to a new home. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering affordability:
- Housing costs – The cost of housing is one of the biggest factors in determining the affordability of a city. Make sure to research average rent prices and home prices in the city you’re considering before making a decision.
- Cost of living – In addition to housing costs, the cost of living in a city can vary greatly. Be sure to consider the cost of groceries, transportation, and other necessities when making your decision. For example – the cost of living in Austin, TX, may differ greatly from the cost of living in New York.
- Average salary – Another important factor to consider is the average salary in the preferred city. This will give you a good idea of how much you can expect to earn in the city and how far your salary will go.
- Job opportunities – Finally, be sure to research the job market in the city you’re considering. This will help you determine if there are good job opportunities available in the city. This is especially important if you plan to move without a job.
Keep these factors in mind when considering affordability, and you’ll be sure to choose a city that fits not only your relocation budget but your general funds as well.
Do your research thoroughly before you move
You Should Also Consider Taxes
Although it’s hard to completely avoid paying taxes, moving to a specific location can reduce your overall tax liability. For instance, five states – Delaware, Alaska, New Hampshire, Montana, and Oregon do not impose sales taxes. Numerous levies, including property, gasoline, and school taxes, as well as company taxes and fees, may have a bigger or lesser impact on your bottom line. Check out the State-Local Tax Burden Report from the Tax Foundation to estimate that impact at your future address. Fortunately, most jurisdictions offer homestead exemptions or property tax credits to give homeowners further tax relief.
If you believe that taxes are the most important factor for you, watch the following video and find out which are the ten tax-friendly states in the US.
Employment Opportunities Might Play a Significant Role in Choosing a Place to Call Home
Employment opportunities continue to be an important and frequently deciding element in choosing a place to live. But compared to before, it’s not quite as essential to get a job before you move. Lucrative jobs are becoming more and more completely location-independent, so many choose to move to a small town where it’s quieter. And some people opt for employee relocation, where their company handles all the expenses.
A job prospect is one of the biggest benefits of relocating. So ensure you spend some time investigating the job markets in various locations because employment prospects differ between states and from city to city. Analyze quality job options within your industry first, then work out where the majority of these positions are concentrated. This is the best way to get a job in a new city because when a position awaits you, there is no need for anxiety about moving out.
Cities With the Best Employment Opportunities in the US
The greatest locations for job seekers offer stable employment possibilities and low cost of living. It’s all thanks to their strong job and income growth, minimal job competition, and affordable housing costs. The most significant factors included growth in employment over the last four years as well as a rise in hourly salaries.
| City | Overall score | Overall growth of jobs and wages | Job competition, where lower is better | Housing affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Port, Florida | 99 | 99 | 11.2 | 38.9 |
| Austin, Texas | 94.7 | 86.7 | 19.1 | 45.7 |
| Jacksonville, Florida | 86.7 | 77.4 | 13.9 | 62.3 |
| Orlando, Florida | 84.5 | 80.1 | 21.4 | 32.6 |
| Dallas, Texas | 79.5 | 65.7 | 31.2 | 51.7 |
| Nashville, Tennessee | 78.1 | 69.6 | 19 | 55 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | 72.5 | 57.8 | 17.5 | 51.1 |
| Raleigh, North Carolina | 72.5 | 68 | 25.6 | 56.6 |
| Tampa, Florida | 72 | 64.3 | 14.4 | 37.4 |
| Seattle, Washington | 67.8 | 61.6 | 21 | 28.5 |
| Boise, Idaho | 66.5 | 65 | 16.3 | 54.4 |
| Phoenix, Arizona | 66.3 | 55.2 | 22.8 | 48.7 |
| Denver, Colorado | 64 | 60.3 | 31 | 35.8 |
| Salt Lake City, Utah | 59.3 | 53.1 | 11.5 | 54.7 |
| Portland, Oregon | 59.1 | 59.8 | 37.2 | 30.1 |
Consider the Real Estate Value Before Relocating
When you are planning to move to a new city or state, it is important to research the real estate market in that area. The value of your home can have a big impact on your quality of life and your overall financial security. If you are moving to an area with a higher cost of living, you will need to make sure that your income can support the increased expense. If you are moving to an area with a lower cost of living, you may be able to buy a larger home or invest in other properties.
Crime Rates and Safety Should Also Be One of the Most Significant Factors
Crime rates and overall safety is always important to look into. But when you have a family, these factors become a greater priority. You want to make sure that your family is safe and that you’re not putting them at risk by relocating to an area with a high crime rate. There are a number of ways to research crime rates in an area. You can check with the local police department or look up statistics online, like googling the safest neighborhoods in Denver, for instance. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Report is a good resource for this information.
Crime rates should also be considered a decisive factor
If You Are Relocating With Kids, Education System Will Matter
There are a few key things to consider when you are relocating with kids. One of the most important is the education system in your new location. Research the schools in the area and find out what type of curriculum they offer. Make sure it is compatible with your child’s learning style and needs. You should also look into after-school activities and see what is available in the area.
Good Transportation Options Can Make One City More Attractive Than Another
In many cases, the transportation options available in a city can be a decisive factor. After all, if you can’t get around easily, you’re not going to be able to take advantage of all the city has to offer. So what are some of the things you should look for in a city’s transportation options?
If There Is Public Transportation, Is It Reliable and Affordable?
Public transportation can be a great way to get around a city, especially if it’s reliable and affordable. Unfortunately, not all public transportation systems are created equal. Some are very efficient and easy to use, while others can be quite unreliable and expensive. Ensure you check online reviews, talk to people who live there, and see if you can try it out for yourself before you make your decision.
Are There Ride-Sharing Services Like Uber or Lyft?
Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft can be a great addition to any city’s transportation options. They’re usually more affordable than taxis, and they can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you don’t have your own car. However, not all cities have ride-sharing services available. And even in cities where they are available, they might not be as widely used as in other cities.
Are There Bike-Friendly Streets and Paths?
If you’re a fan of biking, then you’ll want to make sure the city you’re considering is bike-friendly. That means it should have plenty of streets and paths that are safe and easy to bike on. Not all cities are equally bike-friendly, however. So if this is important to you, be sure to do your research.
Is the City Easy to Get Around by Car?
If you’re planning on driving, then you’ll want to make sure the city you’re considering is easy to get around by car. That means there should be plenty of roads and parking options available. Of course, not all cities are equally easy to get around by car. And in some cases, the availability of parking can be just as important as the number of roads.
Entertainment Options Might Matter to Some
There are many factors to consider when relocating to a new state, and entertainment options should definitely be one of them. If you’re someone who enjoys going out and having a good time, then you’ll want to make sure that the city you choose has a thriving nightlife scene. There are countless bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from in most major cities, so you should have no trouble finding somewhere to suit your taste.
Food is another important consideration when choosing a city to relocate to. If you’re a foodie, then you’ll want to make sure that the city you choose has plenty of restaurants to keep you satisfied.
Entertainment is important, especially if you are relocating alone
When You Choose the City Relocation Will Be Easy
You can easily relocate when you know where you want to live in the future. All you need to do is research your future location, start packing your belongings, and get ready for the big move. Deciding where to live means you can freely reach out to your cross-country movers and get ready for the long-awaited long-distance moving! So start organizing your move as soon as you’re certain where you see yourself in the foreseeable future. That means to prepare for movers and let them take care of the rest, and you’ll move efficiently!
