Moving to a new city, state, or area can be a life-altering change. Surprisingly, we don’t always think through all the different ways a move will change our lives. When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, everybody has their own idea of ‘perfect.’ Here are a few things that you should take a hard look at before making any commitments.

Personal Safety

There are some obvious red flags in high-crime areas that are easy enough to avoid. But many unsuspecting transplants find that they’ve settled into less than desirable neighborhoods by mistake. A lack of familiarity with the local area and the regional cost of living there can make it difficult to draw comparisons when shopping for a new home. Before you make any commitments, make sure to check out crime statistics and local demographics.

Schools

If you have children or plan to have children in the future, then the schools will be an important part of your decision. And even if you don’t have kids in schools, there is a strong correlation between great schools and great neighborhoods. Start by considering what your child needs. Many children will do well in public school settings, but there may also be opportunities for extracurriculars, gifted programs, language immersion, or special needs education. Then, check out the district website and individual school websites followed by reviews on GreatSchools.org. And finally, before you make any commitments, pencil some time in to visit the school in person.

Is the Local Area a Match for your Needs

Some people prefer the quiet pace of rural living while others love to be in the middle of it all nestled in the heart of a city. And there are plenty of opportunities for something in between. If you will live in the country or a small town, consider how far you will need to travel to a major town to buy groceries. If you prefer to spend time outdoors, are there opportunities for hiking and biking? Every detail down to the political persuasion of the majority are important factors in deciding if it’s a place you might like to call home.

Cost of Living

Another aspect that has a strong regional influence is the cost of living from one city to the next. For example, if a rural Midwesterner made a move to The Big Apple, they might find themselves shellshocked at the cost of rent or even a cup of coffee. There are areas where the cost of living is high and the job market is strong to support the higher cost of living. And, then there are some places where the cost of living is high and the job market is tight, meaning that other influences like tourism might be driving prices up.

The Bottom Line

People move for many different reasons. Whether you are taking a new job or looking for a fresh start, it’s important to take time to think decisions through before uprooting your entire family and moving to a new city. Settling into a new home where you feel safe and have access to the things that you need like groceries, education, and appropriate job opportunities are far more important than the new and shiny allure that has caught your interest. When you’re ready to turn your plans into action, the professional long-distance movers at 495 Movers are here to help.

Our moving and storage company has been serving the DC Metro area since 2009. We are the biggest and most reliable moving company in the area, and we can help get the change of scenery that you’re craving. Give us a call to start planning your next move today.