3 Simple Ways to Decide Where to Move Next

So, you want to move. You’re ready for a new adventure, to take on new challenges, meet new people or try something completely different. Long distance moves can be intimidating for some, but thrilling for others. When deciding the destination of your long distance move, determine what lifestyles are most important for you and your family. If you are single, do you want a big, bustling city? Or would you prefer a small town or quiet suburb for a growing family? Life can be drastically different in a new place, so here are our top three tips to consider when you are picking where to live next.

Affordability

There is plenty to consider when determining the affordability of a city besides just a paycheck. The cost of living varies heavily depending on where you are in the United States. Some factors to consider and questions to ask yourself when researching a new city are:

• What does the average house/apartment cost in the area you are looking? What is the real estate value?
• Does it make more sense to rent or buy?
• Do prices on consumable goods, like groceries or restaurants, differ from where you currently live?
• What is the average cost of gas and utilities?

Another important added cost to factor in is state taxes. According to the Tax Policy Center in a 2017 data collection, New York has the highest overall tax burden and Delaware has the lowest overall tax burden. The best state for low property tax is Oklahoma and the highest is New Hampshire; Hawaii has the highest total sales tax and Oregon has the lowest. Researching state taxes might prove to be an important piece of information, especially if you are extra conscious about finances.

Proximity to family and friends

Assimilating into a new community without knowing anyone can be tough. It’s important to consider the people in your life when you are determining where to move, especially if you are accustomed to frequent visits and spending time together. Consider the travel costs involved with visits during holidays throughout the year.

If you have a friend or acquaintance in another city that you are contemplating, they can be a great resource to give you some insight into what it’s like living in that community. Perhaps you would like to live closer to an old friend or group of friends that you haven’t seen in years, so pinging them for details can be a big help in your decision.

Community factors

The environment, education and overall culture of a new city are crucial factors in determining your long distance move. Here are some important questions to ask yourself about the community, depending on their importance to you:

• What is the climate like? Do you enjoy skiing all winter, hate the humidity or can’t stand the rain? Climate can play a large role in being able to participate in your favorite activities, your behavior, your mental health and your comfort.
• What is the education system like? If you have children or are interested in going back to school yourself, make sure to research public or private school systems to ensure you will receive a good education.
• What is the commute time like? And how is public transportation? In major cities or metropolitan areas, commute times will be longer than in smaller cities. The length of time it takes to get to your place of work and back to your home can affect your lifestyle.

Ultimately, the most important thing to remember when making a long distance move is to visit the places before you make your final choice. After narrowing down your options and choosing the perfect new location, it’s time to plan the logistics of your move. Choosing the right movers can make all the difference in your relocation experience. Whether you’re heading to Jacksonville or Dallas, partnering with professional Dallas movers or Jacksonville movers ensures a smooth and efficient move. Suddath’s experienced movers handle everything from packing and loading to transportation and unpacking, ensuring that your belongings arrive safely and on time. Additionally, our professional movers are well-versed in the local areas, providing valuable insights and support throughout the moving process. By partnering with Suddath, you can enjoy a stress-free move and focus on settling into your new community with ease. Reach out today to discover how Suddath’s expertise can make your next move smooth and efficient.

We promise a stress-free moving process, professional coordination, and packing and delivery of your belongings to your destination. No matter if you’re storing, flying or driving, our professionals will take care of it all. Contact us and let’s get moving!