Want to Live Somewhere New? Here's What to Consider

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Finding a new home is challenging on its own, even when you are familiar with the area. If you’re wanting to move or start a new life somewhere completely different, it’s hard to know where to start. If you don’t have a specific place in mind, focusing on your priorities and budget can help you narrow down your choices. Here are the top 5 things to consider when looking for a new place to live:

Weather

For some people, weather can have an enormous impact on quality of life. Whether it’s personal preference or physical comfort, the climate should be a major consideration in choosing a new place to live. It’s easy to find temperature averages and other statistics like amount of rainfall or snow online. Check the weather reports regularly to get a sense of how the temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to research the general region to find out about any potentially extreme weather common to the area, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.

Size

Size, both in population and geographic area, is an important metric to be aware of in searching for a place to live. Population density can clue you in to things like traffic, job opportunities and available housing. The geographic size of a place can help you determine what sort of commutes or everyday travel times you can expect. Some people prefer small and quiet towns while others prefer the hustle and bustle of big cities. While every city and town is different, considering the relative sizes of your options can still give you valuable information.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is a wide category that includes things like schools, public transportation, hospitals and other emergency services. If you have children or plan to have children, it’s crucial to research the schools in the area. Beyond that you can also look at the proximity and availability of emergency services and healthcare facilities. Public transportation is a huge draw for people who wish to avoid driving or want to help the environment, but it’s not always as accessible or reliable as it can appear at face value. Find train or bus schedules and route maps to get a better idea of the public transportation in a prospective new home.

Cost of Living

The cost of a home itself is only the beginning of your financial life in a new location. First, make sure you know about the property taxes in an area. You can also look at mortgage rates and rent prices nearby. Groceries, entertainment, utilities, gas and other transportation costs will all factor into your overall cost of living. There are many online resources to help you research and compare certain places and you can always consult the area’s local government for details about taxes and other municipal expenses.

These are some of the most important things to consider when looking for a new place to live, but there are many other questions you should ask yourself before you move. Take other factors into account like culture, lifestyle, local economy and politics as well as safety. Finding what is most important to you is the best way to begin your search.