Are you planning to make your next big move or relocating to a new city for work? Regardless the reason, it’s important to ask yourself if it is truly the right move for you to make. From food to taxes, many cities dramatically vary in all that they have to offer their residents. This Redfin article by Jessica Theifels provides you with 5 questions you should ask yourself before relocating to a new city.
1. Can I afford the tax rates?
These annual expenditures vary from state to state, which means you should become familiar with a location’s tax laws before claiming residency. For example, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nevada, Washington and Alaska don’t calculate income tax.
2. How does education rank?
If you’re a parent, narrowing the selection field based on school district quality is crucial for your children’s academic and social development. Even families whose kids are not currently school-aged shouldn’t underestimate the reputation of a location’s public education system could become a factor further down the road.
3. What are my food options?
Whether you have specific dietary needs, a large family to shop for each week or enjoy eating out every weekend, consider whether these needs and preferences can be accommodated in the location of your new home.
4. Am I likely to land a job?
Depending on your professional background, this variable may or may not influence where you settle. For instance, those with retail, medical, accounting or restaurant experience can transfer their careers to almost any location. However, if you’ve chosen a specialized industry like journalism, fashion or hospitality, it’s important to confirm which cities and regions have a consistent demand for your skill-set.
5. Is the climate manageable?
Regardless of where you’re originally from, most people fantasize about moving someplace entirely different from their hometowns. However, this desire to experience new environments isn’t always a practical benchmark when selecting your next residence.
[Read the full article: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Relocating to a New City]
