Relocation

Moving to a new city can be an intimidating and exhilarating experience. I was born and raised in Arizona, so I understand how it feels to leave behind the only place you've ever called home. But when COVID-19 hit, I wanted to take a leap and embrace a fresh start, new experiences, and personal growth. Leaving my family and tech job wasn't easy, but I decided to not let fear hold me back

Making such a significant life transition requires careful planning and intention. In this post, I want to share my personal relocation journey and help you navigate moving to a new city. By asking the right questions, organizing your thoughts, and using online resources, you can find the right city for your goals.

Start by reflecting and asking yourself some hard questions. What do you love about your current location? What do you dislike? What do you wish it had more of? What will you miss the most? This will help you gain clarity on what you're looking for in your next home. And it will help you prioritize your needs and desires. 

Once you've assessed your current city, it's time to create your ideal city profile. Using your previous answers, figure out what the most important evaluation factors are. Some examples may include:

• Presence of friends and family

• Preferred activities (e.g. vibrant nightlife or easy access to outdoors)

• Career opportunities

• City size

• Climate

• Diversity

• Food scene

By outlining these criteria, you can establish a clear vision of what you want to find in your new city. 

To kick-start your search, make a list of all the cities you’ve ever visited and felt like you had a connection to. Consider cities near family and friends. And leverae various resources that provide insights into different cities. Here are some recommendations:

Resources:

• For Food Enthusiasts: 

• Thrillist's - Best U.S. Cities for Food

• Climate Considerations: 

• Climate Central - Various Tools to View Climate Shifts

• National Centers for Environmental Information -Climate Conditions at Major U.S. Weather Observing Stations

• Diversity Assessment: 

• WalletHub's - Most and Least Diverse Cities

• Cost of Living and City Growth: 

• Investopedia's - Tax Burden

• Cost of Living Index 

•  WalletHub's - City Growth

• Family-Friendly Options: 

• Niche's - Best Public Schools

• Healthcare Quality: 

• WalletHub's - States with Best Healthcare

When you're in doubt or if you need more personalized guidance, consider contacting local realtors. They are experts on their city. They know what a city is like, its different neighborhoods and how its growing. Even if you're not looking to buy property, realtors can be a great resource to help you gain a better understanding of your potential new home. You can always find a good realtor through Google of social media. Even better, ask your local realtor for a referral. They usually have connections all over the nation. 

Relocating to a new city is an opportunity for personal growth, new beginnings, and exciting adventures. By asking yourself the hard questions, creating a clear profile of your perfect city, using online resources, and getting advice from local realtors, you can navigate the unknown with confidence. Remember to embrace the journey. The right city is out there, waiting to welcome you with open arms. Good luck in finding your perfect new home!