Moving to a new place is hard. It’s even more difficult when you’re moving to a new state, but sometimes it’s necessary. Depending on your career, political views, safety or other factors, moving to a new state may be the best path to a better life.
There are many reasons why moving out of your current state may be a good idea, such as not enough jobs, a higher cost of living or the need to move closer (or farther from!) family.
Tips for Moving Out of State
Moving is crazy enough as it is, and moving out of state can be so much more so if you don’t have the right information. Before making the big decision or deciding which state to move to, consider researching the following information on the states or areas you may choose.
Cost of Living
Cost of living refers to the cost of basic expenses such as housing, food, healthcare and taxes. Calculate how expensive it’s going to be to live there before moving. Depending on your individual needs you may need more or less money. This is important because expenses and taxes can vary greatly from state to state.
It is also important to take into consideration the typical wages in another state. While it may seem like you can handle the expenses of living in a new state with your current salary, wages are not the same throughout the country. Research what your salary will look like in those job markets to get an accurate picture of what your financial future will be in that area.
Job Market
Make sure to research the job market in the areas you are considering moving to. Look not only in your particular field, but also in other related jobs as a precaution in case jobs in your current field are reduced.
Crime Rates
While a new state may seem like a great economic move, it may not be so in terms of safety. Before making the big decision, look into crime rates, what types of crimes are common in the area and how they are handled. Also consider looking into how vigilant the area or state is in regards to crime.
Weather
Research what the weather is typically like throughout the year, particularly what conditions are problematic in the state, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, snow storms, etc. If you or a family member suffers from asthma or sensitive allergies, make sure to know what type of allergens are common in a new state, what season they’re present and for how long.
Personal Goals
If you have individual aspirations that require a particular environment, make sure that the new state or area you’re moving to is suitable. For example, if you want to open a business at some point, research the business success rate in the area and whether there are programs or initiatives for small businesses.
Family
If you are moving closer to a family member or looking to move farther away from one, ask yourself if the distance is appropriate. For example, if you’re moving to a new state to be help take care of a family member, is your new home close enough to your relative that you can reach him or her quickly in an emergency? Is it far away enough so that he/she still feels independent?
Schools
If you have kids or are still in school yourself, take a look at what school options are available in your prospective state. Research whether public schooling is an adequate option or if there are higher education institutions that cater to what you want to study.
Traffic
Traffic and hectic city life are very common reasons for many people to move these days. Make sure you’re not moving into an area where traffic is a significant stressor as too many hours on the road could make a good move feel like a bad one.
Political Views
While it may not seem like a deal breaker, political views can impact a person’s life. Look into what political views are standard in the states/areas you wish to move to in order to avoid ending up in a place that is not ideologically comfortable for you.
Preparing to Move Out of State
Before moving to a new state, talk to others who have done the same and ask as many questions as possible. If you don’t know anyone who has moved to the state, look online and research as much as possible.
If you are looking for a new horizon, consider moving to Arizona. Not only is does Arizona have a beautiful landscape like no other, it offers an array of new experiences from exploring the Grand Canyon to visits to Meteor Crater.
The cost of living is significantly lower than many other states making it an ideal place for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle. Crime rates are also very low, meaning you and your family can be safe. As an added bonus, moving to Arizona means experiencing some of the most beautiful winters in the United States.
Once you have decided when and where to move to, research some tips and hacks on how to keep moving expenses as low as possible.
Heers Management
Consider moving to Phoenix, Arizona. Moving to Phoenix is perfect for you if you’re looking to move to Arizona and want to experience city life while still being near wonderful natural areas to explore. Check out Heers Management properties for great apartment home options in Phoenix.