Tips for Relocating to a 'Big City' for that New Job

This article offers insight on a few things you should keep in mind before you move to a larger city to pursue a new position.

Are you thinking about leaving life in the country behind to follow a job into the “big city?” Great. There are many reasons to head to San Antonio, Seattle, Denver, NYC, or any other metropolitan hub. But, before you go, take a minute to pause and decide if you’re really ready to uproot your family. Here are some tips.

Find the right real estate partner.

Arguably, the most important step you can take before any move is to find the right real estate agent to represent your best interests. If you’re moving to San Antonio, Jerry Newman is a smart choice as this real estate professional diligently keeps up with trends and has inside information on San Antonio and the surrounding suburbs. Having the right person in your corner means that you can ask questions and get honest answers about the city, which is especially important if you’ve never been there before.

Decide if renting is a better temporary option.

For most of us, the goal when moving is to buy a new home that we can settle into as soon as we arrive. But, this isn’t always the best option. If you’re leaving the San Antonio area and moving to Denver, for example, you might want to rent temporarily until you get a better feel for the Mile-High City, which is vastly different from living in the Southwest. Listings for Denver apartment rentals are easily found online, and you can even take advantage of technology (including 3D tours and virtual walk-throughs) to help you in your search. Even if you’re not buying, make sure to move into an area close to entertainment, activities, and other amenities that are important to your family. Most importantly, rent something with enough room for your entire family so that you are not overwhelmed by not having enough space as you also navigate the stress of starting a new job.

Examine your current and expected cost of living.

Cost-of-living is a major factor that contributes to or takes away from our overall quality of life. Before you make a move to any new city, you should examine how much you need to make sure that you can maintain your family’s current way of living.  If you’re moving to Mississippi, Oklahoma, or Arkansas, you’ll likely be able to afford a better home in the city than you would be if you moved to New York, New Jersey, or California. My Bank Tracker also suggests factoring in your new environment, growth potential, and changes in other expenses, such as if you will need to buy a vehicle or will have a longer commute.

Weigh the pros of suburbia against the perks of city life.

There are many benefits to living in a larger city. You likely have access to public transportation, and you almost certainly have more choices when it comes to dining out and grocery shopping. Further, bigger cities have more people and often have much more to do. Seattle, for example, has lots of green spaces and is considered a progressive city where health comes first. However, if you are used to rural or suburban life, your family may have trouble adjusting to the fast-paced ways of the city. Something else to think about: people are typically not as outgoing in the city, meaning you may miss out on small talk.

 Save money throughout the process.

There’s no way to get around the expenses of moving – your company should provide a relocation package, but it won’t cover everything – so now’s a great time to purge belongings you don’t need and start packing stuff that you do. Save money throughout the process by planning your move during the week, comparing costs between several companies, and having a garage sale to raise funds to go toward furniture and other necessities for your new home.

Congratulations on your new job. This might be the first step toward the biggest decision you’ll ever make. But, before you say yes to a new salary in the city, weigh the pros and cons, and call your REALTOR for further guidance.