Pick your next location
Spring is coming, even though it doesn’t feel like it yet in many places around the country, but trust us, it is just around the corner, and that means moving season is also about to begin. Yes, there is a season for moving.
Let’s discuss factors that should be taken into consideration when looking to make a move.
Whether you are moving in town, across town, or to another state, you still need to ask yourself some fundamental questions.
- What is your budget – You must clearly understand your budget and what you can afford in rent. Consider your monthly income and expenses when determining how much you should spend on rent. A good rule of thumb is that you should pay no more than 30% of your monthly income on rent.
- Relocating – Many people and families find themselves moving for better job opportunities, and as you look for your new home, consider the job market in that city. You are moving with a job in hand, but is the job market growing where you are moving to next? It’s important to consider if this relocation will provide more opportunities in the future.
- Rural or Urban – As you prioritize your desired locations, you’ll need to decide what kind of location you’d like to live in; A big city can offer a wider variety of types of living as well as restaurants, arts, and culture, but it can come with a higher price tag. Conversely, a smaller town can offer wide open spaces and a lower cost of living, but you’ll likely have fewer restaurants and museums to choose from and a commute that might be longer than desired.
- Lifestyle – You might think Urban or Rural covered this, but this is more about how you like to spend your time. Are you an outdoorsy type of person and looking for more parks and nature, or are you more about walkability and convenience? It is an essential factor to consider when choosing a community to live in.
- Transportation – Public transportation is another factor that needs to be considered, especially if you are moving from a dense city like New York or Chicago and are not used to driving everywhere. You must assess what public transportation is available in the area you are considering making your next home. Proximity to mass transit could be a deal breaker for some of you.
No matter what your top five factors look like when it comes to choosing a home, you will want to consult with an expert like Uptown Apartment Locators to assist you with these questions and others that might arise.