Are you considering a move to a new state? It can be a daunting task, but it’s also an exciting one! There are so many factors to consider when making this decision – the right state for your family depends on your individual needs and wants. Here are some tips on how to find the perfect state to live in, as well as advice on searching for a home and packing up your family for the big move.
At least seven million Americans move to a different state every single year, according to the US Census Bureau. People move for all sorts of reasons, which mostly relate to work opportunities and lifestyle. In particular, warmer weather states, or states with a lot of natural beauty, are particularly popular.
So how do you find the perfect state to live in if you’re considering a move like this?
Be Honest About What You Are Looking For
The first step is to be honest with yourself and your family about what you are looking for. Make a list of the things that are most important to you in a state – think about factors like climate, cost of living, job opportunities, schools, and quality of life. Some people think they should move to be closer to family or to the best education system, but it’s important to think about the overall picture. Don’t just do what you think you should do, but rather what you really want to do.
Look At The Big Picture
Once you have an idea of what kind of state you are looking for, it’s time to take a step back and look at the big picture. Consider all of the different aspects of each state – from the economy to the education system – before making your final decision. This will ensure that you are making the best choice for your family. Remember you might not necessarily find the ‘best’ of everything on your list within one single state. Instead, it is going to be the balance of lots of factors and how they come together as a whole. Make a list of all the pros and cons of each state you’re considering. This will help you narrow down your options and make a more informed decision. Also talk to family and friends who know something about the state you are considering.
Identify Homes
Once you have narrowed down your search to one or two states, start looking at actual homes you could afford. Until you start looking at specific homes, you don’t really know exactly what you can get for your money, which neighborhoods your desired homes are in, and what amenities are nearby. Look at any new build developments too, as there may be some affordable new homes just about to be built that could be perfect for you.
Check The Job Market
A key consideration for anyone moving to a new state is how easily they will be able to get work. This is a factor that could make or break your decision. So before you make your final decision, it’s important to check out the job market in each state you are considering. Research the different industries that are growing in each state and look at job openings in your field. This will give you a better idea of whether or not there are actually opportunities available for you. If you’ve narrowed your search down to a state, neighborhoods and homes you really like, there’s no harm in starting to apply for jobs if you see something you like.
Look At Schooling
If you have children, or plan to have children in the near future, you will not want to make any decision about where you move until you are happy with the local schools. Research the different school districts in each state you are considering. Find out about test scores, class sizes, and extracurricular activities. Also, visit the schools in person if possible to get a feel for the environment and meet some of the teachers. Don’t just think about schools in relation to your move, but wider educational opportunities too. In particular, are there enough sport activities and hobbies your children could get involved in if you make the move?
Practical Logistics
Something else to think about before fully deciding on a new state is how it is located in terms of other things you like to do in your life. For example, if you have family in other states, how long would it take you to travel to them? If you expect to do a lot of air travel, either for work or vacations, how well connected is the local airport? Think about the way you run your daily life now, and how well you could translate this over into a new state. While not everything needs to work in the same way, it’s a good idea to think these things through.
Packing Up Your Life
Finally, once you have made your decision and found the perfect home, it’s time to start packing up your life! This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a family, but there are plenty of resources available to help you through it. The key things to consider are whether you’re going to move everything yourself or hire professional help, and how you’re going to get your belongings to your new home. If you’re hiring a professional company, be sure to get quotes from a few different companies before making your decision.