Moving to a new home is a big step that most people make multiple times during their lives. Whether it’s for work or to find a better place to raise a family, there can be a lot to adjust to after a move. This is much more so the case when you move to a new state. While all 50 states have the same federal government, there can be very significant differences between them for homeowners. Below are five things you should consider before you move to a new state.
1. The Cost of Living
One of the biggest differences that can have the biggest impact on your family is the difference in cost of living between states. Some states have a very high cost of living versus others. For example, the cost of living in California is going to be much higher on average than in Indiana. The only way to really adjust to a state with a higher cost of living is to increase your income level to compensate. If you are moving for work, make sure to negotiate for a higher salary if your cost of living is going to increase. If your employer is rational, they should be able to accommodate you.
2. Employment Opportunities
A good deal of people move for work reasons. In fact, the move itself may be partially or wholly funded by your employer. However, what if you lose your job in the future in that new state? You need to consider what your job prospects would be if you ever end up on the bad end of a corporation downsizing. You should also consider the employment prospects your spouse or children will have. Certain states are not doing that well regarding the job market compared to others. Keep that in mind. Even if you have a job for the short term, you need to think about your long term career as well.
3. The Housing Market
Another significant factor you must give some consideration is the differences in the housing market between different states. The prices between houses in different states can be quite significant. Even if you want to rent, the rent might be much higher. Overall, you’re going to need to work with a real estate agent if you are worried about finding a house in your price range that actually meets your family’s needs. Find a real estate agent that has plenty of knowledge regarding the neighborhoods you are considering moving to. For example, a real estate agent based in Temecula, California will obviously have far better information on the Temecula real estate market than you would be able to find on a more generalized real estate website.
4. Transportation Options
The options for transportation in different states can also be massively different. If you live in a big city on the East Coast, for example, you may be used to using public transportation options to get from place to place and to commute to and from work. However, if you move to the Midwest, you may be expected to buy your own car to drive anywhere you may want to go. That of course will add a big expense to the move you must account for. The price of gas, car insurance, and many other things related to owning a car can also vary across different states.
5. The Climate
It may seem like a clich?, but the weather is certainly something that is vastly different in different regions of the country. If you are from the South and are planning to move to a northern state, you better educate yourself on how to deal with the colder climate. If you don’t prep your car for the cold, for example, you may end up in a very dangerous situation on the road. If the climate is different, you’re going to have to adapt to it. In certain cases, you may even have to modify your lifestyle tips to lose weight. People in colder states and warmer states have to live differently. Make sure you know what you’re in for.
Moving to a new place is a big deal. The changes can be even more significant if you are moving to a new state. Make sure to do the proper amount of research and preparation before such a big move. If you aren’t surprised by the differences you will encounter, you should have a less stressful time adjusting to living in your new home.
