It's a big decision where to live.Remember that your choice doesn't need to be final.Take some time to think about what's important to you.Take your ideals and realities into account.Take the leap when the time is right.
Step 1: Make a list.
When you think about where you want to live, write down the cities, states, nations, or regions that come to mind.Your list could be short or long.If you don't already have a few places in mind, you will need to do more research in order to understand what you're looking for.
Step 2: Research.
If you want to learn more about each place on your list, you need to do a web search, talk to people, and read guidebooks.You can read about the history, culture, scenery and economy.Pin down what draws you to this place.Ask your friends.If you are considering moving to a city, and you know someone who has lived in that city before, be sure to ask them their perspective.It's important to remember that what works for one person doesn't always work for another.
Step 3: Look at the trends.
The places that you are considering living have a lot in common.If you want to understand what sort of place you are looking for, use these patterns.Figuring out the more subtle differences between these places is what you should do once you've identified a few similar options.San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle are relatively young, affluent, tech-driven cities along the West Coast of the United States.Maybe you are looking for a certain kind of energy in these urban centers.You can narrow down your decision by examining the differences between these cities.If you listed Montana, Alaska, and Colorado, you would probably want to live in a place that is mountainous, outdoorsy and relatively unpopulated.There are many similarities between the three states.To understand the difference, research each state.
Step 4: Visit.
If you're interested in a place, it's a good idea to check it out in person.If you can, visit the area, speak with the people, and imagine yourself living there.If you can, try to stay there on a holiday to get a sense of life in your desired location.You can visit on a weekend or a day off if you are thinking of moving relatively nearby.If you are thinking of living far away, make sure you have the time and resources to get there and back.
Step 5: Consider the culture.
If you want to enhance your quality of life, learn about the music scene, the party scene and the food scene.Each place has cultural quirks that make it unique.Try to see the trends in why people are moving to a certain place by reading about the ratio of younger people to older people.It's possible that your favorite band or author hails from that city.Maybe you've heard that a city is active and outdoorsy.People who make more than yourself can be more comfortable living around other people in the same income range.If you will be renting or owning a home in your new area, it is a good idea to consult with a real estate agent to get a better idea of the neighborhood.
Step 6: The romance can be seen in a place.
You should find a reason to be excited about the place you're going to live if you make an informed and practical decision.You can create a mental image of what life would be like here, and then decide if that life is something you want.
Step 7: Understand the climate.
Do you want to live in the mountains or near the coast?You can get a good idea of the weather patterns from basic research.Consider the effects of a different climate on your lifestyle and goals.Consider the temperature, precipitation, and air pollution.Seasonal Affective Disorder is a depression that is related to the changing of the seasons.People find themselves most down in the winter when the skies are overcast and cold.If you don't know the climate in a particular area, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has excellent data on everything from temperature to air pollution.
Step 8: There is a risk of natural disasters.
Although it may not be the most important concern, this can help swing your decision.There is a high risk of hurricanes and tornadoes in some areas while other areas have a lot of earthquakes.Some areas are prone to storms while others are not.Inform yourself of the danger so that you can make a decision.
Step 9: Take money into account.
You can afford to move to a place that you want to live in.Your money will go further in some regions than in others.The jobs that you will find in a more expensive area will pay you more.The dilemma is that the places with the most opportunity are more expensive to live in and less likely to be a good place to build a career.Money is not the only factor.You should move to a place that will allow you to support yourself and your family.You should be excited about where you are going.
Step 10: Think about your job.
Take your current and future career into account.To get an idea for what's out there, consider searching for jobs in new cities.There are a lot of jobs in a field that interests you.If you want to keep your current job, it may not be possible to move somewhere that requires a long commute.
Step 11: For your children, make the right choice.
If you will be moving with children or expecting children, you should research which areas have the best opportunities for education.Imagine how the culture and opportunities of a given area will affect the way a child is raised.Pick a place that is stimulating and nurturing for your children to call home.Think about the kind of support system that will be available.It can be easier to raise children if you live near a network of family and friends.If you decide to home school your child, make sure to check out the groups in your area.Some regions are more friendly than others.