Plenty More Cities In The Sea: The Right Way To Relocate To A Cheaper Area
In the modern age, it isn’t unusual for young people to find they can’t afford house or rent prices in their home town. It’s a devastating reality which is ruining communities. But, there’s no getting around the fact that outside buyers cause house prices to rise. Thus, locals have no choice but to move away when they come of age.
If this is a reality you’re facing, you may be considering a move to another state. We’ve spoken before about cities with money-saving benefits, and these are well worth considering. But, even seemingly cheap areas could cost you if you jump into a move. The main risk, of course, is that you relocate to an area which doesn’t suit.
Make sure that doesn’t happen by doing your research into all the areas you’re considering. To help, we’re going to look at some of the main steps you can take before you sign on the dotted line.
Learn as much as you can about the area
When you’re in the deliberation stages, learn as much as possible about potential areas. The best way to do this is to spend time there. Take a long weekend in each of your top three areas. Take time to explore neighborhoods and get a real feel for the place.
It may also be worth heading online. This is the best way to get into the nitty-gritty of a place. You could research local news, and see what crime rates are like. You could also look at pictures and videos of the city in question. Sites like https://www.hdcarolina.com would be a huge help if you’re considering Carolina as a possibility. Here, you’ll find the chance to watch videos set in the area. If New York is more your cup of tea, keep an eye on https://twitter.com/NYCDailyPics. Here, you can see regular pictures of the area. Using resources like these, you can build a fair idea of any destination.
Know the housing market
It’s also crucial you take time to learn about the housing market of each option. This is for two main reasons. 1) You don’t want to spend above the odds. Making misinformed purchases could see you doing just that. 2) You need to be sure that the area will actually work out cheaper. So, don’t hesitate to head to sites like https://www.trulia.com, where you can gain an accurate idea of prices in each area.
Apply for jobs beforehand
Another major mistake would be to move before you get a job. Again, the risk here is that you would have to move again when you couldn’t keep up with rent. Thus, you’ll be out of pocket, and having to pay a deposit etc. Instead, reach out to companies before you move, and ask them to take a look at your resume. In an ideal world, you’ll have a job offer on the table before your moving day. Even if not, you can be sure one will come your way if you act well in advance.