Moving to a new city? Then you’ll want to pull up a laptop for this one. Moving to a new city is exciting, but what awaits you can be a mystery. The last thing you want is to leave everything up to chance. Thanks to dozens of online resources, you can be the expert on your new city before you even get there.
Bekins is here to ease your nerves about what lies ahead. Check out these helpful tips to make you feel better prepared when moving to a new city.
Find neighborhood databases for living options.
There are different types of neighborhoods in most cities. Is a subdivision your preferred style of neighborhood? Retirement communities are great for the 55 and over crowd. Maybe an urban area with bustling traffic is where you thrive. Another factor to consider is the style of living you prefer. Are you a second-floor apartment in the middle of town lover? Would you opt for a stand-alone house away from the neighbors? Maybe you’re happy with anything, so long as it’s in a walkable distance to work or your favorite pub. Either way, determine which area of the city will suit you best.
Go directly to the city offices with questions.
Odds are your new town has online resources for new residents on its website. New resident information might include calendars of events, names and contact information for city officials’ offices and even local attractions. Call them up with any other questions or to learn about any rules or regulations that you might be unaware of.
Look into the area’s crime rates.
Safety should always be a top priority, especially if you have children. Sites like Neighborhood Scout and Best Places can help you determine where you’ll be most comfortable. The local police departments might even post this information on their website.
Familiarize yourself with the school districts in the area.
If you don’t have children or aren’t planning to for a long time, it’s still a good idea to be familiar with the school districts in your area. When it comes time to move again, that could be a make-or-break item for buyers. If you are planning to send your kids to private school, you will want adequate information about those options, too. Great Schools is a helpful tool for comparing your options.
Join social media groups specific to your new city or county.Online forums or social media pages are a great way to meet other residents or read about what’s going on in your new city. Being informed about what’s going on around you will make you feel more comfortable in your new home. If you’re a parent, this is a great way to start your search for nannies or babysitters.
Determine your commuter route and learn about the public transit options.Checking out the transit programs is a great idea if you are going to be working in a metro area. Commuting with public transit might save you time and money. Research the routes of buses and trains for leisure activities too. Bikeshare programs have been expanding recently, too.
Reach out to friends or family in the area.Your most trustworthy source of information will be a local. Go through your address book and see if there’s anyone in the area that you might not have remembered. Head to your friend’s house for a visit! If it’s financially possible for you to visit a friend for a weekend in your new city, why not have a mini vacation? Let the built-in tour guides show you the secret gems of the city.
Ready to go? Let Bekins take you there. Contact a local agent today to learn more.
Explain this a little more – Fifty plus? Senior living? I’m not sure what other types of neighborhoods.
