Finding a New Home: Which City Is Right for My Lifestyle?
From New York to San Francisco to Honolulu, which is the best place to live, and how do you know if you’re making the right choice? When it comes to deciding where to live, the best city is the city that fits into your personal lifestyle, and that’s different for everyone.
How do you decide where to live? Read on for some things to consider when deciding which city is the best city for you.
The Cost of Living
Cost of living is a huge factor you don’t want to leave out of the equation. Do some research on the cost of living when you’re considering any city.
For instance, are you thinking about moving to San Francisco? It’s important to know the median sale price for a home is $1.3 million dollars in the city! That means rents are also exorbitant.
Affordability is a big issue. Take a close look at your income and debt and average monthly budget. Then figure out the cost of living in the city you’re considering.
What are the housing prices? What is the cost of living like? Is the cost of transportation more or less expensive?
San Francisco has more than high real estate prices. Gas, food, and utilities are all higher than the national average.
Location, Location, Location
Location is important for most people. The most affordable place to live doesn’t always translate into the best place for you.
The perfect location varies depending on your lifestyle. If you’re big into outdoor sports like rock climbing, hiking, and skiing, then you’ll love a place like Colorado.
Are you a city person or a country person? Some people hate the idea of the country or even the suburbs. If you’re big into city nightlife, then you may not enjoy the country even if the price is right and the view is amazing.
The location also speaks to traffic. Are you willing to put up with a lot of traffic to get the location you want?
Don’t settle for something you won’t like just because the rent is low. There’s another part of the location equation, and that’s the climate…
Consider the Climate
Some people hate cloudy skies and rain, but for others, snow is the only real dealbreaker. Making the right choice looks different for everyone. Think hard about what you can live with, and don’t be swayed by the cost of living alone unless it’s the most important thing to you.
Airport Access
Do you love to travel? Will you need to travel for work or to see family a few times a year? If travel is important, make sure you have good airport access.
For example, living in Atlanta, Georgia, means access to non-stop flights to almost anywhere in the world.
Which City Is the Best City for You?
Which city is the best city for you? Only you know the answer. When you’re considering a major move, take your time and do your research.
Consider the cost of living, location, climate, and access before you make your big decision.
Are you looking for more lifestyle tips? Check out the lifestyle section of our site!
