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What Should I Consider When Choosing a New City to Live in?

Diana Bocco
By Diana Bocco
Updated May 17, 2024
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According to statistics, 60% of Americans move at least twice after finishing college. Most of these moves are across state, and almost all of them are to a different city. If you're thinking about joining this group, here are a few tips on how to choose a new city to live in.

The first step in choosing a new place to live is to sit down and evaluate the reasons for your moving. Are you looking to move back closer to family? Do you want the professional opportunities that only a big city can offer? Would you prefer to live closer to nature? Knowing what you want will make it easier to choose your next home. Understanding how your decision impacts your life is also important. If you love New York but your whole family lives in California, are you willing to endure the separation?

Once you have decided why you want to move, the next step in choosing a new city to live in is researching the career field. Is there room in the new city for you? If the market is saturated with professionals in your area of expertise, will you be able to find a job? If you do, will the salary be lower because of the excess of available workforce? The excitement of the new city can fade quickly if you find yourself spending copious hours in search of a well-paid job.

Your next step in choosing a new city is analyzing cost of living, job security, and median income. Your new job may pay more than your current one, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you will be able to live better or afford a higher lifestyle. Do you know what the average rental apartment is like and how much it costs to live there? Is transportation readily available or will you need a car to move around? If you have access to public transportation, how long will your commute be? For example, you should make sure you're OK with the idea of spending time in crowded trains or buses before you make the jump to a big city.

Finally, before choosing a new city to live in, consider visiting the place for more than a few days. Rather than being a tourist, try to become as much of a local as possible. Shop in neighboring supermarkets, take the bus, and buy the newspaper. Try to get a feeling for the place. The more questions you ask before choosing a new place to live, the easier the transition will be.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
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Discussion Comments

By anon51673 — On Nov 08, 2009

Crime and schools are the biggest factors. Even if you don't have kids, a city with good schools will be better off than a city with poor schools.

By malena — On Jan 27, 2008

I'd say weather and family are the two most important deciding factors in deciphering a move, after necessity for work of course. Also, I'd suggest moving to an apartment at first so you aren't locked in to a purchased home from the get go. That gives you some time to "test drive" the place, so to speak without locking yourself into to a mortgage.

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