If retirement looms just ahead, if you need a more economical place to live, if you are going to move closer to friends or relatives, or if you simply need a change of scenery, then put some thought in what is the best place for you to live.
1. Many organizations each year put together a listing of the top 10 or top 100 places to live. For example, AARP picked the best retirement cities, Money Magazine picked the cities with strong economies, The Progressive Farmer picked the best places in rural America, US News picked the healthiest places and the most affordable communities, and Relocate American picked the top places to live. Why not use their data to start your own research. Look at as many of these lists as you can find on the internet.
2. Now look at what general area of the United States you would love to move to. Would it be sunny Florida or the snow covered mountains in Colorado? How about the northwest, the northeast or somewhere in between? Once you have picked the geographical area, go back to the lists and see what cities in the area you have chosen have already been researched. Pick two or three of these cities.
3. Now look at each city and look at yourself. Do these cities offer the cultural and recreational activities that you enjoy? Do they have the stores that you enjoy shopping at? Do they have the doctors with the specialties that you will need? Do they have a religious center that meets your needs? Will their schools/colleges/universities meet your needs? These are important questions, so think about your answers.
4. Now look at the financial aspect of the city and county. What does housing cost? What are the real estate assessment, sales tax, and state tax rates? How expensive are the utilities? Think about your annual income and your budget &Â also look at travel and transportation aspects. Is there an airport close by? How far would you have to drive to visit your friends and family? Can you drive a short distance to have a weekend away or must you drive about a day to get to interesting and exciting places?
5. Once you have compared your needs and interests to the cities found on the lists in your preferred geographical area, you can probably come to some conclusion. Before making the big move, take a vacation in the city – during the winter and the summer. Ask everyone you see (store clerks, waiters, people sitting next to you in a restaurant, etc.) what they think of the city. And then talk with a real estate agent about the availability of either a house or land.
6. If you do a thorough research of how the city you chose meets your needs, wants and desires, you can probably say you are ready to make the move. Good luck.