Moving to a New City for a Job? Here's How to Research Your Potential Neighborhoods

Moving for a new job can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Whether you’re relocating for a promotion, moving to a better city, or just need the change of scenery, it’s important to take the time to make sure you have everything in order before making the move. Here are some tips to help ease your transition:

1. Make a Plan: Before packing up and heading off to your new destination, it pays to make a plan. Write down your budget and prioritize which items are most important in starting off your new life — like getting settled into housing and essential furniture items — so you don’t get overwhelmed when you arrive.
2. Get Organized: Packing up and moving can be overwhelming, so it’s important to stay organized. Make a list of the items you have and the items you need to purchase for your new home. Put together an inventory of all your possessions that will be making the move — this will make unpacking easier once you reach your destination.
3. Consider Professional Movers: It may be worth investing in professional movers if you have too many large pieces of furniture or sensitive belongings such as piano, artwork or antiques that require special care during transport. This way, you won’t have to worry about driving yourself across state lines with these heavy items in tow.
4. Research Your New Area: As soon as you know where you’re going, do some research on the area. Look up neighborhood reviews, find out what kind of entertainment and activities your new city offers, and start researching local schools if you have children. The more you know ahead of time, the easier it will be to hit the ground running once you arrive.
5. Network: Moving can also be a great opportunity to expand your professional network. When people hear that you’ve moved for a job in their area, they may be more inclined to help in any way they can – whether it’s giving advice or even helping introduce you to other professionals in your industry. Make sure to take advantage of these opportunities!

Moving for a job is an exciting adventure that can open up a whole new world of possibilities. Taking the time to plan ahead and make sure everything is in order will help ensure a smooth transition and make your move as stress-free as possible. Good luck!

15 ways to find and research the perfect neighborhood to move to, from your computer

1.  Check social media sites: Looking through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can give you a great sense of what’s happening in different neighborhoods around the country. Look for posts from people living in the area, or use hashtags related to your new city to get an insider’s view.
2. Use Google Maps & Street View: Get an up-close look at potential neighborhoods by using Google Maps or Google Street View to virtually explore a potential neighborhood before making a trip out there in person. You can also see if public transportation is convenient or if it's close to any amenities like parks, restaurants or entertainment venues that you might want easy access to.
3. Read local blogs: Local blogs are great resources for getting an inside look at what it’s like to live in different neighborhoods. They can also provide helpful tips about getting around, local events, and other insider information related to the area.
4. Check out neighborhood forums: Whether you’re using Reddit, an expat forum or just searching Google for a neighborhood-specific message board, these forums are great resources for connecting with people who already live in the area and asking questions about their experience.
5.  Search Zillow: Use Zillow to scope out housing options and get a sense of home prices in different areas you’re considering moving to. You can also use the site’s “Neighborhoods” tab to get more in depth information about an area, from average rent prices to school ratings.
6. Connect with locals: If you know someone living in the area, reach out and ask them about their experience. They can provide helpful information about different neighborhoods that you might not be able to find through research alone.
7. Reach out to realtors: Real estate agents and brokers are experts when it comes to the local housing market and can give you valuable insight into what each neighborhood has to offer.
8. Research crime statistics: Check out your potential neighborhood’s crime statistics online or through police department websites to get a better idea of how safe it is before making a final decision.
9. Look at job market data: Do some research into the local job market to get a better understanding of what kind of career opportunities might be available in your new area.
10. Find out about taxes: Research any tax implications associated with the move, such as state income taxes or sales taxes that may apply in different areas.
11. Consider commute times: Get an idea of how long it would take you to get from your potential neighborhood to work and other places you might frequent via car or public transportation.
12. Read reviews online: Yelp, TripAdvisor and Google Reviews are great resources for getting honest opinions from people who have lived or spent time in the area you’re considering moving to.
13. Visit in person: When possible, visit a potential neighborhood in person to get an up close look at what it’s actually like to live there.
14. Research local schools: If you have school-aged children, research schools and ratings in the area to help make sure your kids will be getting a good education.
15. Network with expats: If you’re heading abroad, reach out to other expats who are already living there and ask them questions about their experience in different neighborhoods.

Moving for a job can be incredibly rewarding and offer many opportunities for personal growth and professional development - but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges.

To ensure you make the best decision possible when choosing a new place to live, do your research. Take an up-close look at potential neighborhoods by using Google Maps or Google Street View to virtually explore a potential neighborhood before making a trip out there in person. You can also see if public transportation is convenient or if it's close to any amenities like parks, restaurants or entertainment venues that you might want easy access to. Read local blogs for an insider’s take on what it’s like to live in different neighborhoods, search Zillow for housing options and get a sense of home prices in the area, connect with locals and realtors, research crime statistics, find out about taxes and commute times, read reviews online and network with other expats who have already made the move. Taking the time to understand your potential new neighborhood can make all the difference in the success of your relocation.