• Cost Of Living – The cost of living of  area is an important factor but not everything.  You must consider the cost of things like housing, utilities, transportation, and what your salary will be like in your profession.   Would you really be doing that well making $100,000 in New York City if your rent was $2500 a month? You’d probably be doing better than most average workers but you’d still probably be just doing slightly better than getting by. Another example is if you’re living in the midwest and making $50-$60k you’d be doing really well and better than probably 70% of the average worker.

• Growth - Can you grow in your personal and professional life there? What good is moving into a place where you have no opportunity to develop your personal and professional life.

• Quality Of Life - There is no cost you can put on a good quality life.   What activities are there to do? Do you like museums? Do you like lots of types of restaurants? Is the shopping good? How’s the weather?  How’s the traffic? These all  some of the things that may or may not contribute to the quality of life you will have in a area.

• Culture – Even in the USA people are different everywhere.  People tend to value different things in different areas of the country. In the Midwest states of Kentucky and Indiana many people tend not to have college degrees, marry young and make low wages . Those areas are not very diverse and prejudice seems more common than diverse metropolitan areas like NYC or Chicago.

Moving Your Things Tip

• Move Your Stuff As Needed – It helps if you’re able to move all of your possessions immediately. If you can’t do that and are lucky enough to have relatives that will let you store your belongings it makes it easier. Moving things gradually eliminates the hassle of hurrying to move everything and being overwhelmed to deal with a huge move.

Apartment Hunting Tips

Every renter should ask his or herself these things before moving into a new apartment.

• Cost – Cost is an important factor but not the most important factor to consider when looking for a new apartment. You’re better off paying a slightly higher price and living in a better neighborhood than having cheap rent and living in a bad neighborhood.

• Location – Location is by far the most important factor to consider when looking for a new apartment. Do you want to live close to work and avoid the hassle of a long commute? Is the neighborhood the apartment is in safe? Is the apartment close to the shops/businesses I like to frequent? Is the apartment close to public transportation if you need it? How are the people in the neighborhood/apartment complex?

• Extras – This isn’t really an important factor to me but I thought I would include it anyway. Do you want a gym/pool/clubhouse etc…? Be prepared to pay extra if you want extras which really aren’t necessary or worth the additional cost.

Other Tips

• Learn As Much As You Can About The Area – Education yourself about a city as much as possible before you make the move is really a good idea. I wish I was better prepared when I made my last move.

• Things To Do – When it comes down to it when you’re not working you’re going to want to do things. It helps if you have an idea of what attractions and amenities that a city has available. Knowing what outdoor attractions, museums or businesses a city has well better help you get a feel for the city.

• People Are Different Everywhere – I have to say this people are different everywhere. The attitudes and philosophy differ of people no matter what part /region/state/city you live in. For example a person in living in San Francisco, California will have a different outlook on life than someone from Mobile, Alabama. You will soon come to understand the differences between your old home and new home.

These tips summarize what I’ve learned about relocation for employment over the past few years.