Seven important considerations when moving to a new city
Moving to a new city is a big decision. It will change your life in ways you expect and others you didn’t. We all have different considerations for what we want for lifestyle, work, and access to amenities and recreation. No matter where you want to live and what you want there, it’s important to evaluate the seven following variables.
1. Safety
Safety for you, your family and your home are of primary importance. None of us want to move to an area with crime problems or where it’s unsafe to walk the streets at night.
The New Zealand Police website has a useful resource that shows you the crime activity in each area of the country that may affect your personal safety. Visit Crime Snapshot to see at a glance what’s going on in the city where you’re considering making a move. You could also contact the local police station if you want more detailed information or if you have any concerns
2. Cost of living
Cost of living is a hot topic right now, and it’s equally as important as safety. It’s also a challenge to anticipate what the cost of living will be like. For example, Auckland may have high property and rental prices, but it tends to offer better work opportunities and rates of pay, which offset the higher cost of living.
Once you’ve estimated the cost of rent, mortgage payments, food and utilities, you’ll also have to consider lesser expenses, which add up over time. These include things like commuting to work or taking the kids to school, toll roads, and the cost of local services. Don’t forget to factor these costs into your budget.
3. Employment
Once you have an idea of your cost of living, you’ll need an income to support it. It’s vital to know what job opportunities exist for your skills and experience and if you’ll need certain qualifications or more training. The Government Careers website has a useful search tool to give you an idea of what job opportunities are like in the current market. Visit Job Profiles to search for jobs by type.
4. City size
We have big variations in town and city sizes across the country. Auckland, for example, supports a third of our population alone. Taihape, which supports a large rural community, has fewer than 2000 permanent residents. So size becomes a factor for access to amenities and services, but you also need to consider population density. You’ll need to find the right balance between being crowded and noisy or not having enough services.
5. Culture and recreation
Culture and recreation opportunities are also a big consideration. This isn’t limited to opportunities to eat out and entertainment. It also includes the ‘vibe’ of the city. Do you prefer meeting friendly, outgoing people or communities that are quiet and reserved? Do you enjoy what a city has to offer in nightlife or activities that get you outdoors? Is the city known for being conservative or progressive in its culture?
6. Transport
It’s fair to say that getting around our cities varies from place to place. You’ll need to consider how you’ll get around when you move. Will you need a car? Can you walk everywhere? Or is there good public transport?
7. Schools
If you have children, you’ll want the best available schooling for their education. Find out what schools are available in your area. The Government’s Education Counts website has a handy tool to show you all the schools in your area and give you information about each one. Visit Education Counts to quickly see what’s available.
Conclusion
By now you’ll have seen that there are many points to consider ahead of moving to a new city or town. Once you’ve chosen your new home, the final consideration you’ll need to make is how you’ll get there. That’s when you’ll need a moving company that can move you between cities. We’re nationwide, so give us a call when you need a quote.