How to Determine the Best Place for You to Live
- 1). Narrow your choices. It will be easier to figure out the best place to live if you have some cities in mind or at least an area of the country. You might make this list based on population, weather or people you already know who live in each place. Use resources, such as the "Kiplinger" magazine "Find Your Best City Test" to help if you're having trouble (link given in Resources).
- 2). Check out available jobs in each city you're considering. You will likely need to find a job once you get there or maybe even before you move. Find out if your current company does transfers or start looking at classified ads in each city's local newspapers.
- 3). Compare the new cities to where you live now. What you dislike about your current city ideally would not be an issue in the new place you go. For example, if you hate frigid winters, then you'd want the new place to have mostly warm or mild weather. If you're bored by small-town life, the new place should be a busier, larger city.
- 4). Factor in your life situation. Some places are better for raising a family, while others are best suited for young professionals or retired people. Consider the nature of the place and your life situation before moving.
- 5). Look into the cost of living for the places on your list. In some cities housing costs might be down, while in other locations they are higher. How much it costs to live somewhere should be a consideration to ensure you will be able to afford it once you move.
- 6). Visit each place you're considering moving to. Walk or drive around the city and try to get to know a few neighborhoods. Use the public transportation, eat at several restaurants and check out the night life to help you determine if you'd like to live there.
