My father grew up in the Pittsburgh area, and just like my cousins after him, he wanted out of there once he was college age. Many others have found themselves in places where winters are unbearable and are ready for a warmer climate. Whether it be to get away from the cold weather or for a new job opportunity, moving to a new state can have serious financial implications. Before you pull the trigger on the move, you should stop and consider some of these things first to save you from any surprises.
What Is the Cost of Living?
Usually, when you move somewhere that has ideal weather, you are going to pay for it. Depending on where you currently live, moving to another state may mean you need to make hundreds of more dollars to continue your current lifestyle. You should research the area you are moving to and determine how much money you need to make to live comfortably and use that as a metric when looking or negotiating the salary for your new job. This also includes how much you will lose out to with state income taxes. CNN Money has a nifty cost of living calculator that can help you get an idea how much more or less you will pay for certain things like groceries.
Are You Prepared for the Change of Weather?
Sure, maybe when you visited the place you wanted to move to during the months when the weather is nice, but have you done it during the summer or winter months. If you are moving into a desert state like Arizona, are you ready to deal with scorching heat as well as the different wildlife? Or if you are moving to a place where it is more humid, are you prepared to deal with bugs like mosquitos? The best thing you can do is experience the worst weather a place has to offer to be sure that it is somewhere you feel comfortable moving to. If you are unable to do so, try to interview others who have lived in the area or are currently living there to get their opinion on the matter.
How Much Will the Move Cost?
Moving can be expensive, especially if you have to break a lease or the market is making it hard for you to sell your home. You should consider how much it will cost to pay movers or how much it will take to move yourself to the new area. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost for a household to make an interstate move is $4,300, which was calculated at a distance of 1,225 miles. Depending on how far you are jumping, the move can cost far more.
What Else You Should Consider
Making a move to another state is a big jump, but it often times is a healthy and more lucrative decision for people. If you are moving with family and already have kids, you will want to make sure that the area you are moving too has good schools. You can also look up demographics in the area to make sure there are other families or individuals in your age group that you can make friends with. In the end, the more research you do about the area, the better. Only you can determine what is best for your family, and all of the tools the internet has to offer are at your disposal.
