How To Research A New City Before You Move

Moving to a new city is no small task, and it often comes with feelings of both excitement and anxiety. There are a few ways to help ease those concerns; doing the work to learn about the city or cities you’re considering putting down roots will go a long way to ensuring that you’re ready and excited for this step in your journey.

Cost-of-Living Calculators

One of the first steps in researching a new city is understanding its cost of living. This varies quite a bit from state to state, as most have different ways of taxing their residents. Luckily, there are tools available to help you learn what housing and living will cost you. Several websites, such as NerdWallet, BestPlaces, and Numbeo can help you compare expenses between your location and your new home. These calculators break down costs such as groceries, utilities, housing, transportation, and healthcare, giving you a comprehensive view of the the budget you’ll need.

For example, someone moving from Los Angeles to Denver might find that their mortgage costs decrease substantially, due to differences in tax laws and the state’s economic status. However, they may also notice an increase in grocery costs due to different regional pricing and the availability of certain foods and materials. Understanding these differences ahead of time allows you to adjust your financial planning and avoid surprises.

Crime & Safety Ratings

Safety is a big concern for most people when they’re choosing a new city. Thankfully, crime rates and safety ratings are usually available for those who need them. Resources such as NeighborhoodScout, CityProtect, and the FBI Crime Data Explorer provide insights into crime statistics and neighborhood safety levels. There are several factors involved in determining a city’s crime rate, such as the population density and economic conditions of the area, among others. Safety ratings are generally determined by measuring the crime rates of a given area.

Social Media & Online Communities

While statistics and data provide a solid objective view, firsthand experiences offer fantastic insights into the nuances of daily life in a city. Social media and online communities are great resources for gathering this type of information; platforms like Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Nextdoor can connect you with current residents who often post about their experiences and perspectives on their city.

For example, maybe you have a commute downtown for your job, but you’re looking at living in the suburbs. A quick Google search can lead you to the city’s Subreddit, where people might be discussing traffic patterns and how best to avoid them. Or maybe you work from home, but you like to spend part of your day in a cozy coffee shop to get work done. Checking Facebook groups for local coffee enthusiasts and residents might lead to you discovering your new favorite haunt. Engaging with these communities allows you to ask specific questions and receive honest, unfiltered feedback, and has the added benefit of a sense of community, which can be invaluable in a new city.

Visiting in Person vs. Virtual Research

If it’s possible, visiting your potential new city in person can provide a wealth of information that virtual research alone can’t capture; walking the streets, exploring local businesses, and soaking in the atmosphere can give you a genuine feel for whether you'll truly enjoy living there. However, if an in-person visit isn't feasible, virtual research can still be an incredibly effective way to learn about a place before you decide. Utilizing online street views, virtual tours, and local news websites to learn about the city can still help you get an idea of what life there is like.

If you do visit, try to check out neighborhoods at different times of the day. Observing the morning commute, experiencing the nightlife, and exploring weekend activities is a great way to get a feel for the culture of the city. Speak with residents about their experiences, see what they think of the area, ask them questions. Getting local perspective is a great way to learn about the city. If you’ve never toured a home before, this guide is a handy way to learn about what to expect and what to do when you start looking.

Deciding where you want to move is worth researching. The moving process itself can seem daunting, but there are guides like this one out there that can help you get familiar with what to expect. By using cost-of-living calculators, checking crime and safety ratings, tapping into social media and online communities, and visiting in person (or virtually), you can put together a realistic budget and timeline. Thorough research will not only relieve some anxiety, but it can set you up for a successful and fulfilling transition to your new home, as well as potentially connecting you with locals and helping you feel like a part of the community.

To learn more about relocating and buying a home, visit newhomesource.com/learn.