Moving is a time of significant transition whether you are moving long-distance, or simply down the street. One of the more jarring lifestyle moves is moving from the city to the suburbs. Whether it’s to start a family or just to get out of the hustle and bustle of city living, there are some key differences to be aware of when making this move. Check out these 6 tips to make the most of your new environment.
- Think Ahead When Selecting Your Home: The most common reason for a move from the city to the suburbs is to settle down and start a family. When selecting the perfect home, take the time to not only assess your current needs, but think about the future. Moving with a small child can be even more difficult, so make sure that you have a home with the number of bedrooms and spare areas to account for office space and children’s bedrooms. Doing the planning beforehand will help you to settle into your perfect home for as long as you need it.
- Know Your Neighborhood: After you settle in on the perfect sized home for your needs, make sure you buy it in the area that is best for your needs. Think about things like safety of the neighborhood and the school zoning map when deciding where to purchase your home. The difference between one neighborhood or the next one over could make be the difference between quality public schools or having to spend thousands of dollars on private education.
- Learn About Your Association: Another important consideration in moving to the suburbs is finding out about your association. Though the fees might be obvious, it is also important to find out about the codes for the neighborhood and how strict they are in enforcing fees and penalties. Evaluate what you can realistically put up with as well. Even though the annoyance of getting notices for upkeep of your hedges or driveway can be significant, living in a neighborhood that is stricter on such violations helps with your property value if you can handle it.
- Outfit Your Outdoor Space: Whether you are moving to a suburb of your current city or moving out of the country, one thing is typically in the pros column of making this move: space. Have a plan to take advantage of your newfound yard and outdoor space and tailor it to your interests. Like to lounge? Get some new patio furniture. Like to cook? Build and herb garden. Give yourself something to be excited about with your new space to help with your transition to a slower pace of life.
- Assess Your Access: Just because you are leaving the city doesn’t mean that you will want to or need to quit the lifestyle you had cold turkey! When moving to a suburb, or picking which one to move to, take a look at your access to the nearest city. Look for suburbs that have train or easy highway access. Not only will this help your social adjustment but is also useful for future job transitions that may require you to commute.
- Find Friends: Thankfully, with the internet and social media, it is easier than ever to get plugged into a new community and find friends that share your interests. If this is your first move out to a suburb, there are a surprising amount of people that are going through the same transition for you to connect with. Even though, many neighbors don’t interact the way they used to, there are avenues to find friends that fit your needs with your move to the suburbs.