Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Community to Live In

There are a lot of different factors that you need to take into consideration when looking for a place to live. If you are moving, then there are probably a number of things that you have already considered, such as:

• Proximity to friends and family
• Weather
• Crime rates
• Traffic congestion
• Activities available

However, there are a number of different things that you may not have given as much thought. You will need to consider the following factors when finding a good community to live, because they can have a major impact on your life.

Employment Opportunities

Chances are that you already have received a job offer in a community that you are considering living in. However, if you haven’t already accepted the offer, then you should consider other available employment in the area.

The unfortunate reality is that job security is very poor in this day and age. If you do lose your job, then you will want a comparable paying position to fall back on. If you have received job offers from employers in different cities, then you may want to prioritize the employer in the area that has more options if things don’t work out. It’s a good idea to live within an hour of a major city, because you will be able to find decent employment opportunities if you need to change jobs.

Probability of a Natural Disaster

You need to also be aware of the risks of natural disasters in any area that you live. Some natural disasters may be a major inconvenience, but won’t cause serious damage to the structure of your house or pose a serious danger to you and your family. Others can be much more serious. You will need to be aware of the risks of natural disasters before choosing a community to live in.

Cost of Living

The cost of living is another major concern that needs to be taken into account, because it varies significantly between different regions. For example, according to The Tax Foundation, in California, consumer purchasing power is 11.43% lower than the national average, while it is a 13.38% higher in South Dakota.

Of course, the cost of living can differ between individual cities as well. In San Francisco, the cost of an average one bedroom apartment is about $3,000 a month, while the cost of a similar apartment an hour north in Sonoma County is about half that. You will need to be fully aware of all costs before you make a decision.

Do Your Research Before Moving

There are many factors that you need to take into consideration before moving to a new community. Make sure that you do your research before making a decision so that you can avoid any unexpected problems such as an unaffordable rent or a natural disaster that can cause a serious hardship for you and your family for months to come.