What to Expect When Moving to the Big City
By Curtis Fisher
Small town living isn’t for everyone. Many people dream about leaving their suburban or rural homes and starting a new life in the big city. If you’re looking for a change, this could be the perfect move for you! Living in a big city like LA offers all kinds of exciting opportunities. You’ll discover new cultures, find better work, and expand your social networks. Plus, city living means convenient access to anything you need and endless entertainment possibilities on any day of the week.
Are you ready for a fresh start in LA? In this article, we’ll discuss a few important things to keep in mind as you plan your big move!
Buying a New Home
The first thing you need to consider when moving to a big city is where you’re going to live. Location is an important factor when it comes to your quality of life while living in the home. If you’re not familiar with your new city, talk to someone who is. Get in touch with a local real estate professional like Lauren G. Tizabi who can help you find your ideal neighborhood. Moving.com recommends researching the location’s walkability score, crime rates, and property value trends. You may even want to give your commute a test run during rush hour to get a taste of your daily life after moving in.
If you’re from a small town, be prepared to face higher real estate prices when hunting for a house in LA. Make sure you have a solid grasp of your monthly budget so you can comfortably cover your mortgage payments. With that in mind, you may want to invest in a home warranty so you can avoid unexpected repair costs. A home warranty will typically cover your home systems and appliances. Are warranties worth it on appliances? Check your home inspection report to see if there are any red flags regarding your home systems or appliances. If certain items are nearing the end of their expected lifespan, a home warranty may be worth it to cover the cost of replacements.
Start Looking for Work Before Moving
While big cities offer endless job opportunities for residents, competition can be fierce. Start looking for work before moving so you can get a head start. Research places you would like to work in the new city and start networking with local professionals working in your industry. You can even contact recruiters who work for companies you’re interested in. Recruiters can tell you about a company’s available positions, workplace culture, benefits, and starting pay.
Learn About Your New Neighborhood
Next, do some research into your new neighborhood. Pull up Google Maps and explore the area on street view. Search for local cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, bars, parks, and entertainment venues within walking distance. This can give you a sense of what your daily life will look like in your new location. While you’re researching your new city, find out what steps you need to take to get settled. You can find many resources online to help you navigate the moving process and get set up in your new home.
Meet New People
Once you get settled in your new home, it’s time to get out and make some new friends. Fortunately, city life offers vast opportunities to have fun and meet people. Bustle suggests visiting local shops, going for walks, joining local groups, volunteering for a charity, or attending local events where you can build your social network. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone and put yourself out there!
If you grew up in a small town, moving to the big city can be a significant step outside your comfort zone. Give yourself time to adjust before you judge your new location. As you get settled in, learn your way around, and discover all the wonderful things LA has to offer, you’ll only grow to like the city more!
Are you looking for a new home in LA? Lauren G. Tizabi can help! Call today so we can start looking for your perfect new home. 310-666-1537.