Moving from a small town to a big city doesn’t have to be scary. It can empower you to live out your dreams, find new career opportunities, and enjoy new experiences. However, there are some things you should think about before making the move.
Find the Best Neighborhood for You
Choosing the best neighborhood will have a major impact on your experience. Before you start moving, take some time to do a little research. There are a few different ways in which you can do this:
- Read blogs and check out websites to see what writers are saying about the neighborhoods and communities they live in.
- Look for YouTubers who are vlogging about their community. They’ll typically share all the best haunts and neighborhoods with you.
- Go on a virtual tour of the city via Google Maps ‘street view’ perspective. Make sure you visit local hang-outs (such as parks) and potential work areas.
- Take some time to visit the area, especially the apartment you’re thinking of renting. Although virtual tours are helpful, they’re also designed to make the property look more desirable. They also don’t tell you anything about issues such as noise or odors.
- Follow local influencers on Instagram or Tik Tok. You’ll find that they’re never short on suggestions about things to do. They’ll teach you a lot about your new city (e.g., favorite pubs, music venues, outdoor pursuits).
Learn about the Cost of Living
The cost of living in a small town is undoubtedly lower than what you’ll encounter when moving to a big city. This will factor into your budget in various ways, such as the cost of groceries and using more utilities for heating or cooling. This is why you’ll want to get a breakdown of your cost of living in an area before moving there.
Check Out the Local Transportation System
One of the best parts about moving to a big city is access to public transportation. Although not every city will offer the same amenities, most offer better access than you’ll find in a small town. Take some time to learn the system and see how it’ll benefit your daily life. By catching public transportation, you’ll save on parking costs and have more free time. The way the local transportation works may impact what neighborhood you choose to live in and where you decide to work.
Plan for New Activities and Hobbies
Moving to a big city means you’ll never find a shortage of things to do (e.g., festivals, live music, art walks, gallery openings, bar hopping). You’ll need to determine a budget for your hobbies and activities so that you can live comfortably in your new city. Before you get too involved, make sure you prioritize your interests, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Reframe Your Quality of Life
While small-town locals think about “quality of life” as peace and quiet, those who live in the city think about the endless opportunities that are available to them. Unfortunately, this quality of life usually comes with more expenses and stress. Sure, life will be busy regardless of where you live, but if you’re near the heart of a metropolis, you may easily get caught up in the energy and begin over-committing and staying out too late.
Final Thoughts
While there are a lot of benefits of living in a big city, there are also some compromises you’ll need to make. Once you’ve taken the time to weigh your options and decide where to move, we’re here for you at 2 Guys and a Van in Chicago, IL. So, when you’re ready, give us a call.