Do you have a sudden desire to move to a new city? Whether you’re planning to move a few states away or across the country, it’s a big decision that requires careful consideration.

Before signing on the dotted line and calling the movers in Maryland, make sure you do your homework by studying various factors and learning as much as possible about the place where you’ll be building a home. Here are seven crucial points to consider before relocating.

1. Cost of living

To set yourself up for success in a new place, you need to know how far your money will go. Many factors go into this, such as accommodation, transportation, and healthcare, not to mention grocery prices!

Use one of the many free cost of living calculators available online to estimate your monthly expenses. If you have friends or coworkers in the city, it’s also a good idea to ask them for a rough estimate of their budgets. These steps will give you a better idea of the overall cost of living in the area.

2. Education System

There’s more to living in a city than its infrastructure and affordability. If you’re thinking about starting a family or even studying further in the near future, it’s a good idea to look into the educational options in your selected city.

It’s a good idea to look around the neighborhood to see if there are any reputable schools. It’s critical to know whether there are a range of public, charter, and private school alternatives available, as well as how safe these schools are.

You may take it a step further and check out the extracurricular activities these schools provide, and if you have an older child, you can also look into after-school programs in the area.

3. Health Care Facilities

Healthcare is a major aspect that you cannot overlook. No matter how healthy and fit you are, it’s always best to check if the city’s medical facilities are up to mark.

Ensure that your new home isn’t too far away from a general hospital or primary doctor. Moreover, since health insurance companies differ depending on your state, it’s best to cross-check with your insurance provider about any changes.

4. Commute or Nearby Employment Opportunities

Before you move, take a look at the job opportunities in your new city. Get a sense of which industries are more prevalent in the area and what kinds of jobs are available.

You can also analyze their hiring practices. This can be useful for determining whether certain jobs are in more demand at certain times of the year. This way you can ensure your plans align with potential openings.

It’s also a good idea to look into the city’s commute and transit options. Check how far you are from bus stops and train terminals. Is it easy to get a cab? Is cycling a viable option? Is driving tough because of traffic? This is important since you don’t want to be stuck at a place where commuting is time-consuming.

5. Crime Rates

You might be excited about moving to a new city, but don’t make the mistake of overlooking your new city’s crime rate. After all, what good is a move if your life will be in danger?

Do some research online to ensure that you’ll be living in a safe area. It’s also worth noting that most cities have a safe and dangerous side, so figure out which regions are “safe zones” and see whether the areas you’ve narrowed down for your move are on the list.

6. Distance to Support Network

As the saying goes, “Man cannot live on bread alone,”. At any given time, you will require strong support and friendships. See if you have any friends in the city.

Nowadays, social media allows you to communicate with people thousands of miles apart. Contact acquaintances and old friends to see whether they reside in the same area as your desired neighborhood.

Moving to a new place, while thrilling, can sometimes be nerve-wracking, and having familiar faces will help you relax.

7. Culture and Entertainment

Last but not least, to have fun, you need to find activities to have fun. Do a little research on the events, music, or art scene in your city. What festivals or gatherings would appeal to you? Where will you find like-minded individuals?

Don’t settle for less than what you want in life. It’s important to know how your wants and ideals align with the city you’re moving to. Otherwise, life may become quite boring over time.