f you’ve grown up in a small town, moving to a city could be exciting but also a little daunting. There’s a lot to adjust to including the faster pace and the higher cost of living. This guide points out some of the major ways to prepare yourself when moving from a small town to a city.
Make sure you can afford it
City living can be a lot more expensive – everything from rent to groceries is likely to cost more. Make sure that you are able to afford the cost of living before making your move.
Start by working out exactly what your income is going to be and plan a monthly budget. This will prevent you overspending and getting into debt.
You may have to be prepared to make some cutbacks. This could include living in a smaller property and being more frugal when it comes to planning days out. Some people go as far as to sell their car when moving to a city (this may not be practical in all cities, however in walkable cities with good public transport links it could be worth considering).
Bear in mind that while certain activities in cities may be more expensive, there are often many free activities that you can take advantage of.
Find the right neighborhood
Cities are typically made up of many different neighborhoods, each with their own pros and cons. Some neighborhoods may be cheaper, safer or may simply have more to do locally. It’s worth doing your research to find the right neighborhood for you.
Start by looking into the different types of property found in each neighborhood using sites like Compass. Some neighborhoods may have more properties for sale, while others may have more properties for rent. Some may have more properties aimed at single people and couples, while others may have more family properties.
After this, look into the type of amenities on offer. Some neighborhoods may have more shops and restaurants, while others may have more schools and playgrounds. Having a local park or access to nature could be nice if you’re coming from a small town that is likely to be greener.
Make sure to look into stats such as the crime rate, air quality and noise levels to get a better idea of the standard of living. If a neighborhood takes your fancy, consider visiting it first to make sure that the vibe is truly right.
Look into local transport
Cities tend to have better public transport links and you may find yourself using them more regularly. It’s worth looking into bus routes and local subway stations before moving.
In some cities, you may be able to save money on public transport by buying a special card. This is worth looking into before you move so that you’re not wasting unnecessary money on buses and trains.
Plan ways to meet people
Cities are full of people, but you may find it a lot harder naturally getting to know people than you would in a small town. This is because people tend to keep to themselves more and there’s less chance of bumping into the same person twice. For this reason, it’s worth planning ways of meeting people. This could include joining local clubs, finding sites (such as these ones listed at Paste) that allow you to meet people online or simply hanging out at local bars and cafes. At the same time, don’t forget to nurture your relationships back home.
(Cover Image Source: Pexels)