3 Important Things to Consider Before Moving to a New State

3 Important Things to Consider Before Moving to a New State

Moving to a new state is an exciting experience. Whether you’re moving for a new job, an educational opportunity, or a simple change of scenery, you’ll be glad you took the plunge to shake up your surroundings. Of course, navigating an interstate move is rarely easy. Such a big move is bound to be stressful, especially if you’re not sure what to expect when you arrive in your new home. Ensure your move goes smoothly by considering a few important questions first, listed here by Ross Mortgage Company.

Where to Live and How to Find an Online Doctor?

First things first, you need to find a home. Long-distance house hunting doesn’t have to be a drag. Moving.com suggests getting in contact with a knowledgeable realtor who is familiar with the city and can assist your decision-making. Of course, you’ll need to secure financing for purchasing your new home. If you’re moving to Massachusetts, the local mortgage professionals at Ross Mortgage Company can help. 

Besides talking to your real estate agent, do some research on your own as well. A simple internet search of your desired city will yield plenty of information about the local job market, crime rates, school districts, cost of living, walkability scores, and more. Read local guide books, explore different neighborhoods on Google Maps, and chat with residents on local forums. Google Street View is a fantastic alternative to visiting an area in person. Walk around the neighborhood virtually to get a sense of what the community has to offer. 

Living in a new state also means finding a new doctor. This isn’t the easiest time to do so, with all the things and time that moving entails. It is possible, however, to connect with a doctor online via telehealth services. When you book a virtual doc visit, you can quickly and conveniently discuss medical matters with a board-certified doctor wherever there’s an internet connection. This service is covered by most major insurance providers, assuring that you’ll be seen and cared for, including getting prescriptions and prescription refills.

What Are You Going to Do for Work?

Next, you need to think about work. Research the local job market in your new city and find out what kind of work is available. If you’re looking in a very competitive city, you may want to start networking with potential employers now. Reach out to people you know in your new location and ask if they know about any open positions. Professional social media sites like LinkedIn are great for this purpose.

If you want to take advantage of this big move to make a career change, go for it! Look for work in another industry or start a business of your own. Launching your own business will give you much more control over your professional life. If this sounds like something you want to do, put together a business plan detailing all of the steps you need to take to get off the ground. Include a description of your company and what you offer to consumers, information about your competitors, your marketing and sales plan, and how you plan to structure your business. 

Are You Prepared for New Living Costs?

Moving to a new state almost always means a change in the cost of living. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a reduction in your living costs, allowing you to put more money towards your financial goals. If you’re moving to a more expensive area, however, you will need to adjust your budget accordingly. 

Start by researching the cost of living in your new state. Living in Massachusetts, you can expect to pay $366,800 for a typical home, $3,544 for groceries (for a single adult), $812 for gas and energy goods, and $3,339 for healthcare. Remember to account for your moving costs as well. According to MoneyGeek, the average cost of a cross-country move is $3,500. Start planning your move early so you can shop around for deals on moving services.

Moving to a new state can be scary, but it’s also very exciting. Planning ahead will make it a lot easier to navigate this transition while keeping your stress under control. Once you’ve found a new home, secured a new job, and planned for new household expenses, you’ll feel ready for this fresh start!

When it comes to refinancing or purchasing your home, Ross Mortgage Company provides unparalleled service and results. Contact us today for more information! 508-986-6100