There are a lot of reasons why people need to relocate: finding a new job, improved educational opportunities, moving closer to family, or simply wanting a fresh new start – even if you’re staying within the same state! With so many options and factors, it can be difficult to decide where to live.
You want to make sure you’re making the right choice. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding where to live.
Cost of living
Affordability is arguably the most crucial factor in choosing where to live. An area’s affordability impacts every aspect of living; from housing, food, utilities, transportation, health care, and even entertainment options. Compare the monthly cost of living between areas to see how far your paycheck can stretch.
Weather and climate
The weather in your new city will impact your lifestyle and your ability to enjoy the things you love most. For instance, if you’re tired of the cold and snow, moving somewhere with a warm and temperate climate would be preferable. When evaluating potential places to live, look at the average temperatures, humidity levels, and precipitation rates in addition to other weather-related natural disasters (e.g., heavy storms, tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.) and choose carefully.
The Bay Area has a fairly temperate climate. It’s located in a warm-summer Mediterranean climate zone that usually has dry, warm to hot summers and mild to cool winters.
Professional opportunities
Even though remote work is increasing, you still want to make sure you live in an area that provides plenty of networking and job opportunities. Relocating to an area known for a specific industry can provide unique opportunities to work with like-minded people and further your career. It’s why actors congregate in Los Angeles or New York City and programmers and engineers still flock to Silicon Valley.
Your lifestyle
Your current lifestyle will largely factor into where you will want to live. New graduates or early professionals may prefer to live in larger cities with plenty of job opportunities and lively nightlife or other entertainment. Conversely, if you have young children or plan to have them, a home in a suburb with good schools and plenty of yard space would be ideal.
Access to entertainment, recreation, and cultural activities
We often don’t take full advantage of all the activities a city or town has to offer, but it’s better to have the option of doing something than no options. Consider all of the things you like to do and look for areas that provide the most opportunities to enjoy them. One of the best things about living in the Bay Area is its easy access to a lot of fun activities regardless of what you’re into. You have the choice of several cultural events, shows and concerts, dining and nightlife, and even outdoor recreation within easy driving distance.
Proximity to family and friends
Whether you want to be as close to family or friends as possible or would prefer to be far, far away, proximity to family and friends is another consideration. Do you find it exciting to start fresh in a new city without knowing anyone? Do you prefer being within the same city as your family or would you be happier with some distance between you?
Finding the right place to live doesn’t have to leave you feeling like Goldilocks. By considering these important factors before moving, you’ll feel more confident you’ll land in the right place.
Have you’ve decided the San Francisco Bay Area is the place for you? SummerHill Homes has several new home communities in the Bay Area with new homes available for sale. Start your homebuying journey by visiting us at SummerHillHomes.com to view available homes, virtual tours, and schedule a private tour. Get ready to find your new home!