Moving can be stressful (in fact, many people say it’s more stressful than divorce or death of a loved one), but it can also be exciting. Discovering a new city, making new friends, and getting involved in a whole different culture provides excitement and a lot of independence.
Moving can also be expensive and challenging, so you don’t want to jump into the decision. How can you know whether you should move to a new city and start all over again?
Well, we’ve compiled a list of 7 signs that it’s time for you to get up and move to a new city. See if any of these signs sound like you. If they do, or if you want them to, then you know your answer.
1. Affordability
Not all cities are created equal in terms of affordability. New York, San Fransisco, and Boston are notoriously expensive cities to live in.
If you’re finding that most of your money is going towards rent or mortgage payments, so much so that you’re struggling to make ends meet, then you might not have a choice but to move to a more affordable city.
The good news is there are literally hundreds of cities to live in that are both affordable and fun. All you need to so is find movers now!
2. You’ve Never Lived Anywhere Else
Most American adults end up living quite close to where they grew up, usually within mere miles. Some move away for school or college and then end up right back where they spent the majority of their lives.
While this works for some people, for others that’s a terrifying thought. If you find yourself dreading the idea of living in the same place you’ve lived your entire life, then that’s a sign that it’s time to try someplace new.
Even if you feel content where you are and where you grew up, it might be a good idea to push yourself anyway. You’ll never know if you’ll prefer living somewhere else if you don’t try!
3. You Think About Moving Constantly
This might seem obvious, but people seem to forget that your own desires are enough of a reason to do something. Thinking constantly about moving somewhere else or even just wanting to move is a sign, and a good enough reason, to pick up and go.
There’s a reason you can’t stop thinking about it. Listen to yourself!
4. Getting Closer to (or Farther Away From) Your Family
These are two opposite signs that are both valid reasons why you should try a new city.
If you want, or need, to be closer to your family and they live in a different city, that’s a sign you should go there. Whether you want to be closer to see them more often, a family member needs help, or you need support from them, moving closer to family is a common reason to move cities.
However, moving to a new city can also be a way to get away from your family. Perhaps you had a huge falling out or certain family members have become a toxic part of your life. Or, perhaps you just need some distance in order to feel independent and self-sufficient.
Whatever the case is for you, family matters can push you to move cities.
5. You Want to Change Careers
Not every city is going to have the same job opportunities. If you want to work as a fisherman, for example, then Kansas City isn’t your best option.
While that example is a bit extreme, you understand what we’re saying. You could be stuck in a city that doesn’t have enough job opportunities for the career you want. Moving to a new place could open up your career path and make it easier for you to get where you want to be.
6. Somewhere Else Is Calling to You
Some people just feel a certain calling to a city or a part of the country. We all know those people who just know deep in their soul that they want to live in New York City.
Do you have a city that feels like it’s calling your name? Have you always dreamed of living in Chicago or Orlando or Austin? Can you just picture yourself in a certain city for no particular reason except that you feel like you’d fit in?
Even though it might seem illogical, that’s a definite sign it’s time for you to move to a new city.
7. You Want to Take a Risk
Moving under normal circumstances is no easy task. Moving to a brand new city is a whole monster in itself.
But taking a risk and changing your entire life is something that some people seek out. If you’re wanting to break out of your normal routine, spice up your life, and take a risk, moving to a new city is a great way to do that.
There are also only certain times in your life where this type of risk is feasible. Not everyone with kids, a significant other, or a steady stable job can uproot their life and move. If you’re at a point in your life where taking this type of risk is still an option for you, you should go for it while you can.
7 Signs You Should Move to a New City: Bottom Line
Moving to a new city isn’t something to do on a whim. You’ll have to plan, pack, say goodbye to your friends, and start over. But if you notice any of these 7 signs cropping up in your life, then a move to a new city might be for you.
While it’s definitely scary to uproot your life, there are so many awesome benefits to moving cities that it’s a fun and exciting choice as well.
If you’re looking for some moving and traveling hacks to make the move easier, check out our blog. We’ve also got some great home-related articles for setting up your new place.