The coronavirus and the restrictions mandated by our political leaders have challenged livelihoods and affected the masses across the globe. The damage has been historic. Most profound may be the fear that has been instilled into our minds. Social distancing and wearing face masks are just the beginning. People are rethinking almost everything in their lives. Many are now moving to the suburbs due to the pandemic to enjoy greater space and privacy. Relocation is now a growing topic on many people’s minds, maybe even yours.
Think about it. People are moving away from crowded cities to more open-spaced suburbs to keep themselves safe. Safety is perhaps the primary keyword of 2020. Social distancing is on everyone’s minds therefore, less crowded places are simply safer. Added benefits are increased privacy, serenity, and less noise.
However, the decision to move to the suburbs means we should consider some important issues. Careful consideration is necessary. That’s what this article is all about. We will list the things you should know before packing up so that you’re making an informed decision. Let’s begin!
1. Power and Other Utilities
Power moves life. We cannot even think about living without electricity, we’re too committed to our electronics. Most suburbs will have their own power company. But if you are thinking about living “off the grid” you need to learn more about generators and their availability in your area.
Your next essential utility is water. Research the options in your target area. In this day and age, Internet access is also considered mandatory for many. The more work you put in when evaluating which suburban area you’d like to live in the better your transition will be.
2. Duration of the Stay
Another important question is about the duration of your stay. At this point, you should sit down and contemplate your long-term plans. It will enable you to write down and figure out all the advantages and disadvantages.
Don’t just pack up and move without thinking through all the different variables. Even though there’s a rush to move to the suburb some are thinking of it as a trial run… which isn’t smart, especially when it comes to your finances. Consider the destination along with your career and family goals. Work towards a solution where they each support one another. No one ever felt bad planning ahead of time even if things don’t turn out as you planned.
3. Friends and Family
It seems pretty obvious but how far will your new suburban home be from your friends and family? Taking this into consideration is vitally important. Realtors know that being near family is a top reason for people to move.
After all, there’s more to life than work. Spending time with loved ones is key to healthy living. Do you have kids? Will your target neighborhood have a good number of other children for your kids to play with? Think through all of these questions as you compare one location to another.
4. Expenses
An obvious consideration is expenses. Best Places does a good job analyzing different locations based on various characteristics. Recently they published this spreadsheet comparing effective tax rates by state.
Taxes are just part of it. What about housing prices? Or utility costs? Create a spreadsheet for yourself and play with the numbers to determine some great options before you actually move. Taking the time now to research costs will be a profitable investment for you down the line.
Final Word
Moving to the suburbs due to the pandemic has been an emerging trend. According to this Harris Poll (article removed), “nearly one-third of Americans are considering moving to a less densely populated area because of the novel coronavirus outbreak.” That’s a big number! Just make sure you consider all the moving pieces before you sign on the dotted line. Time spent now planning and researching will be well worth your effort. Be smart and stay safe.
