In some cases, a new career might necessitate a geographic move. It’s essential to know up front whether you’re willing to relocate and what type of living environment is acceptable. If the hustle and bustle of the city sends you over the edge, then even a dream job is likely to wear thin in short order. On the other hand, if the prospect of shoveling snow or sweating through hot summers paralyzes you with dread, it’s probably best to look for a different opportunity or reconsider your career choice.
Living conditions and climate, of course, aren’t the only factors guiding a decision. There’s also the practical and emotional adjustment of moving away from friends and family—or, if you’re fortunate, closer to them; the cost and turmoil associated with a major move; and differences in housing prices of housing and the cost of living from one region to another. As a result, significant salary and expense differentials exist in areas and cities across the country. Inhabitants of New York City, for example, spend an average of $4,161 per month on rent. The typical household in Santa Fe, New Mexico, shells out $1,245 .
In many cities, a Chamber of Commerce or real estate company can provide the data you need to make a cost-of-living comparison. A growing number of cities also provide online calculators (a Google search for “cost of living” should bring them up). Another source of detailed and reliable data is the ACCRA Cost of Living Index. It covers more than 300 cities and is available from the Council for Community and Economic Research (http://www.coli.org/compare.asp). Reports for two communities cost $7.95, while each additional city using the same origination point (you can include up to five in a single report) costs $4.95. The data is updated quarterly. Other valuable resources include epodunk.com, Places Rated Almanac by David Savageau, and AARP’s “Location Scout” feature.
If you’re serious about making a move, visit the community a couple of times. Bring your partner or other family members. A spouse may want to check out the local job market as well, plus take a look at shopping, recreational opportunities, police and fire protection, hospitals and medical facilities, and other lifestyle amenities. The more you know, the less likely you are to go into shock when the moving van drives away.
Recent Comments