Taking the Road to a Fresh New Start

You have the opportunity to start fresh in a new city with all of its opportunities and challenges. It is a big decision to make, but it can be one of the most rewarding ones. It offers you the chance to try and do some things that you have always wanted to do, explore new hobbies, meet new people and make new friends. But now, Scates Real Estate shares some strategies for working out the nuts and bolts of making the actual move.

Find a Place to Live

It is much easier to find a place to live in a new city than it was in years past, with so many homes for sale and rent you can view online. Now, you can research houses and neighborhoods online, too. One popular method is to use Google Street View to see what the neighborhood looks like from an aerial view.

You can look up facts about neighborhoods you’re considering by using the website NeighborhoodScout, which gives you all kinds of demographic information and more. You should also work with a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the area. They can guide you to the best areas and choices depending on your work and personal needs.

Decide Whether to Rent or Buy

Choosing to rent rather than buy when you’re deciding to move to a new city can be a smart move. You’ll have a lot less stress not having to deal with the home-buying process immediately, and you can have some time to look at the different neighborhoods in your new city to make sure you’re choosing just the right area for you when you do buy.

Do your research ahead of time to find out the average rental prices in the area, what types of homes are available, and what amenities are offered. You can also find reviews from other renters who have lived in the property before, which is helpful if you're not familiar with the city or if you're renting long-term instead of short-term.

If you decide to purchase a home in the West Metro, Twin Cities area, contact a real estate professional from Scates Real Estate to get your house hunt started.

Cultivate a Supportive Environment

People need fresh starts for a variety of reasons, but making better choices is usually easier when you have a good support network surrounding you. Whether you want to move closer to good friends and family, support from a therapist, or even an alcohol or drug rehabilitation center, find those necessary resources and make yourself comfortable.

Pursue a New Job and Professional Development

You may have moved for a job, but if you didn’t then finding one is probably high on your list of things to do. Now that you are in the area, you can visit places as well as look online for job postings. Try networking with people at local mixers to find out who is in need of someone with your skills.

Now might also be a great time to build up your professional skills by going to college. Many accredited colleges and universities now offer online programs where you can attend classes in your own time. Online coursework is a great option if you are interested in getting a bachelor’s degree in IT. You will learn about networking, data analytics, web development, and more through these programs.

If You’re Starting a New Business

If you don’t want to find a new job, try making one by starting your own business. Take some time to research what kind of businesses are already present in the area, what kind of industries are thriving, and what kind of market share you might be able to get. You’ll also want to consider things such as the cost of living, taxes, and even the availability of talent.

You’ll have an easier time structuring your business as an LLC because, besides the fact you’ll be protecting your personal assets and gaining tax advantages, it’s something you can do yourself by using a formation service instead of having to hire an attorney.

You'll also need to decide how much space you want for your office and where the best place would be for this - is there enough room near your house? Do you want to rent an office space or get an apartment with commercial space on the side? A real estate agent can be helpful with that information, just be sure and find one with experience in business real estate.

Feeling at Home

If you are new to a city, it may be difficult to find people to spend time with. One of the best ways to do this is by joining local clubs or groups. Meetup.com helps you connect with people in your area who are curious about the things you love. There are groups for hikers, gamers, writers, artists, and just about anything that might interest you.

You can also volunteer for a cause or group that you feel passionate about. It’s a sure way to meet people who share your interests.  It will not only help you meet new people but also give you a sense of belonging in your community.

Find a New Place and Settle In

Moving to a new city can be a great way to make a fresh start. New environments offer the chance to have new experiences and meet new people, which can help you feel more inspired about life in general. Plus, moving to a new city is an opportunity for you to get out of your comfort zone and do things that you might not do if you’re living in your hometown. With some proper research into how to find a place to live, how to make the best business decisions, and where to find people you can connect with, your fresh-start move could be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.