Moving to a New City? Here’s a Guide

By Stephanie Haywood

Starting over after experiencing a setback, loss, or major life event can be a challenge — but it can also be extraordinarily helpful when you’re trying to get your mental health back on track.

Finding a new city and home, making connections, and preparing for a fresh start requires some planning. You may also decide to travel a bit to search for the perfect spot to relocate to, which will take some preparations in itself.

Here are a few helpful tips for starting over in a new city after retirement:

Do your research

Unless you already have a city in mind, it’s a good idea to do some research online to compare potential relocation spots. Narrow down the options according to the average climate in the area, the crime rate, and the accessibility to things you need.

Think about the details, such as whether the city has good walkability and what the average sale price is for a home in a desirable neighborhood.

If you have the time and funds, traveling to a few potential cities on your list is a great idea because it allows you to see for yourself what the community looks, sounds, and feels like.

Whether you take a scouting expedition to a college town like Charlottesville, VA, a big city like San Diego, or a historic seafaring town like Gloucester, MA, you’ll have a great trip even if none seem right for relocation.

Rent or buy?

Once you’ve found the perfect city to move to, it’s time to make some decisions.

Will you rent or buy? Do you want apartment living that comes with no responsibilities, or a rental home that allows for a bit more freedom but requires lawn upkeep?

What kind of community do you want to be a part of? There are several areas that are open only to older adults, making it easier to socialize and support one another, and while some come with health or emergency care options, many are simply quiet communities built specifically for retirees.

Want something more private? Start thinking about your home buying options and what you’ll need to prepare for the loan process.

Find the right movers

When you’re ready to start the actual moving process, you want a company that understands your needs and will work with your budget.

It’s easy to find great movers online these days, but make sure you read reviews of their work before asking for a price quote and get the quote in writing –– in person.

Legitimate moving companies will never give an estimate over the phone, and they’ll want to come by your home to assess the rooms beforehand. This is a great opportunity for you to take stock of everything as well, so you can start to declutter and prep the rooms for packing.

Consider building something of your own

Starting over in a new city can be daunting, especially if you don’t know anyone. Once you’re moved in, you might consider starting a business of your own.

This is a great way for a retiree to pad a nest egg, and it will help you make connections in your community while you get to know a new city.

There are several options for senior-led businesses these days. For example, you can get started in Arizona [editor’s note: this blog’s home state] with a detailed business plan that outlines your ideas, business structure, and financial projections. This will act as a guide for you and for potential investors who need to know exactly what the business will entail.

Moving to a new city is a big job, so planning well is crucial. Start by choosing the right community, stick to your budget as closely as possible, and find support from new friends as you start to make connections.

Author Bio:

Stephanie Haywood is happy to be living her best life. Personal development and self-care gave her a boost when she needed it most, and now she works to share the gift of self-knowledge, self-care, and self-actualization with everyone who visits MyLifeBoost.com

Top photo of Gloucester, MA, fishing harbor, from gloucester.ma-gov