Moving from a small town or suburb to a large city can be an
intimidating proposition. Here are a few tips to help make your move as
painless as possible.
Research before you move.
It’s important to understand the culture you’re joining. Do
research online and find out about school systems, neighborhoods, parking,
weather, public transportation, and laws that are native to that area. If you
can, visit a city before moving and connect with someone who’s lived there
before.
Have a plan.
There are a lot of steps to go through before you start
packing the moving truck. Find housing before you leave, or at least know where
you’ll stay while you look for a home. Never sign a lease on an apartment that
you haven’t seen. If you can’t get there, find a friend or an employer to check
for you. Have a job waiting for you, or if that’s not possible, know what
you’ll do for money in the first few weeks of living there. Try to line up
things like driver’s licenses, car insurance, renter’s insurance, and parking
passes ahead of time as well.
Get involved.
Meeting people in a big city can be daunting. Don’t expect
the neighbors to knock your door down with a casserole when you arrive: city
life is often too noisy and hectic. Take the initiative. If there are things
you liked to do in your town, find ways to do those things in the city. Try new
things. Volunteer. Big cities offer so many opportunities to engage other
people, so find what you like.
Mind your wallet.
City life is expensive. Everything costs more: food,
insurance, clothes, rent. There are also a lot more ways to get ripped off,
whether legally or criminally. Be careful how you spend, and know where your
money is going.
