Where Should I Live?
By Chaz Kyser, Special to THE BLACK COLLEGIAN
Choosing where to live is yet another decision graduation often
demands us to make. Do we stay put for a while, move back to our
hometown, to a city we’re familiar with, or one we’ve just seen on a
map?
If you are thinking about moving to an entirely new city for
career-related reasons, applaud yourself for your bravery. It takes guts
and a lot of faith to move somewhere new. Apparently, the United States
is filled with lots of brave people. According to the Census Bureau,
more than six million people move each year for career-related reasons.
There will be pros and cons to any move you make, whether it is
across town or across the nation. Make sure you’ve done your research on
a city before you decide on taking that leap of faith. Consider the
following factors:
1. The People: It doesn’t make much sense to move to a place
that doesn’t have more than a handful of people you would feel
comfortable spending your free time with. Find out the following
information from the city’s official website before you start packing
your bags: The racial breakdown of the city; the male to female ratio;
and age demographics.
2. Cost of Living: If the salary you’re offered in a certain
city seems unusually generous, the chances are it’s not just because
they like you—the cost of living may be exceptionally high. This means
that the salary you receive may have less spending power than that
offered by another company in a different city. Before moving to a city
you know little about, compare the prices of certain things you know
you’ll need and have to pay for. Consider the following information: The
cost of housing, including hotels and motels; the cost of car insurance
and gas; tax rates, including state, local, and property taxes; the cost
of utilities, including electricity, water, gas and phone service; and
the cost of food at grocery stores, fast food places and restaurants.
3. The Job Market: How long you’ll stay with a particular
company is uncertain. If you move to a city just because of a job offer
it’s important to know that there will be other job opportunities in
that same city should you decide to quit that job, but stay in the same
location. Call the city’s local Chamber of Commerce to find out the
following information: How many companies like the one you may work for
are in the city; the average salary for your occupation in the city; the
unemployment rate and the rate in your field in that city; and if there
is growth in your field in that city.
4. Housing: Whether you have your own place or share a
residence, housing costs can take a huge chunk out of your salary. The
average cost of a one-bedroom apartment can vary by as much as $1,000
depending on what city and neighborhood you live in. The salary you
receive should allow you to afford a low to moderately priced apartment
or house in a relatively safe neighborhood, preferably no more than 30
miles from your job. Check the city’s local newspaper to find the
average prices for apartments and houses.
5. Climate: Think about your climate preferences and the
city’s average climate. Luckily, most U.S. city climates follow the
normal pattern of having a spring, summer, fall and winter. But think
about how happy you would be if you moved to one of those cities that
stays extraordinarily cold, hot or rainy for longer than just three
months, or suffered from droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes.
6. Crime: You don’t want to live in a city or neighborhood
where people tell you to stay inside after dark. Talk to people in the
community about how safe they feel living there. At nighttime, visit
the neighborhoods you are considering living in. You should also find
out the following information from the police department or a website
they can direct you to: The crime rate in the city and in the
neighborhood you plan to live; what types of crimes occur most; the
number and percentage of crimes during the last year against women.
7. Education: You never know when you will get the urge to get
another degree or just take some interesting classes. You might hate
having to commute to another city to do this. Check to see if there are
colleges or universities in the city that you can afford and would want
to attend.
8. Recreation/Entertainment: You don’t want to be bored out of
your mind in a city, regardless of the money you’re making. While you
don’t have to live in a major city that has tons to do at all hours,
residing somewhere that has enough recreation and entertainment spots to
fit your needs is important. Find out if there are an adequate amount of
malls, movie theaters, museums, night clubs, restaurants, parks and
libraries to fit your taste. If there are any particular activities you
enjoy, such as going to dance classes, find out how many places offer
them.
Also of Interest
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