The transition from a small town or smaller city to a bustling metropolis like New York City or Chicago can be overwhelming. From the higher cost of living and smaller living spaces to the sound pollution and dense population, there are many adjustments you’ll have to make. Here are four tips that will make that transition a little easier.
1. Research and Visit
Twenty percent of moves between 2012 and 2013 were the result of job changes, according to the most recent data from the United States Census Bureau. A better job opportunity with more pay is certainly a reason to make the transition, but it might not be enough to keep you happy in the new city.
Analyze your finances and set a budget to determine what your new standard of living will be. Living in Manhattan is certainly a dream opportunity, but a comfortable middle class lifestyle requires a six-figure salary. The outer boroughs offer greater options to stretch your income, but the tradeoff is a longer commute.
Visiting is also important in order to get comfortable with the flow of life in your new environment. From getting familiar with public transportation to exploring the neighborhood around your new workplace, a visit before the official move will go a long way in managing the nerves and stress inherent in such a drastic change.
2. Downsize Your Life
Cities are built upward, not outward, and space is limited. The average square feet in a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago is 982 versus 2,265 for a single-family home in the same region. If you’re making the transition from a house to an apartment, use it as an opportunity to de-clutter. Sell as much as you can and give away the rest. Unless you’re moving with children, a minimalist lifestyle in the city will make your small apartment seem larger while also helping your bottom line. A storage unit should be a last resort.
3. Socialize
The endless options for dining and entertainment in the city is one of the biggest draws. If you’re making the move alone, research activities and join social groups to meet new friends since it’s very easy to fall into reclusive habits when leaving behind your friends and family.
Big-city living doesn’t mean leaving behind nature either. For example, City Creek, in the center of Salt Lake City, Utah, is a quick drive to the Wasatch Mountains where you can go camping, hiking, fly fishing or skiing.
4. Pace Your Transition
Life moves faster in big cities, and when you’re one in a population of several million, you can feel very lonely. Depression during life transitions such as this is therefore common. The first thing you should avoid is comparing your new environment to your former hometown. Instead, focus on small reasons you enjoy the city. Also, keep in touch with your old friends and family, but don’t turn them into a crutch. And finally, set small goals such as making new friends, exploring different neighborhoods or attending different activities. It will distract you from the loneliness of being in a new place.
Some are born to live in small towns, but for most, the big city life is an unforgettable experience, even if it’s for only a few years. With these four tips, the transition to urban living should be smoother and the experience that much greater.
Information Source: Citycreekliving.com