Starting over in a whole new city can be tough. You don’t know anyone, you’re not familiar with the area, and you may not have a job lined up; but it can also be a really great opportunity to start fresh and learn some lessons along the way.
Have you ever felt in a rut, stuck in the same routine day in and day out? If you’re nodding your head yes, then it might be time for a change of scenery. Starting over, especially in a new city, can be challenging. Where do you even begin?
If you’re considering starting over in a new city, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Below are some lessons I’ve learned the hard way from my own experience starting over in a new city - hopefully, they’ll help make your transition a bit smoother.
Accept Every Invitation You Get
When you first move to a new city, you may not know anyone so when you get an invitation to hang out, go to an event, or meet up for coffee, say yes! Meeting more people allows you to find your new group of friends.
Of course, it’s not always easy to put yourself out there, especially if you’re shy or introverted. Even if it’s a little bit scary, it’s worth it to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. You never know who you’ll meet and what kind of friends you might make!
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask a Question
Questions let you get to know someone. When you reach a new place, take a minute to get familiar with your surroundings. If you have a question, that’s a good sign you need to ask someone. It’s always better to ask someone who can help you out like a store employee, than to keep guessing.
Guessing can often lead to frustration and you might not end up getting what or where you need. Ask questions to avoid potential problems and get the information you need to have a successful visit or move.
Talk to Everyone
When you first meet someone you don’t know if you will be friends or not. The best way to find out is to talk to them. Get to know them. See if you have anything in common. You can be friends if you hit it off! If not, then you can just move on and find someone else to be friends with.
Stop Waiting for the Perfect Scenario
It can be tempting to wait for the perfect job, the perfect apartment, or the perfect friend group before you really start living in your new city. The truth is, there’s no perfect scenario. My advice is to just jump in and start making the most of your new life and surroundings.
Get to know your way around, find the best places to eat and shop, and start making new friends. The sooner you start enjoying your new city, the better. So get out there and start exploring!
Start Observing More
One of the best ways to get to know a new city is to simply start observing it. Pay attention to the tiny little details and you’ll start to get a feel for the place. Watch the people, see how they interact, and take note of the things that make the city unique.
The best way to learn about a city is to spend time talking to its residents. Ask them about their work, their lives, their families, and their favorite places in the city. Listen to their stories and you’ll start to get a feel for what it’s really like to live there.
It’s Okay to Be a Tourist
There’s nothing wrong if you’re a tourist in your own city. Visit the landmarks, go on the tours, and eat at the popular restaurants. It’s all part of the experience of starting over in a new place and it ensures a fabulous vacation right where you live. Take some time to walk around. Try to explore your new surroundings. Check out the local museums and restaurants.
Do Your Research
This is apparently a no-brainer, but you must do your research before making the move. What is the cost of living like in your new city? What is the job market like? What is the weather like?
You should also research the different neighborhoods in your new city. What is the vibe of each neighborhood? What is the cost of living in each neighborhood? What types of people live in each neighborhood? Move2Now.com was created exactly for that! Use our website to research what neighborhoods are like and where you think you'd fit in.
Make a Budget
Moving to a new city is expensive. Make sure you have a budget in place before making the move. Once you understand your monthly expenses, you can start to look for a place to live that fits your budget.
If you want an apartment, you may want to start your search online. There are many websites that allow you to search for apartments in your price range. You can even read reviews from other tenants to get an idea of what to expect.
Once you find some apartments that interest you, you will want to visit them in person. This will allow you to see the apartment and meet the landlord if possible. Be sure to ask questions so that you can get a feel for the apartment and office management.
Get a Job
Start your job hunt a couple of months before you move. That way, you can hit the ground running once you’re in your new city.
If you’re relocating to a new city, you might want to reach out to contacts in your network to see if there’s any work available. You might also want to search job boards or recruiters. You can even try social media sites like LinkedIn to see what companies are actively hiring in your new city.
While you’re in the job-hunt, be honest about your plans to relocate. Share what time-frame you’re working with and your preferred job location. That way, you can get more customized job results.
Although you can start your job search early, don’t quit your job until you have a new opportunity lined up. Most employers won’t hire candidates without a job offer.
You might also want to research your new city’s job market before you make the big move. Find out about the wages and salaries in your new city. These factors might influence your move. Try Googling “average salary [city name]” or “average rent [city name].” If you’re willing to take a pay cut, decide how much you’re willing to accept before making the move or even interviewing.
Make Some Friends
One tough thing you face when moving to a new city is starting from scratch. You don’t know anyone and you have to start all over again.
A great way to make friends in your new city is to join meetup groups. There are meetup groups for just about everything these days. Find a group that excites you and go to their events. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make friends when you have a shared interest.
Moving to a new city is like starting all over again, which can be terrifying, but it’s also an excellent opportunity for a fresh start. Do your research, make a budget, and get a job before you move. Once you’re in your new city, make some friends and explore your surroundings.
If you’re considering a new city, don’t be afraid to take the leap. It’s a great opportunity to learn some lessons and make some amazing memories along the way.
