Research published by Unbiased earlier this year said that Richmond upon Thames, Winchester and Monmouth in Wales were the top three happiest places to live in the UK. Surely though it’s about finding the right location to suit you and your lifestyle. Here’s five key things to consider before you relocate…
Moving to a new location can be both exciting and daunting. There are so many factors to consider when making the decision of where to settle. Do you want to be in the heart of the action, or do you prefer a more low-key lifestyle? Do you have pets that need to be considered? What’s your budget?
Location, location, location
One of the first things you’ll want to consider is the type of environment that appeals to you. Do you want to be in the middle of a bustling town? The suburbs? Somewhere in between? Consider your lifestyle and needs when making this decision. If you’re someone who likes to be in the middle of the action, then you’ll probably want to be in or near a town centre where there’s always something going on. Or, if you’re looking for a more peaceful setting, the suburbs might be a better fit. There are pros and cons to both, so it’s important to weigh up your options and decide what’s best for you.
Cost of living
Your budget is an important factor to consider when deciding where to live. House prices and rental costs, as well as the cost of living, can vary greatly from city to city. If you’re moving for a new job, make sure you have a good idea of how much your salary will be so that you can calculate how much rent you’ll be able to afford. According to property website Zoopla, Britain’s most expensive areas to buy a property outside of London are currently Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol, Bournemouth and Portsmouth.
Weather conditions
Depending on your preferences, the weather can be either a make-or-break factor when it comes to choosing where to live. Scotland may not be ideal if you don’t like the cold, but you may love it if you’re not bothered by chilly temperatures!
The job market & your work situation
If you’re moving for a specific job opportunity, the job market is going to play a big role in deciding where you live. But even if you’re not tied down by a job, it’s still worth considering the strength of the job market in various cities before making your decision. After all, it’s always good to have options. A booming job market also usually means that there are plenty of opportunities for networking, which can come in handy no matter what stage you’re at in your career. On the other hand, if you have a job where you can work from home, then this is less important.
Quality of life
Last but not least, one important factor that doesn’t get talked about enough is quality of life – specifically, how happy residents are with their daily lives in various cities around the country. This is tough to quantify, but there are some cities that just have something special about them – a feeling that makes residents never want to leave. Consider what’s important to you and use that as guidance when making your decision.
Moving to a new city can definitely be overwhelming – there are just so many factors involved in making such an important decision! Hopefully, this list has helped give you some clarity on what’s most important when choosing where you want to spend the next chapter of your life.