Tips For Moving From the Suburbs to the City

Moving from the quiet suburbs to the loud city is daunting. Whether the reason for the move is for business or personal, it’s time to move into the big city. The suburbs and cities are different and you’ll need to adjust accordingly, both mentally and physically. There are going to be some big changes in your life. Here are some tips to help you adjust when moving from the suburbs to the city.

Unless you have a lot of money, your options will be limited on what you can afford. Most apartments in cities tend to be much smaller than suburb apartments for the same price. When you start to look for a new place, don’t get discouraged that you’re unable to afford a large, lavish apartment. The cost of living in the city is much more than the suburbs. So, look at all your items and try to downsize. You can sell your items and earn extra cash. You can also store them if there are items you don’t have room for but you also don’t want to sell. Downsizing is a cleansing experience--you’ll feel lighter when you have less items.

When you move into the city, it’s a good idea to sell your car. Paying for parking can add up and there are strict parking rules--if you don’t follow them, your parking tickets can add up as well. Cities are crowded and you won’t get anywhere fast in a car anyway--you'll get to your destination faster by walking. You should utilize public transportation as much as you can, as well--it’s cheaper and you don’t have to pay for gas, car insurance, or car payments. You can also walk, jog, or ride a bike around the city.

As mentioned earlier, the cost of living in a city is a much higher than the suburbs. Everything will be more expensive and it may take some time to get used to. The price of groceries, gas, clothes, food, etc. are going to be higher, so for your first month or so, try not to spend a lot of money on fast food or clothes. Keep track of all your expenses for a few months until you get a feel for the economy. Create a budget and try to stick with it.

A great idea when you move anywhere is to make new friends. Whether through work, a bar, or an organization, try to meet new people. They usually know the best spots for food, drinks, doctors, and activities. They will help you transition into the new city easier. And you get new friends out of it!

The best way to transition to a new area is to just simply explore. You’ll find new things to do or eat. It’ll make you feel like a part of the city. This will also help you get familiar with your surroundings. You never know what you’ll find. But the main thing is just relax and embrace this new adventure in your life.