Moving to a new city - things to consider when buying a house in an unfamiliar place

Can You Afford It?

This should be the first question you ask yourself before making the leap. After all, the cost of living could be different for a number of reasons.

Your best bet is to narrow down the list of cities you want to live in. Next, you’ll want to write out your current expenses. Now, try to project how much those same bills will cost you in the new city. This financial assessment gives you the first look at what you can expect from a money standpoint.

Finally, you need to figure out a way to make a living. It is best to have a job lined up in your new place before you move. Do you? If you don’t, are you comfortable moving there without financial support? Finding a job can be challenging, even in large urban centers.

Live Like a Resident

Once you’ve settled on a few places that you might want to live, make a plan to go and “live” there for a couple of days. If you can, see about getting a sublet or an Airbnb rental. The idea is that you want to live like other residents live. Research your new place online before you go. You’ll want to look at the City’s main website, as well as other sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp. Come up with a list of places you need to visit. For example, do you know where the pharmacy is in your new city is? Where you’ll buy groceries? Who provides health and wellness services in your area? The local utilities?

Once You’ve Moved

Your first visit to your new city should have given you quite a bit of information about your new place. However, now you will want to work on getting acclimated to the new place. Visit the local coffee shop or library to meet locals and learn about events going on in the community. You can also make friends by joining local community groups on Facebook, volunteering, or signing up for a workshop or fitness class.

Final Thoughts

Moving to a new city is a huge commitment. An experienced Realtor who is familiar with your new city, can help you find the perfect home in the right location. At Dewar Realty, we specialize in helping newcomers to the region find the perfect home. If you are considering a move from Toronto, or even farther afield, call us at 519 222 1540 to begin your search.

Posted by Greg Dewar on
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