So I made a post asking about Broomfield, Co earlier as there may be a job opportunity there. I have never moved to another house or apartment even in my own state before, let alone a completely different one.
I've never been very far outside of PA, maybe WV is the furthest I've ever been and that was when I was a kid on vacation. I'd also be on my own with no family. I may have some co-workers that I currently work with moving to the same area as well, so there may be a few familiar people there.
What advice could you guys give to someone who may need to move for a job, especially if you've never been to the city/state before. I'm just looking for general advice and info.
How do you find out if you'll be able to live comfortably in a new place (as in affording to live there)? Will I be living paycheck to paycheck on my salary or will I have money to spare and be able to enjoy life?
How do you find an apartment/house without being there?
What kinds of things do you need to get changed? Obviously address changes for mail, etc and driver's license, but anything else?
1. Look over the city-data.com forums
2. Google crime maps for that city/areas
3. Find an apartment online, grab a 6 month lease. Find something cheap. This way, you get to know the area better without being stuck in an area you don't like. When I did this, it was very painless....just took a couple faxes of things, including the rental application. You can get a house once you know the city better.
4. Google cable and electricity providers for the zip code you get an apartment at, and set those up over the phone so they are good to go when you get there.
5. Go to DMV within a few weeks of getting there, get change of address forms. The only shocker for me as far as money goes, is how crazy high the auto insurance is in the southwest....and how certain states base your vehicle registration on how much your car is worth. Those were the only 2 things that I did not plan on expense wise.
I moved to Phoenix before ever visiting, it was pretty painless.