Moving from a small town to a big city
People often reach out to me and ask for my advice and tips on how to move from the small town they have lived all their life to a new, big, unknown city. Moving to a new city can be filled with new opportunities and plenty of adventure, but it can also feel a bit daunting if you are relocating from a small town. It is not just the obvious differences that you will have to prepare for; in addition to more people, more cars, and more options for anything, the biggest factor to consider when making a switch from suburban living to city life is real estate! Where you will be living within the city will directly affect the places you will visit, the stores you will go to on a daily basis, the transportation means you will use and the people you will meet. Please reach out to me; I have a lot of experience helping people make the move of their lifetime! In the meantime, the following tips may help you get started on your move.
Research the new city
Whether you are preparing to move for a new job, to start school, or simply to take on a new adventure, one of the biggest factors of deciding where to live is taking the time to research what area is the best fit for you and your lifestyle (or the lifestyle you want to adapt to if you are looking for a change!). If you are coming from a small town or suburb, you will want to be aware of how a new city complements you and your daily activities. A great way to do so is to follow local resources such as local magazines, local social media influencers, and so on to help you get a taste of everyday life in the city. In addition, a big city is always divided into different areas so it will be important to physically visit each area and take in everything around each one of them.
Get rid of your car and use public transportation
Having your own car may have been necessary in your small town, but you really do not need one when living in a big city. From rideshare services like Uber, www.uber.com, or Lyft www.lyft.com, to train systems and good old bicycles, you will be amazed at how many public transportation options exist. Better yet, you will see that many attractions are within a short walk from your home. Why pay for a car, insurance, and gas when you can get exercise instead, avoid traffic, stress, and parking.
Make sure to stay safe
Adjusting to city life can feel overwhelming, but the most important thing to keep in mind is your own safety. Try not to make yourself a burglary target by keeping your purse or bag zipped up at all times, avoiding flashing accessories, and not leaving anything inside of your vehicle that may entice thieves. It is also a good idea that once you start meeting people, you make it a point to stick together specially at night.
Always make reservations
Big, popular cities tend to be home to some of the best eateries, rooftop bars, and entertainment spots. Because of this, it is a must that you make a reservation whenever planning an evening out to avoid spending the night in the line outside along with all others that did not prepare either. I personally always recommend acquiring a personal concierge service like Sabio life concierge, www.sabio.life or John Paul concierge, www.johnpaul.com. In addition to restaurant reservations, personal concierges will make arrangements and run errands, arrange a housekeeper, organize trades and services, arrange events and even assist you with your relocation. Your best friend for anything you need in your new city!
Have you relocated to a big city from a smaller town or suburb? Share in the comment section or via email your tips for new resident readers to help them explore their new city and feel at home in no time!