Moving To A New City Alone In Your 20s: Your Personal Guide

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

So, you’re thinking about shaking things up and moving to a new city all by yourself? That’s quite the adventure you’ve got planned. But hey, no stress, we’re here to arm you with all the deets and help you embrace this wild ride.

Pre-Flight Checks: What are the first things to do when moving to a new city?

Heart-to-Heart With Yourself

Let’s have a moment of reflection. Why are you doing this? Is it the lure of a high-powered job, the charm of a fancy university, or the promise of a fresh start? Are you trying to chase new opportunities or escape a sticky situation back home? Knowing your motivation will keep your expectations grounded and your focus sharp.

Dollars and Sense

The first thing you’ll need to do is to wrap your head around the cost of living in your chosen city. Remember that big vacation you took where everything was twice the price of back home and you had to live on instant noodles? Yeah, we don’t want to go there again. An online cost-of-living calculator will be your BFF here – it’ll help you compare the expenses in your current and future cities. Don’t forget to factor in potential income, so you don’t end up eating those noodles every night!

Crime rates in the area

With so much data available online, it’s easy to find out how safe a city or neighborhood is. You can compare neighborhood crime scores, and even view up-to-date crime maps through local police department websites. If you’re considering a move to NYC, for example, you find the safest neighborhoods in the city based on crime stats.

Size of the city

Large cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago give you lots of amenities and cool things to do. But it can be harder to find a sense of community in a large city when compared to a small town.

Job market 

Even if you have a job lined up in your new city, it pays to research the local job market. After all, you probably won’t stay at that job forever, and if you fall in love with your new city, you want to be sure there are opportunities for advancement in your industry. You can check job search websites, such as Jooble job aggregator to see what’s available in your field and who the big employers are. You might also want to research salaries on sites like Glassdoor and Salary.com to make sure the going wages support the local cost of living.

Housing and real estate market 

Housing is generally your single largest expense, so it’s important to know what kind of place you can afford in your new city. You’re probably going to start by renting, so check rental availability and rates for your new city. But you might want to look ahead to buying a home as well. How much is the average home in your new city, and will you be able to afford to buy?

Weather 

Don’t underestimate the role weather plays in your decision to move to a new city. Weather can impact your ability to enjoy your city by making it unpleasant to be out and about. Look up average temperatures and weather for each month. Not only will this help you decide if you can tolerate the average weather (can you really handle the 106-degree summer average in Phoenix?), but it can also give you an insight into potential utility expenses.

If you need to run the AC all summer or the heater all winter, you’ll want to budget accordingly. And it can inform your packing decisions. Will you really need that winter coat in LA where the average winter day gets up to 67 degrees? If not, you can donate it.

Public transit and traffic 

Even if you work from home, you’re going to need to be able to get around your new city. Will you drive your own car or use public transportation? How are the traffic and the parking? Does the public transit schedule work with your schedule? The best way to learn how to get around is to physically visit the city and navigate it for yourself. But if that’s not possible, Google Maps can give you a good idea of transportation options and travel times. 

The Highs and Lows of Solo City Life

Just like that rollercoaster at the local fair, moving to a new city comes with its ups and downs. The highs? Exciting new places to explore, cool people to meet, and fresh experiences to savor. The lows? Feeling a little lost and lonely sometimes, struggling to form a new social circle, and learning the city’s unique ways. Make sure to buckle up for this ride and weigh your options before taking the leap.

Remember, everyone’s experience is different. These pros and cons can change depending on individual circumstances and how well you adapt to change.

Try to complete this table and find out about your case.

Pros of Moving	Cons of Moving

Settling In: Making Your New Spot Feel Like Home

How long does it take to get used to moving to a new city?

Getting used to a new city is a marathon, not a sprint. Imagine learning a new language – you won’t be fluent in a week. You’ll need time to understand the city’s vibe, its people, and its hidden gems. It’s like dating a new partner, give it a good three weeks before you decide whether it’s a match. But remember, everyone’s pace is different, so be patient with yourself.

Is Going Solo in a New City Tough?

We won’t sugarcoat it. Starting fresh in a new city by yourself can be a bit tough at first, like your first attempt at yoga – balancing seems impossible until it’s not. It’s the initial period of adjustment that’s usually the trickiest. Plan ahead. Surround yourself with things that bring you joy, find a comforting routine, and start exploring your new neighborhood. It won’t be long before it starts feeling like home.

Making Friends: The Art of Socializing in a New City

Remember that first day at school when you didn’t know anyone? It’s a little bit like that, but with a twist. You’ve got to push yourself out there. Check out local events, join hobby clubs, say ‘Hi!’ to your neighbors, maybe even adopt a friendly dog who’ll break the ice for you at the park! Be open to new experiences and soon enough, you’ll see your friend list grow.

Looking After Your Mental Health

Moving to a new city alone can sometimes feel overwhelming, kind of like trying to cook a three-course meal for the first time. It’s okay to feel homesick or a bit down sometimes. Make sure to take care of yourself. Establish comforting routines, explore the city, pamper yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you need it.

So there you go, my friend. Pack your bags, strap on your seatbelt, and set off on this exciting journey. This is a thrilling, transformative time in your life. Embrace the changes, the challenges, and the victories, and remember, you’ve got this!

Happy moving, and here’s to your new chapter in life!