Make Your Move

Careers

Make Your Move

Perhaps you're considering relocating because the job market in your area is bad. Or perhaps you're forced to relocate because your employer or the military is insisting on it. Maybe your family wants you closer or you just want to live in a better place. Whatever your reason, this feature helps you make your move a good one.

Destinations
If you're trying to figure out which city may be best for you, try The Best Places to Live in America by Money Online, where you'll find lots of information about 300, US metro areas. Search for your ideal city by ranking nine categories in importance or by setting priorities within the categories. For the top 20 cities according to the Employment Review, try America's Best Places to Live and Work at Best Jobs USA.

If you're moving at the request of your employer or for a job you've landed, you probably want to find out all you can about your destination. At Virtual Relocation's Search by State page, click on your destination state for links to information listed by category. Browse their National Directory for links to everything from state tax rates to childcare facilities. Click on relo-tools for useful links listed by state.

If you're moving because you've received new orders from the US military, check out Home Base for information about your new base, relocation services, housing, the surrounding community, and more.

For more information about cities, try the resources below.

Housing
Of course, you'll need a place to live once you get to your destination, and you may have property to sell first. But, before you select a real estate relocation service on your own, see if your employer recommends specific services. Otherwise, you may jeopardize your reimbursement, if applicable.

At HomeScout you may search for property listings from hundreds of independent, realty Web sites, including houses, condos, apartments, and even farm land.

The National Realty Directory maintains a searchable database of real estate professionals and services by state, including appraisers, brokers, agents, financing, inspection, and insurance.

If you're looking specifically for an apartment or temporary housing and furnishings, Rent.Net may be for you.

Here are a few more real estate Web sites that help you buy and sell properties. Some offer relocation services for employers and their employees.

If you wish to strike out on your own, try searching the classifieds of online newspapers for living accommodations. Find local newspapers for your destination at My Virtual Newspaper or Jack's Online Newspaper Directory right here at About.com. (Click your browser back button to return from Jack's site.)

Other Considerations
Homebuyer's Fair is a well-organized site for everything from deciding where to live to planning your move. It includes tools for comparing the buying power of your salary, calculating moving expenses, creating a custom to-do list, and determining city crime rates.

Moving with Kids offers free advice about your children's needs before, during, and after the move. This article is at MoversNet by the US Postal Service, which also includes tips about changing addresses, motor vehicle registration, voter registration, and even about moving your pet.

Speaking of kids, find schools at Yahoo! and get a free school district report at The School Report.
For maps, weather, driving directions, and more by zip code, state, or country, see Yahoo! Get Local.
To determine if you qualify for moving expense deductions, see Topic 455 at the IRS site.
For more relocation resources, see the ever-growing category by the same name.

Comments, suggestions or questions? Found a great career resource and want to share it? Send feedback. Want to network and discuss technical job searching, employment, and careers with others? Go to the chat room or bulletin board, both open 24 hours daily.

Previous Features

May you and yours have a Happy New Year!

JSN

Discuss in my forum

A part of The New York Times Company.