Are you tired of city life and the hum of traffic? Then perhaps you should consider small town life. While the definition of a small town is subjective, the Census Bureau says that it’s one with 5,000 or fewer residents. Today, Right Key Mortgage takes a quick look at things you must consider before you move from the big city to a place where even the clerks at the hardware store know your name.
The Right Home
When looking for a new home, there are many different factors to consider. First and foremost, you need to find a place that fits all of your needs and preferences in terms of location, size, and amenities. In addition, it is important to think about things like budget, real estate market trends, and neighborhood dynamics.
Of course, finding the right property can be a real challenge, especially if you are doing it on your own. That’s where working with a realtor comes in. An experienced local real estate agent knows small town life and they can help you search through listings and show you properties that match your criteria.
Even with an agent’s help, you may not find a home that ticks all the boxes for you and your family. If this is the case, begin exploring your options for building a home. You can get a good start by looking through different floor plans online.
Find the Right Mortgage for You
Securing a favorable mortgage is paramount when purchasing a home, acting as the financial backbone of one of life’s most significant investments. A good mortgage can mean the difference between manageable monthly payments and financial strain, potentially saving homeowners thousands of dollars over the loan’s lifespan. Beyond the immediate financial implications, the right mortgage terms can provide homeowners with peace of mind, knowing they have chosen an option tailored to their unique circumstances and long-term financial goals. Conversely, hastily settling for a less-than-optimal mortgage can lead to unforeseen complications, from burdensome interest rates to unfavorable repayment terms. Potential homeowners should thoroughly research and consult with financial professionals to ensure they obtain a mortgage that aligns with their financial stability and aspirations. Get started by working with Right Key Mortgage.
Show Off Your Skills for the Right Job
The availability of jobs isn’t necessarily as important as it once was. Although some states have greater opportunities for growth, many jobs have gone remote. This explains in part why many major cities are seeing a mass exodus. People simply want more space, lower living expenses, and a tighter-knit community. And, if they do not have to rely on an in-person position, there is no reason not to move to the country.
However, if you plan to work in an industry where you do have to be there in person, make sure that you have a great resume ready to go before you change your address. When you’re ready to update yours, it helps to use a resume maker. These free tools come with templates that you can customize for your preferences, experience, and industry. Find one that will let you showcase your expertise.
Go the Entrepreneurial Route
If you’re a business owner, one of the best parts about moving to a small town is that people tend to shop local first since they want to invest in their community. Before you move to a new city or state, however, you want to make sure that your proverbial ducks are in a row. Forming an LLC for your current business is a smart – and popular – first step. You can avoid hefty lawyer fees by filing yourself or by using a formation service. States have different regulations around forming an LLC, so check the rules in your state before moving ahead.
Forming an LLC allows you to get your tax ID number, an important element to running a business. Your tax ID or EIN will help the government track your payroll taxes, and this number makes it much easier to file your business taxes at the end of the year (or quarterly if you are required to do so). Starting an LLC requires five steps, including naming your LLC, applying for an EIN, and filing an operating agreement.
Ensure Access to Transportation
Many small towns don’t have the infrastructure or population to support buses, trains, or even rideshare services. If you rely on these, you may need to consider driving or looking for a slightly more populous location.
Find Opportunities to Socialize
Making friends in a small town might not be as easy as it is when you have thousands of people to choose from. That said, you still have plenty of options, including attending local events, frequenting a popular café or diner, or joining the local gym. If you’ve recently moved back to your small hometown, consider using alumni sites to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances from high school. You can use sites to search area high schools as well, allowing you to find old friends who attend school nearby.
Ensure the Right Amenities are Available
You also need to pay close attention to available amenities. Grocery delivery, access to parks, and even hospital services are not as readily available in small towns as they are in big cities. There are workarounds, such as having your staples delivered in bulk or taking advantage of outdoor opportunities outside of planned recreational areas.
Embrace the Lifestyle Changes
Overall, your lifestyle will change once you move from an urban or largely suburban area to a smaller, more rural location. One of the greatest perks of living where things are spread out is that you’re more likely to have your own personal space. Dividends Diversify explains that you’ll feel more relaxed, go at a slower pace, and you’ll likely have more time to enjoy your surroundings.
Decide if Small Town Living is for You
Moving to and finding a home in a small town like one in South Dakota is a great choice for families and individuals looking to get to know their neighbors on a more personal level. Plus, there’s less traffic and better views, and you may be able to start your own business. However, there are a few challenges, and you must take all of the above into consideration before you make the leap into small-town living.
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