10 Tips for Deciding the Best Place to Live

It’s never easy to relocate. But when done right, you can greatly improve your quality of life. So, how do you decide the best place for you to live? These ten tips will help you do just that.

1. Explore Affordability

You have to look at the total cost of living and not just housing prices. The less you need to spend on things like food, medical care, utilities, etc. the more affordable your new home becomes. Traverse City, for example, is less expensive than the U.S. average when it comes to the total cost of living.

2. Check Out Employment Opportunities

This is becoming less important because telecommuting has become so popular and doable. Plus, retirees and some others don’t really need to worry about employment opportunities. However, knowing that you can continue to support your family and lifestyle is important when relocating.

3. Investigate Real Estate Value in the Area

Look for real estate trends in the areas you’re interested in and see how they stack up. The cost of a home or rental property is often the largest item in your budget. Traverse City, like the rest of the country, has experienced a rapid increase in home costs in 2022.

4. Research Area Crime Rates

While every place has some crime, the more you know about the crime rates and the types of crime in the city, the better prepared you can be to find a home that works for you. The crime rate in Traverse City is 20 percent below the national average.

5. Does it Offer Good Proximity to Family and Friends?

Vacation towns that have diverse economies can make excellent opportunities to stay in touch as friends and family that will want to visit and enjoy that change of scenery. This helps you stay close to those you love.

6. Can You Handle the Climate?

It matters. Traverse City is a great city for those who love all four seasons (though some argue that the city has six seasons with three springs). Love the spring flowers, the summer sun, the fall foliage, or the winter snow? Traverse City is a great fit.

7. Is there a Unique Culture?

It’s important to learn about the culture and vibe in any city you’re considering for relocation. It’s even more important to decide if that culture is a good fit for you. You also want to explore the activities and entertainment options for yourself and your family when relocating.

8. What’s the Local Food Scene Like?

Are there plenty of delicious restaurants to please your palate? Whether you prefer a four-star dining experience or casual dining or like to look for amazing dives and diners, you want to make sure the city you relocate to will feed your needs and your belly with many delicious options.

9. Consider the City’s Size

Are you a small-town person, a big city person, or somewhere in the middle? It’s important to find a city that matches your preferences so you can truly feel at home.

10. How Far Are You from the Nearest Airport?

If you want to maintain close relationships with friends and family, a good airport nearby is invaluable. Traverse City’s airport is located in the middle of town, making it a cinch to get into and out of.

We may be a little biased, but we believe Alta Vista is the best place to live. It is close to Lake Michigan and the wonderful entertainment options it provides as well as Downtown Traverse City. Visit our website today to learn more about our beautiful community or call us at 231-709-0600.