Another decade has come and gone. Are you where you want to be? If not, there’s no better time for change than now—just make sure you know what you’re getting in to.

Whether you’re seeking a fresh start on a whim or moving for some other reason, you’ll want to know some basics about the area you’re moving to.

Below you will find some trusted resources that can help you answer some important questions. After-all, you don’t want to find yourself stuck in a bad spot when 2030 rolls around!

Can I Get a Job?

Whether you have a job lined up or not, it’s a good idea to consider the over-all prosperity of the state you’re moving too. One way to accomplish this is to take a look at the unemployment rate. As a general rule, states with a low unemployment rate have more opportunities across a wide spectrum of professions, and the stability of these jobs is greater when compared to states with higher unemployment rates.

If you’re curious about unemployment rates, you can visit U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here you will find seasonally adjusted statistics by state.

What are the Housing Market Conditions?

You want to get a great deal when purchasing a house, and you also want to the best price possible when selling your current home. Understanding the current housing market conditions will let you know what to expect from both angles, so you can make plans accordingly. For information, visit U.S. Housing Market Conditions to get details about various metro areas across the country.

Do the Public Schools Perform Well?

This question is important if you have children that you plan to enroll in public school. The Nation’s Report Card provides state-by-state details pertaining to individual grade levels and subject matter. For example, Massachusetts is the top performing state for Grade 4 Reading. You can also compare states to see which fall above and below the national average.

Is the Area Safe?

There are some metro areas that have a known reputation for crime, but others are more elusive. In any case, investigating the prevalence of violent crime and property crime is well worth while, and at Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics, you can find the information you need rather simply. However, keep in mind that the information is limited by the most current year that statistics were gathered. You might find a more accurate representation on a government website for the individual state you are investigating.

How do I Find Trusted Movers?

Moving to a new city or state can be challenging enough without the hassles that come with unreliable relocation services. At U.S.A. Gov you will find tips that helps you to avoid moving scams. You can also access change of address forms and other useful information.

Are you looking for trusted residential movers? Reliable Van and Storage provides full-service solutions to suit most budgets. Whether you need local movers or long-distance movers, our team will treat you right each step of the way. Contact us today with your relocation questions or to request a free, no-pressure cost estimate!