How to Pick the Right City To Immigrate To

Deciding which city is the best option for you to immigrate to is a daunting task. There are many variables to consider for each potential city including job opportunities and crime rates. It can be a good idea to brainstorm the names of ten cities/ towns/ provinces you are interested in. After determining a preliminary list you can narrow down your choices by asking yourself a few questions.

1. Budget – The first step on your journey is deciding what you can afford to pay for your cost of living. This includes everything from the price of food to the types of housing available to you. Being able to set a strong budget before beginning to explore city options will help to ensure you pick an option that works for you and your financial resources. Make sure you include the following in your planning:
   1. Rent
   2. Groceries
   3. Utilities
   4. Taxes – state, federal, and sales
   5. Car Insurance/ Cost of Fuel
   6. Entertainment
   7. How much you want to save each month
2. Size – After determining your budget it is important to decide on what size you want your new home to be. If you prefer small towns or big cities you want to make sure you are choosing places that align with your preferences. This can help you narrow down your choices so that you are looking at the best options for you.
3. Employment – Chances are that you will need to start a new job when you move. Therefore, it is important to spend time researching the job prospects in each city.
   1. Which industries are dominant?
   2. How much will you earn in a given position and will this be enough to cover the cost of living in that place?
   3. Is your job only available in certain locations or can you work anywhere?
4. Housing Market – real estate can be a big investment opportunity and it is helpful to have a sense of the market in potential cities. If you are not looking to invest in a property, you will need to consider if there are available options to rent.
5. Transportation – Will you need to own a car in order to easily travel around your chosen destination or is there high-quality public transportation. Knowing this answer will help you to determine your monthly transportation costs and to calculate what type of commute you might have. Additionally, if you plan on traveling extensively you will likely want to move to a city that has a large airport allowing for more convenient trips.
6. Crime Rate – Spending some time researching crime rates means that you will be able to choose safer areas to live. You can do this by speaking with the police in your intended destinations or by reviewing crime statistics.
7. Climate – The local weather will be an important factor to consider when choosing where you want to immigrate. Climate plays a big role in your hobbies, behavior and even jobs so it is an important factor to consider.You may wish to live in a similar climate to the one you currently live in because it will be familiar. Here are some questions to keep in mind when deciding what type of climate you want to live in:
   1. Do you enjoy winters?
   2. What clothing do you currently own and would you need to buy a new wardrobe in order to live comfortably?
   3. How do you feel about humidity? Rain?
8. Health Care – Finding out what healthcare options your chosen city is important for ensuring a long and healthy life. Choosing a city with strong hospitals and medical schools can be very beneficial in the long run.
9. Educational Options – Education is especially important to consider if you have school age children or are planning on starting a family in your new home. If you want to send your children to public school it is a good idea to research the caliber of public schools in the area.
10. Culture – Finally, you want to spend some time determining the culture of the cities/ towns you are considering. Everyplace is unique and finding a city/ town that meets your cultural needs is an important part of your immigration journey.

Ultimately, there are many competing factors that must be considered when deciding where you want to immigrate. Ranking the above factors on importance to you and your family is a great first step.

If you need help with the ins and outs of immigration after deciding on where you want to immigrate, get in touch! We are always happy to help with immigration concerns.