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How to Choose the Right Community to Move to When You’re Ready for a Change
It’s time to move on, to start your next chapter in life. You are ready for a change, you have the momentum and courage to take that step out of your comfort zone, but where do you go? How do you find the right community when there’s so much variety available in today’s society? Below are some of the factors to consider prior to taking that next step:
Walkability
The concept of walkability is bringing back the small town where everything was within walking distance. You did not need to get into your car or hop on a bus just to get into the grocery store, you did it on foot. With this return to traditionalism, more people are looking at communities that embrace this philosophy. Transit-oriented development is not just for the major metropolitan areas but can be found in small towns and communities across the county.
Community Spaces
The need for community spaces is not a new concept. Historically, those who settled the western frontier-built meeting halls and community centers as a hub of activity. Today, those same needs exist, but on a smaller scale and more intimate level. It can be as simple as a local coffee shop where people gather and share stories and ideas. Perhaps it is a hiking trail that connects neighborhoods or maybe it’s just an open park space for gathering.
Work Incentive and Growth
It’s not enough to live in a community; you need to be able to get out and meet people. You can’t be sitting in your living room all day without making any new friends or influencing anyone. There are opportunities in every community that are available for you to get involved with. Find the event that challenges you, that embraces you, that brings people together.
Engagement
People want to be a part of something. They want to get involved. If you’re looking for a new place to live, look for the organizations that are getting people together. What is it that they are doing? Do you have something in common with this organization that would allow you to get
involved? Are they trying to bring about positive change in the community? These are examples of engagement and involvement, making a difference and adding value.
A real estate agent might say that there are no bad communities. If you are looking for a community, look for what it is that you can add to the environment. Whether it be opening a business in town, volunteering in the community, or helping out with certain projects, you will find ways to contribute and make an impact in your new community.
