Is this a good time to relocate????

Question

I have lived in the same place for my entire life...I am 32 (will be 33 this month). I have always wanted to move, but got a job in my hometown right out o college and after I had been there awhile (10 years now as a teacher) it got "comfortable"...also, my parents both live here and tough we are not especially close, they offer some support to me when I need it.

Still, I have been very unhappy in my community. I desire to live in a more progressive place and/or move to a place where I can obtain a post-graduate degree in my field (there are no places in my city or nearby for this). I would also have to find a job, and teachers often take major pay cuts when they start over. Additionally, I own property that I will have to sell (so that is a bit of a challenge) but outside of that, I believe if I start working towards it now, I could leave in the next 9-12 months. There is a part of me though that wonders if this is the best time to do this...the economy is bad, and I am not a twenty-something anymore. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

First, I think you're wise to start thinking about this now. It gives you time to research, plan and prepare.

There are no good or bad times for relocating. You already know it'll be harder to find a job and sell your property, but you can start on both those things right now.

Sounds like your top priorities are a progressive area and one with a good grad school. Happily, these often go together. You should probably research graduate programs and maybe even apply to a few. No good moving and then finding out that town's university doesn't have what you want or won't admit you.

You could choose a city or college town with a variety of schools to choose from, and you'd also have a variety of neighborhoods to choose from.

Re the pay cut - surely experience counts? Surely there's room for negotiation? Generally higher-ranked schools pay better, but they're more competitive to get hired at.

Money Magazine and Kiplinger both have lists of best places to live on their websites. Here's a list of best places to relocate to for school:

http://www.relocateamerica.com/lists/Top...