Big Move to a Small Town

I'm getting calls from folks who say, "I hear you moved to a very small town. I'm thinking of doing the same. What's it really like?"

1. Check out your town's unique personality.

Do your research -- and don't stop with the internet. Talk to people who live there. Ask who stays and who leaves.

2. Investigate housing prices.

Expecting a bargain? As retirees flood an area, prices rise, especially if there are natural limits to expansion. If prices are low and houses are hard to sell, the local rental market may be tight.

3. Be prepared to be active in your new community.

Often friendships develop from belonging to groups: Chamber of Commerce, churches, hiking -- whatever interests you. Volunteering may be the norm.

4. Be self-sufficient.

"Be good at entertaining yourself:" that's what many small town dwellers identify as the secret to small town happiness.

5. Identify your "must haves" before loading the truck.

Crave an occasional espresso? Fresh-baked bread? A nearby shopping mall?

Check your destination to see what's available. Inevitably, there will be some wonderful options you didn't expect -- and some favorites will be missing.

6. Bring an independent source of income with you.

Jobs may be scarce. If you work for a local company, you may have trouble finding a new job if something goes wrong.

And since people know each other, you can get branded as "difficult" more easily.

7. Be flexible.

No matter how careful your research, you will have surprises. It may never occur to you to ask, "Do you have..."

Customs vary widely when it comes to social life, real estate transactions, and more.

8. Stay in touch with your previous life.

Use email and phone to stay connected to friends, family, and even big city newspapers. Encourage friends to visit. In the long run, you will probably get comfortable faster than if you bury your past and try to "go it alone."

9. Expect small-town dwellers to be more sophisticated these days.

Many newcomers are retirees, fleeing from big city life, and others have lived and traveled all over the world.

10. Bring the dog.

Your dog will probably enjoy the fresher air, slower pace and larger yard. Your dog's happiness will be contagious. And dogs help you make friends and enjoy life as you explore your new home.

Read more articles and subscribe to my free weekly ezine to receive weekly tips and insights. Visit my career and business website.

Free Content Option: You may use this article in any mediium if you include my resource box (below). No charge if you normally do not pay authors. If you pay contributors, I expect to be paid, too!

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" http://www.cathygoodwin.com

Contact: http://www.cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294

Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Internet browsers are useful, but they can be dangerous. Clicking on malicious links can direct you to dangerous websites that steal information or infect your device.

Apple's latest iOS update introduces advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, which may be capturing and analyzing sensitive information.

Breach site confirmed 56,904,909 Hot Topic users' data leaked online. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the company's silence makes matters even worse.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how an innovative Easy-Way kit turns standard strollers electric, simplifying navigation for parents.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about T-Mobile being hacked in broad cyberattack on global phone and internet companies.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how to add, customize and manage widgets for quick access to apps and info from your iPhone home screen.

Wrong Google searches can not only compromise your device and personal data. They can also bring law enforcement to your doorstep. Hackers are targeting Google searches.

China's Shanghai Kepler Robotics has developed a new humanoid robot that can carry up to 35 pounds per hand for commercial applications across various industries

Checking your hearing has gotten easier with the new hearing test feature in AirPods Pro 2. You can take reliable hearing tests using your iPhone or iPad.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how a VPN — virtual private network — works and how running it can slow down the operation of your device.

The WalkON Suit F1, an exoskeleton developed to help people with disabilities, can actually walk over to a person in a wheelchair, solving a major problem.

ClickFix, a new scam targeting computer users, is on the rise in the U.S. The scam prompts its targets to click on a link to fix a problem.

Skydweller is the world's largest unmanned solar-powered aircraft that can stay airborne for weeks, and even months, without refueling.

The U.S. government said it is investigating after People's Republic of China hackers targeted commercial telecommunications service providers in the U.S.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated ways to lure unsuspecting victims, and some are impersonating an email help desk or support team.

You can unsend or edit your iMessages with the latest iOS updates. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how you can save yourself some potential embarrassment.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says there’s been a rise in cybercriminal services using hacked police and government emails to send subpoenas and data requests to U.S. companies.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Axiom Space and luxury designer Prada are collaborating on NASA's Artemis III spacesuit design.

Voice assistants may cause confusion across devices. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers some solutions to fix it.

Shameless scammers trick veterans into giving personal info or cash. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explores five common scams.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you honor our heroes with these powerful podcasts, audiobooks and documentaries this Veterans Day.

Big Move to a Small Town

Positive Attitude Tips