Expats relocating to the U.S. have a myriad of choices ahead of them as they transition from their home country to America. In some cases, the destination city is chosen by the employer. Even so, expats have the opportunity to choose the type of neighborhood they would like to live in and the lifestyle that is best for them and their families.
But where they will settle is only one of many items that relocating expats are burdened with in the days and weeks leading up to their relocation. The emotional stress of the impending move can be quite overwhelming for both the relocating professional as well as their family. This stress may be further exaggerated by recent events that have consumed the U.S. news media. It’s hard to concentrate on work when you’re plagued by thoughts like, “Where will my family be safe? How will we learn to get around? Will we be accepted? What documents do I need each step along the way?”
Thankfully, the answers are much less cumbersome than the questions. Relocation professionals and destination service consultants can assist expats along the way. If you’re relocating to the U.S., there are also two important things you can tune into when selecting your new home.
Location, Location, Location
Adults employed full time in the U.S. report working an average of 47 hours per week, making a short office commute essential for long-term happiness. Rental costs in urban core markets can be high. To combat this, many choose to live outside the city in a more suburban setting and put up with a longer commute. Still, you can often have the best of both worlds. You can live in a beautiful apartment community in a neighborhood with top-rated schools in the outlying areas and quickly commute into the city. Ask yourself what type of lifestyle you want to lead, and choose the location that best suits that lifestyle. A slightly longer commute isn’t so bad when you love the environment and area you come home to.
Walkability
Find out if your potential new neighborhood offers the walkability that you and your family need. For example, are there grocery stores and other shopping venues close to your apartment? Can you walk with your child to the park or daycare? Finding an apartment with a great “Walk-Score” is a terrific benefit for any expat moving to a large U.S. city.
In addition, more and more mid-sized areas are adding walkable neighborhoods so you can live, work and play – all within a few miles. Everything that you want could easily be a short walk, bike ride or drive away. Living close to the kinds of activities that you enjoy, the shops and restaurants you like, and the scenic areas/outdoor spaces that you frequent gives you a greater sense of neighborhood. Check out web sites such as Walkscore.com, which rates the walkability of U.S. neighborhoods. The site also helps you find restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses in the neighborhood you are considering.
If you are relocating to the U.S., let ApartmentSearch help you find the best apartment for your lifestyle. Simply visit ApartmentSearch.com and select your price range, neighborhood, and desired amenities, and let the site create your customized apartment list. Our moving resources include furniture rental assistance, utility connection help, plus packing tips, and could help make an overseas move much smoother. ApartmentSearch also gives you up to $200 in rewards when you let your new apartment community know that you found them on www.apartmentsearch.com.
