How does relocation affect a family?

There’s an old adage to keep in mind when you’re thinking about relocating.

The grass is always greener on the other side. That is – until it isn’t.

A certain location might appear to be a better situation at first glance. Maybe the opportunity is exactly what you’re looking for, and the community seems to have things for a family to do. Then you go through the arduous process of moving and realize you made a mistake six months later. Instead of it being the cheery lifestyle you envisioned, it’s worse than where you left, leaving you disappointed and potentially looking to move again.

Knowing you made the right decision when relocating a family takes more than finding the right practice. It also requires accounting for the needs and wants of everyone making the move.

Will you be evaluating family-friendly cities for an upcoming relocation? Keep these five criteria in mind to help identify the best locations for your family to live and practice:  

Spouse needs

Does your spouse work? Do they have a passion for volunteering or supporting a specific cause? Be sure it’s a consideration in your search so they will have opportunities of their own wherever you land.

In fact, there are several ways your spouse can help with your job search.

Schools

If you have children, finding the right schools will be a major factor in your relocation decision. You’ll want a community not only with a good school for them to attend now – but with a district full of good schools to guide them through graduation.

In more urban areas, that can mean researching multiple communities where you’d be comfortable living.

Commute time

When considering commute time, it’s natural to gauge how long it will take to travel between home and work each day. Also consider how that distance affects the family.

How long will it take to get from the office to the school? Is school on the way to work or the opposite direction? And how will that impact the ability to make after-school events and activities on time?

Activities

There’s a life outside of work and school, from youth sports and music programs to civic clubs and houses of worship. Research available activities and note which locations offer some or all the ones enjoyed most by each family member.

Play spaces

The community you call home should also provide time to simply relax and recharge outside. Look for greenspaces like parks, playgrounds and trail systems nearby. Also, noting  how much others take advantage of them can indicate how popular such amenities are among the other residents.