With the cost of living on the rise in the U.S., many people are considering a move to a cheaper area.
But what does one need to consider when making such a huge life decision?
It really depends on one’s individual circumstances, but some considerations are:
- affordable housing
- jobs
- wages
- access to appropriate schools
- public transportation
- disability services and supports
- senior services
RESEARCH U.S. CITIES BEFORE YOUR MOVE
City-Data is a great place to start exploring cities around the U.S. Just about everything from crime stats to weather stats can be found on the website. Find out whether or not a city suits your lifestyle before taking the leap to move to an unfamiliar place.
WHAT IS THE COST OF LIVING IN THE AREA YOU ARE CONSIDERING MOVING TO?
NerdWallet provides a Cost of Living Calculator with a city and salary comparison tool for those wanting to make a move, but for those who want to see if the wages they will earn in the new location will match up with the cost of living in that area, Salary.com also provides a Cost of Living Calculator. A number of cost-of-living calculators are available online for review.
SEARCH FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING WAITLISTS IN THE U.S.
For those who are lower-income or on lower fixed incomes, one may search for open affordable housing waitlists ahead of time, before even considering a move. Such waitlists include low-income apartments and affordable housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, and Public Housing:
- Low Income Apartments & Section 8 Waiting Lists (affordablehousingonline.com)
- AffordableHousing.com – Affordable Houses & Apartments For Rent
OTHER AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING RESOURCE INFORMATION
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a rental assistance resource page. The HUD Resource Locator is helpful in finding affordable housing by area.
RENT CALCULATORS
Search for a location, the number of bedrooms, and declare your income to find out the cost of renting an apartment. The Apartment List Rent Calculator will determine how much the average rent is in the area.
SHARED HOUSING
For those interested in shared housing, there are many resources available, including:
- Program Directory – National Shared Housing Resource Center
- CoAbode – Single Mothers Home Sharing & Friendship Network | CoAbode
- Find a Roommate with SilverNest
WHERE TO FIND RESOURCE NAVIGATION SUPPORT
To determine which agencies may be able to assist with resource navigation support, one may reach out to 211 or 211.org. For older adults, one may reach out to the Eldercare Locator. For aging and disability resource navigation support, HHS.gov is a helpful resource that will connect you to your local agency for further information and support.
PAYING FOR THE FIRST MONTH’S RENT & RENTAL DEPOSITS
Connect with a resource navigator to get rental and deposit assistance. There are a number of government programs and non-profit agencies which may be able to assist with financial support.
- Local Housing Solutions explains how to navigate the ‘Security deposit and/or first and last month’s rent assistance.
- NeedHelpPayingBills.com provides helpful information about which organizations may be able to assist with rental/deposit assistance.
HOW TO PAY FOR THE MOVE
Lower-income movers are taking to social media to request crowdfunding assistance from family, friends, and others via social media, as well as requesting assistance from non-profit and government agencies to help with paying for moving expenses.
ADDITIONAL READING
- Laura Leavitt’s MyMove.Com article entitled ‘A Complete List of Charities That Help with Moving Expenses’ provides further helpful information about how to pay for a move for those who are lower income.
- Emergency Rental/Mortgage Assistance-COVID-19
- Affordable Rental Housing
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
