Moving States? Here’s Our Criteria To Consider
Whether you’re moving states for new opportunities, picking a state at random, or relocating for a job offer—Easy Moves Moving & Storage is here to help! Depending on your situation, you may be left with the decision of picking a state to move to. While this can be quite exciting, you also need to weigh your options and sift through the pros and cons of your potential states. In this article, we’ll go over some tips on how to pick the state that is right for you! Let’s dive in!
Why this decsion matters
Moving states is a BIG deal. According to New York Post, nearly 45% of Americans that were polled consider moving the most stressful event in their life. The decision you make now could prevent you from having to deal with the stresses of moving for some time. So weigh your options and make the best decision. But why does this decision matter? Here’s two good reasons:
1) Saves you from moving states again
First and foremost, if moving is so stressful then let’s try our best to keep you from moving again anytime soon. On average, 33% of Americans wish to move to a different state than their current residence (Gallup). So let’s try not to make any wrong choices here and leave you regretting the state you move to!
2) Can be life changing
Another reason is that moving can be life changing. According to Hire a Helper, 82% of respondents claim that moving changed their life for the better. While moving may not actually be the cure to making your life better—it can be the catalyst! Moving can force you to do new things, meet new people, and get yourself out of your comfort zone. While that may sound nerve wracking to some; it could easily be just what you need to find your spark again.
Before sure to run your options by everyone involved when moving states.
Criteria for moving states
While every person is going to have their own criteria for picking a state, we have our top four things to consider when picking the state you move to. From weather to cost of living—we consider it all! Use these four crieterias when you’re moving states!
1) Climate
We’ve all heard the saying “you want what you don’t have” and this also applies to climate. Here at Easy Moves, sometimes we long for a colder and snow filled winter. Why? Because in 2021 we had a balmy 72° F Christmas Day. We see the pictures of a “white Christmas” and dream of a snowy winter. Maybe you live in a cold climate and want to move to Florida to enjoy a year-round shorts lifestyle. Or maybe you dread 109° F heat index summers so you want to move to a comfortable 74° F Seattle. Whatever the case may be, just be sure to research your potential states for their climate. Here’s our top states for specific climates:
A) Snow
You want a state with a snowy climate? Look no further than “The Green Mountain State”, Vermont! According to WalletHub, Vermont ranks as the 12th happiest state in the whole country. It also ranks as the 5th safest state. On average, Vermont receives 89 inches of snow per year! So if you’re into skiing & snow or just want a great state to live in—look no further than Vermont!
Beautiful Newark, Vermont. Photo: William Alexander
Come for the world-famous craft beer; stay for the top-tiered public schools and thriving small business economy. Vermont is a state with a high quality of life, a pristine landscape and dynamic workforce culture.
B) Sunshine
Love the heat and the sun shining down on you? Look no further than “The Grand Canyon State”, Arizona! Arizona receives the most sun out of every state. With it’s incredible National Parks like the Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and the Saguaro National Park—there is so much to see and experience!
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Photo: Josh Sorenson
Arizona’s economy is outlandishly strong. And, coupled with a low cost of living makes Arizona a great state for young professionals looking to get their start or retirees looking to settle down.“
C) Rain
Love the rain? Contrary to what you might think Oregon and Washington aren’t the rainiest states. That honor goes to “The Aloha State”, Hawaii! Hawaii averages about 57 inches of rain per year which is nearly more than Oregon and Washington combined! Hawaii also ranks as the 3rd happiest state in the USA. With it’s year-round tropical climate and it’s views to die for—it’s no wonder people dream of living in Hawaii!
Kapaʻa, Hawaii. Photo: Roberto Nickson
“…moving to Hawaii offers plentiful rewards: beautiful weather year-round, easy access to miles of gorgeous white sand beaches, abundant outdoor activities, and, of course, Hawaii’s unique aloha spirit that infuses the local culture“
2) Job opportunity
Unless you already have a job lined up you should definitely research the job market in your potential states. Plenty of states are booming with new companies and plenty of job opportunities. We recommend you research what states are booming in your industry of choice. For example, Massachusetts is a booming state for healthcare jobs while Washington is booming with engineering opportunities.
Why opportunity matters
While we can all agree that the job markets shift towards a remote environment is here to stay (mostly). There is no denying the benefits of being local for a job opportunity. Employers that are looking to fill an in-person position are more likely to hire a local candidate for two reasons: physical interviews are more likely to impress and they don’t want to pay for your relocation services.
“Colorado earned the top spot on our list of states with the best job market. While other states perform better in some categories, the Centennial State has a better rating overall, most notably in the salaries department. There are 2.89 million employed and 227,000 unemployed residents. Locals further mostly love their jobs which is why Colorado is leading the way of US states with the best job prospects.“
-Milena, balancingeverything.com
3) Cost of living
While some states that we have mentioned may seem like dreams to live in, they sadly come with a cost of living found in nightmares (I’m looking at you Hawaii!). Hawaii has consecutively been ranked as the #1 state with the highest cost of living and we don’t mean by a slim margin. We’re talking nearly 25% more expensive than second place, Washington D.C.!
Why cost of living matters
As mentioned above, the job market has shifted permanently. According to Upwork, it is estimated that nearly a quarter of Americans (36.2 million) will be fully remote by 2025. What does that have to do with cost of living? Everything. Most companies raise their base salaries to account for the cost of living in their state. But with more and more companies hiring fully remote that means you can find a job paying for the cost of living of California while living in a low cost state such as Alabama. So if remote work is an option in your field, be sure to consider this when moving states.
4) Getting there
This one might seem weird, but you do need to consider the cost and scale of moving states. Here at Easy Moves, the average coast-to-coast full service move costs between $3,000 and $6,000. You could most likely make this move a little cheaper with a mobile storage option, but just keep in mind that scheduling the pickup and drop-off can be an absolute hassle.
“I was doing a long distance move from Birmingham, AL To Columbia, SC. The quotes I received from Competitors were about $2500 more than what I paid here for the same exact services … Despite the southern heat, their attitudes were pleasant and their work ethic was top notch. I would HIGHLY recommend this company to anyone.“
-Shaquita Y. ★★★★★, Yelp
Moving doesn’t need to be stressful! If anything it should be exciting!
Final thoughts on moving states
Here at Easy Moves, we strive to make your move as easy as can be! Moving across the country? Call us at (205) 434-1615 and we’ll help you every step of the way while you move states! Not using our moving services? Doesn’t matter! We’re here to help, so give us a call today!
Need professional movers? We got your covered! Get an estimate today by filling out our contact form or calling us at (205) 434-1615!