Thinking about relocating for work? For many professionals, moving to a new city for work can open doors while also requiring careful planning.
With unemployment at historic 50-year lows and more employers open to remote work, job seekers are relocating less often. Just about 10% of people looking for work chose to relocate in 2018, down from 11% the previous year.
That's according to a recent MarketWatch report that also cites the tight real estate market as a reason workers are tending to stay put to assume a new role.
Still, many professionals are relocating for work and new jobs. Two good reasons are for new experiences and for better career prospects that a different community brings. A recent Glassdoor blog reports 71% of those who have relocated say moving allows for enjoying new experiences at work or outside the office. Tech talent hubs—brimming with opportunity and boasting a desirable quality of life—are attracting IT consultants to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Charlotte. These hubs rank among some of the best cities for tech jobs.
While relocation can create exciting opportunities—financially, professionally and personally—there are many factors to consider when deciding whether an opportunity for relocation is right for you. Use the following job relocation checklist to help guide your decision.
What to Consider:
1. Effect on Family: Uprooting a family or spouse can alter one's life for better or worse. Each family is different, and therefore, has different needs. In order for a relocation to be successful, it is imperative that the needs of all family members are met:- Are there ample job opportunities for my spouse/partner?
- I have children: Will they be able to adjust to moving? How do the school systems rate? My child has special needs -- will he or she have access to the services he or she needs?
- Cost of renting or buying a home
- Property taxes
- Sales tax, and state income taxes
- Cost of childcare
- Cost of transportation/parking
3. Relocation Benefits: Many companies provide some form of relocation benefits and company relocation assistance; it is important to ask questions so you can anticipate the level of assistance you will receive:
- Moving costs
- Temporary housing costs
- Assistance selling your current home
- Assistance in buying a new home or finding a place to rent
4. Lifestyle Changes: Moving to a new city requires the ability to be adaptable. You may need to adjust to a new climate, vernacular, pace of life, style of cuisine, and potentially be prepared to go without some of the comforts of home:
- Weather
- Commute
- Access to hobbies / entertainment
5. Work-Life Balance: A well-paid salary is enticing, but work-life balance should be a priority, too. Moving to a new city for work without any social connections can make relocation difficult. Building a new social network takes time, but there are groups that are able to help:
- Alumni network
- Friends of friends
- Meetup groups / groups centered on hobbies or interests
Once you have decided to relocate, don't look back in the rear view mirror. Be confident in your decision and get ready for the ride. After all life is a journey.
Q&A
Question: Why are fewer job seekers relocating for work today?
Answer: Relocation has dipped because the job market is strong and more employers support remote work, reducing the need to move. A tight real estate market also discourages moves. In 2018, only about 10% of job seekers relocated, down from 11% the year before, according to MarketWatch.
Question: What are compelling reasons to relocate, and which cities are attracting tech talent?
Answer: Many professionals move for broader experiences and stronger career prospects. Glassdoor reports 71% of relocators say moving enables new experiences at or outside work. Tech hubs drawing IT consultants include Minneapolis/St. Paul, Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Charlotte—cities highlighted for opportunity and quality of life.
Question: How should I evaluate the financial impact of a move (beyond salary)?
Answer: Compare total cost of living to your offer. Key line items include housing costs (rent or buy), property taxes, sales and state income taxes, childcare, and transportation/parking. Also ask about relocation benefits—such as moving expenses, temporary housing, and assistance selling your home or finding a new place—to understand your true out-of-pocket costs.
Question: What family considerations matter most when deciding to relocate?
Answer: Ensure the move supports everyone’s needs. Check job opportunities for a spouse/partner and, if you have children, consider how they’ll adjust, how local schools rate, and whether any special needs services are accessible.
Question: What lifestyle and work-life factors should I plan for in a new city?
Answer: Be ready to adapt to changes in climate, pace, language quirks, cuisine, commute patterns, and access to hobbies or entertainment. To support work-life balance and build community, tap your alumni network, friends of friends, and local interest or Meetup groups. Once you commit, be confident and embrace the journey.
