Tips for Veterans Moving to a New City
Military life often involves frequent relocations, which can significantly impact homeownership. Understanding how to manage these moves is essential for military families looking to buy or sell homes.
Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting, especially for veterans who are transitioning to civilian life. Whether you are relocating for a job, education, or to be closer to family, here are some tips to help you make the move as smooth as possible.
Research Your New City
Cost of Living: Compare the cost of living in your new city with your current location. Consider housing costs, utilities, transportation, and general expenses to ensure it fits within your budget.
Neighborhoods: Research different neighborhoods to find one that suits your lifestyle and needs. Look into crime rates, schools, proximity to work, and community amenities. (
Employment Opportunities: If you haven’t secured a job yet, research the job market in your field. Use resources like the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program for assistance.
Veteran Services: Find out what veteran services are available in your new city. This includes VA hospitals, veteran service organizations, and community support groups.
HINT: Use AI Tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini to distill city/neighborhood information and aggregate data into smaller bits that are easier to digest and understand. For example, use a prompt like “Tell me about the school districts [crime data], [cost of living], [etc.] in and around Westmont, IL , including enrollment, demographics, budget, and other relevant information that might help inform someone considering a move to the area.” Always be sure to validate and cross reference important information for accuracy and recency when querying AI for factual data.
Plan Your Move
Budget for Moving Expenses: Create a moving budget that includes hiring movers, renting a truck, packing supplies, and any temporary accommodation costs.
Hire Reputable Movers: Choose a moving company with good reviews and experience in long-distance moves. Ask about military discounts to save on costs.
Declutter Before Packing: Go through your belongings and decide what you really need. Donate or sell items that you no longer use to reduce moving costs and clutter.
Pack Strategically: Label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong to. This will make unpacking much easier.
Settle Into Your New Home
Set Up Utilities and Services: Arrange for utilities, internet, and other services to be set up before you move in. This will help you settle in more quickly.
Get to Know Your Neighbors: Introduce yourself to your neighbors and get involved in community activities. Building a support network can help you feel more at home.
Explore Your New City: Take time to explore your new city and find local spots that you enjoy. This could include parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Stay Connected with Veteran Communities: Join local veteran groups or online communities to stay connected with fellow veterans who understand your experiences. Our team here at Dorazio Real Estate runs a great group in Chicago, with online forums/discussion and real-life meetups: The Chicago Veterans Real Estate Group on Facebook.
Moving to a new city can be a fresh start full of new opportunities. By planning ahead and staying informed, you can make the transition smoothly and enjoy your new surroundings. If you are thinking about buying a home, whether now or in the near future, reach out to the team at Dorazio Real Estate! We’d be happy to discuss strategies to locate your dream home and/or get your existing home sold fast for its maximum value. If you are relocating outside of the Chicagoland area, you can also reach out — we can put you in touch with another MIL-Estate agent anywhere in the country!
