Firstly why ?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City:
• State:
• Population: people
• ‘s quick summary would be

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: annually
• While this many move-out: annually
• Net Migration: annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in:
• Number of Homeless people:

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it

Perk #1: Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about %
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around %
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly 
• The median income is (and growing)  $
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in is $
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & ‘s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $
• Property Tax %: %
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $
• Rent for an average house: $
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood:
• Top 5 Growing Areas:
• Avg. Age of Homes in : years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: %

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & ‘s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in are 
• Job Scene:
• The General Tech Scene:
• Resident’s pay $ in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in : %
• No. of Independent Businesses: (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks:

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $ on average per person
• Freeway Access:
• Commute Time: minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area:
• Transportation Score:
• No. of Vehicles Registered in :
• Cars registered per Person:
• No. of Car Washes: in and around the city
• DMV Website for :
• The Bike-Friendly Score: of 100
• Local Airport:

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: ‘s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is 
• General Weather in is best described as
• Winter Weather in i’d describe as 
• Spring Weather in can be described as 
• Summer’s in are mostly
• Fall ( the nicest time) in is usually 
• How many days in a row over 90°F: days in summer
• Days in a row in below Freezing:
• Average Annual Rainfall: inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually
• Winter Air

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in  
• While the number of trade schools inside s’s city limits are
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the 

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: minutes
• Registered Full-Time only Doctors is about
• Local Hospitals here is 
• Full-time only Police Officers is about
• Crime Rate Index: /100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• ‘s Monthly utility bill average is $
• ‘s Monthly Gym Membership: $
• ‘s Water Quality Score:

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is annually
• The General Local City Vibe:
• You might enjoy
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective),  

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of

• The Objective Restaurant Scene 
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are scattered around
• The Popular Sports Team is
• Top Level Political Climate in can be described as 
• ‘s Longer standing religious establishment is

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know has Parks?
• is ‘s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are 

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in can be described as 
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in  
• The Cities people commute to from are

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: . If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   ‘s risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby  are .
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   has days in a row below freezing and days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in people have an average (positive or negative) $ left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   homeless people living in . It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to .

Retiree & Senior Life in

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is 

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to ?

If ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around , say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!