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Relocating to NJ because of a job is an adventure fraught with unforeseen realities. Trust me, I know. Moving from Boston to downtown Newark was not easy and I almost lost my mind a few times… especially when the moving truck’s rear wheels locked up and I nearly swerved off the road! Weighing the pros & cons of relocating to your new New Jersey surroundings before you take the plunge can help you evaluate what this move really means to you and your family. Discovering the hidden costs of a NJ relocation is more of an art than a science. Beyond the challenges of the spouse/significant other’s new job, office environment, and work responsibilities, here are the less often considered aspects: The trailing spouse/significant other
Much of the unforeseen responsibilities in relocation fall on the trailing spouse/significant other. Beyond orchestrating much of the moving process to New Jersey and getting adjusted to one’s new surroundings, the trailing spouse/other must find a new job in an unfamiliar NJ city. And often times, the longer it takes for the trailing spouse to find work in the Garden State/Philadelphia/New York, typically, the greater the financial and emotional challenges. The kids
The obvious impact on the kids is their ability to adjust to new NJ elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. Can you remember being that age and remembering what the new kid went through when he came to school? You should ask yourself some of the following questions: How many children are in their age group in the new neighborhood?
How far is the school and how will they get to school?
What kind of sports and extra curricular activities does the town offer?
Where will the kids be place within the school system? (slow, regular, or accelerated tracks).
Will they be far behind or ahead of their classmates in their educational background? Tip: A candid and open family conversation can help you understand and address what fears and concerns your family is having. Listening to them and understanding their points of view can help you overcome and alleviate some of the fears children and spouses have when they have to facing the changes involved in relocation. Moving & the housing search: Finding the perfect home in NJ
This aspect of relocation is one of the most apparent challenges faced by people relocating to New Jersey. Your responsibilities, like it or not, include: Breaking a lease or selling a home
Finding the right NJ realtor, real estate agency, or relocation companies
Finding appropriate housing: 2 bed, 2.5 beds, garage, parking, suburbs, city, etc.
Choosing the right neighborhood
Moving
Unpacking
Reestablishing a support network in NJ Doing your homework, visiting the new city, and extensive due diligence will make the above easier, but no matter how much work you put into this process, it is never easy. Tools to help you with relocation to NJ
The Internet is filled with resources and websites to prepare and assist you with relocating to NJ. We have put together this worksheet to help you evaluate some of the hidden costs in your relocation process. In three columns, we suggest you sit down as a family and compare these costs in your old and new New Jersey town/city/village before you make your decision: Finances
Cost-of-living Index
Median family income
Sales tax rate
State income tax rate
Local income tax rate
Unemployment rate Real Estate
Home purchase cost
Property taxes
Electricity
Car insurance Quality of life
Commute time
Parking facilities
Average Temp in
January
July
Annual precipitation
Population
High school degree rate
Bachelor’s degree rate
Masters degree rate
School system rankings
State University rankings Our words
Relocating is an adventure and one that can reap great rewards for your family, IF you approach it carefully and thoughtfully. We wish you the best of luck on this journey to NJ and invite you to share your thoughts, tips, and concerns in this blog. Good luck and happy travels. |
