With our identities and lifestyles closely tied to our hometowns, it creates one of our strongest relationships. If you're moving to a new city, will you be able to forge another bond that fits your wants and needs? Use these valuable tips from our real estate agents to determine if you and your new city are a match.

How to Be a Tourist in a Town You'll Move to

1. Do a Dry Run
   Research goes only so far. Spend a few days conducting a "dress rehearsal" in your chosen city to get a first-hand sense of what your daily life would be like there. With sites like Airbnb and Vrbo, you can rent a house, apartment, or condo to get a more realistic experience than staying in a hotel. Once you're there, do some grocery shopping, visit the library, go out for pizza, and conduct other activities that are part of your usual routine.
   
   
2. Follow the Local News
   There's no better way to assess the current state of affairs in a city than to watch the local news. Take note of the recurring stories. Are there frequent reports of serious crimes? Is the economy thriving? Are residents speaking out on specific issues? Be sure to follow the websites of the TV stations and local newspapers as well. If you're focusing on particular neighborhoods, social networking sites such as Nextdoor give you a great look at what's going on there.
   
   
3. Avoid Tourist Attractions
   Having a robust tourist industry is definitely a benefit for the city's economy. But these places are rarely a significant factor for people who actually live in that city. When you visit the tourist spots, you'll gain no practical knowledge about the real pulse of the city and the people who are your potential neighbors. Spend time checking out malls, parks, and other places frequented by locals. Ask people like Uber drivers and baristas for tips about where you can get some local flavor.
   
   
4. Pay Attention to Personal Interactions
   Another reason to stay away from tourist attractions is that they are in the business of making people feel welcome. Cities usually have their own personality, and it's manifested in the people who live there. As you go to coffee shops, restaurants, and grocery stores, pay close attention to your interactions, whether they're with employees or people you may strike up a conversation with. It's also a good excuse to spend time people-watching, to see how they interact with friends, family, and strangers.
   
   
5. Look on the Not-So-Bright Side
   It's a natural tendency to focus on the positive qualities of a city, especially one that we may be calling home. As we all know, life doesn't work that way. Take a realistic look at the less-than-pleasant aspects of your chosen city and make sure you'll be able to at least tolerate them. Travel the highways during rush hour, or visit during cold weather months. Better to find the deal-breakers before you make the big move.
   
   
6. Explore Your Connections
   Thanks to the rise of social media, Kevin Bacon isn't the only person with six degrees of separation. Put the word out to friends and followers that you're thinking about moving to a particular city. Chances are good that you know someone who knows someone who lives or works there and they can supply you with plenty of first-hand information.
   
   
7. Keep an Open Mind
   Don't let tunnel vision keep you from missing out on better opportunities. For example, you may have your heart set on a certain neighborhood because you visited once or you've heard good things about it. Take the time to learn something about other areas that may actually turn out to be a much better fit with your lifestyle.
   
   
8. Get Lost
   So you've done your due diligence, conducting research and making lists. Now it's time to turn off the GPS and set out in whatever direction your car takes you. (Don't worry, it's still available if you literally get lost.) The qualities that make a place "home" are often intangible elements that can't be found in the most meticulous research and planning. Simply wandering around with no set objective can result in those happy accidents that tell you this place can truly be home.
   
   
9. Talk to a Real Estate Agent
   No one knows the ins and outs of real estate transactions better than agents, but they're also a comprehensive resource about the cities where they work. After close interaction with a wide range of clients, real estate agents develop a wealth of knowledge of their areas and what attracts potential buyers. Real estate agents can also share insider tips, such as the best place to get Chinese food or the routes with the least amount of traffic.

Whether you're moving from across the country or across town, The Masiello Group can provide experienced guidance from beginning to end. Contact us today to learn more.