It's estimated that roughly 14.19% of the U.S. adult population will move to a new location this year, according to data by the Census Bureau. But if you're thinking about moving, you might have a few questions, which we're going to explore in today's blog post. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about relocating to a new area.

Relocating to a New Area

How Will it Affect My Daily Commute?

Unless you work from home, you should consider how relocating to a new area will affect your daily commute. If you currently drive 45 minutes to and from work everyday, perhaps moving to a location with a shorter commute can help you save money at the pump. Even if the home is more expensive than what you had hoped for, the cost-savings benefits at the pump can prove worth the investment.

What's the Cost of Living

It's always a good idea to calculate the cost of living in a new location before moving. Different areas have different cost of livings. San Francisco, for instance, has one of the nation's highest cost of living, with the average rent for a single-bedroom apartment costing roughly $3,460 per month. You can use the calculator at BankRate to compare the cost of living in two locations.

Are There Any Local Laws for Residents in Your New Location?

You should also check to see if there are any laws affecting residents in your new location. Neither the state of South Carolina nor any of its cities or counties require motorists to pass an emissions test. In other states, however, you may be required to pass an emissions test to obtain/renew your tag. Of course, this is just one instance in which local laws vary. It's recommended that you conduct your own research to determine what local laws (if any) will affect you at your new location.

How are the Schools?

If you have children or are planning on having children in the future, you should consider the school system in the new location. If you're moving to Hilton Head, for instance, you can use the Zillow tool to compare local district schools.

What are the Property Taxes?

Property taxes often vary depending on the city or county. Therefore, you should check the taxes before moving to a new location. You can contact the local Tax Commission's office for more information.

This article was brought to you by Premier Island Properties - A full service real estate firm serving Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, South Carolina. For more real estate news, information, and interesting facts about the Lowcountry, please visit our website.