Making the Decision Where to Live – How to Decide

I was recently put up to the task of deciding where I was going to live after graduating from college. I was thinking either law school or work. When it came down to it, I was left with three choices: work in New York City, go to law school in Michigan or go to law school in Florida. My parents wanted me to go to law school in Florida because they want to retire down there and then we would all be close. Most of my friends wanted me to work in New York City because I’m from New York and I would be closer to them. Most of my aunts and uncles felt this way too. And Michigan being 12 hours away, didn’t win much support from anyone, except me. I don’t really like the city since I grew up in a small town, but I have spent plenty of time there and after making some of the best friends in my life in New York, the decision was really tough. It was a big choice and it was not easy but I had to make it. I had a lot of considerations to make. I have put together a list of things that you may want to try when you’re faced with a similar decision:

1) Visit! This is a must. There is nothing more pertinent to where you live than how you feel there and you’re not going to know that until you are there. If you go someplace and get a bad feeling then chances are, you’re not going to be happy there. This helped me when I was looking at colleges and afterward.

2) Talk to people. Mention places you’re looking into and see what people have to say about them. Chances are, anyplace you’re considering, someone’s been there or lived there or knows someone who’s been there or lived there and they’ll have something to say. It’s not enough, but it can certainly help.

3) Consider your budget! Don’t even think about looking into places like Manhattan if you’re not able to pony up a lot of money for rent. You don’t want to spend your days fretting over how you’re going to pay the bills. It’s just not worth it.

4) Don’t forget your roots! Chances are, if you grew up in a small town, you’re a small town kid and if you grew up in a city, you’re a city kid. Don’t move someplace where you’re going to be uncomfortable. This also means keeping people in mind. If you’re thinking of moving someplace far, consider that it’s going to be far away from the people that support you. Make sure that this is something you’re ready to handle.

5) Don’t rush! This is not a decision to be made overnight. This is something that warrants serious consideration. So, take your time. Do your research and make the best decision that you can.

6) Think about the population. The people that you share a town/city with are a big part of your everyday life so you want to make sure they’re the kind of people you want to be interacting with. Don’t move to Ann Arbor Michigan if you don’t want to be surround by college students and don’t move to Florida if you don’t want to be surrounded by older folks.
7) Listen to your heart! After everyone has dealt out their opinions, the decision is ultimately yours. Don’t let people persuade you to do something you’re going to be unhappy with.

So, what did I choose? Well, after seriously considering the repricussions of leaving my friends and family I adore, I decided on law school out in Ann Arbor Michigan. I went out there to visit and fell in love with it. I couldn’t be happier with my decision and I wish you the same!

Happy hunting!