The job search Part 4: Location

The job search continues. I am still pounding away the resumes and cover letters and application forms in search for the right job offer. I've discussed how to narrow the search, getting yourself noticed by employers, and being consistent. Recently, I've given a lot more thought as to where I'd like to move.

At first it was an impulsive: "I have to get out of here the fastest way possible!" But I do, to a small extent, have preferences as to where I want to be and don't want to be. In addition, it might not be logical to go somewhere like California, even though it's an attractive place to live. The main reasons are that it's expensive to live there and the state has been hit harder than others by the crisis. My home state of Massachusetts' unemployment rate is steadily decreasing. Yet, it's not fast enough for my liking, and it's very expensive to live there. So, how does one sort this out? Where are the "best places" to live?( The best places to me mean: affordable housing, a high employment rate, good income rates, and good public transportation.)

Lists like "America's Fastest Growing Cities" provided by Businessweek can be a useful tool. They take many of the above factors into account when constructing these lists. The list also includes the best places for families and surburban areas close enough to the downtown area to be convenient, but far enough away to be tranquil. I found the list quite informative.

Of course the actual job opportunity is the main deciding factor in where to move. However, I'd rather live somewhere where I can live relatively cheap and also be able to save money instead of a place where I'd have a great job but am living paycheck to paycheck because of bills. That is something important to me so it is definitely worth considering.

It can also help to peak your interest in a certain area in the US. Perhaps you are someone who has no idea where to move or wants to try something different. Then again, you can know exactly where you want to go and then discover it might not be the best option. Either because of the distance from services important to you like schools, hospitals and supermarkets, or some of the factors listed above.

Either way, I plan to narrow some of my searches to these "best areas" and see what I come up with.

By: Samantha Taylor

Samantha is a Boston, Massachusetts native. Her studies have taken her from Ohio to England, where she lived for two years. Currently, Samantha lives in Andalucía, Spain, with her husband. She is a writer for Nexxt and contributes to one of its many blogs: retailgigsblog.com. She also works as an English teacher and personal trainer in her spare time.