There’s no denying that everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to neighborhoods. Some people love hopping around from trendy spot to trendy spot, while others prefer the quiet and safety of a more suburban area.
But there are some signs that you might need to move out of your current neighborhood, even if you love it. Here are some signs that you should consider looking for a new place to live:
- You or your friends are constantly getting harassed by the police. If you find yourself suspiciously eyed every time you leave the house, it’s probably time to move someplace where people of color are not treated like criminals just because of their skin color. People of color are just as entitled to public spaces as white people are.
- You have been called a racial slur when you walk down the street or your car has been vandalized because of your race or ethnicity. If this is happening, it’s time for a change in scenery so that you can be around people who appreciate diversity and celebrate differences.
- Your rent has increased to the point where you can’t afford it anymore. If you’re paying more than 30% of your income on rent, it’s time to find a place where you can afford to live without stretching yourself too thin.
- You don’t feel safe in your neighborhood after dark. If you’re always looking over your shoulder when you walk around at night, it’s time to find somewhere that feels a little safer.
- You don’t feel comfortable letting your kids play outside because of the lack of sidewalks, streetlights, and other safety features. If you’re constantly worrying about your kids’ safety, it might be time to find a neighborhood with better amenities for kids.
- There’s too much noise and traffic in your neighborhood. If you can’t even hear yourself think because of the constant noise, it’s time to move to a quieter place.
- You don’t feel comfortable walking around your neighborhood alone, especially at night. If you’re always looking over your shoulder, it’s time to find a neighborhood where you feel safe walking around alone.
- You don’t have any friends or family in your neighborhood. If you don’t have anyone to socialize with, it can be lonely living in a neighborhood where nobody knows anybody.
- The schools in your area are terrible. If you want the best education for your children, it’s important to find a neighborhood where they can go to great schools.
- Your commute is too long and there are no public transportation options. If you spend so much time on the road that you never get home in time to actually see your family at night, it’s time to find a neighborhood with better public transportation options.
- You don’t feel like the neighborhood is “home.” If your neighborhood doesn’t feel like home, it’s time to plan for relocation and talk to a trusted local mover.
- You don’t feel like you fit in with the people who live in your neighborhood. If you feel like an outsider in your own neighborhood, it might be time to find a place where you feel more comfortable.
- You don’t like the way your neighborhood is changing. If you’re not happy with the way your neighborhood is changing, it might be time to find a new one.
- You don’t feel like your neighborhood is livable anymore. If there are too many abandoned houses, if the streets are littered with trash, or if there’s a lot of graffiti, it might be time to find a new neighborhood.
- You don’t feel like your neighborhood is healthy anymore. If there is a lot of pollution and environmental hazards in your neighborhood, look for a new place to live.
- You’re afraid to leave your house because of the crime rate in your area. If you’re afraid to go out at night, it’s time to find a safer neighborhood where you’re not constantly looking over your shoulder.
- Your neighbors are always complaining about everything. If they complain about things that don’t really matter, like the color your house is painted or the way you keep your lawn, it’s time to find a neighborhood with more tolerant people.
While there are plenty of benefits to living in certain neighborhoods, not every place is worth staying if your needs aren’t being met. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to start looking for a new place to live. A change in scenery can do wonders for your mental health and overall happiness. So don’t be afraid to start browsing through listings and checking out neighborhoods that might be a better fit for you. You might be surprised at how much easier it is to find a place that you love when you know exactly what you’re looking for.
