Choosing Where to Live
Think about where you’d like to live and then consider the realities. For example, if you
were a ship navigator during your military career, you could have a difficult time finding a
similar job in Idaho. On the other hand, if you were an Army nurse, you may find several
excellent opportunities in Idaho’s many fine hospitals.
Most career placement
specialists recommend that job applicants choose the type of job they want first,
then go where the jobs are. In making a decision to relocate, you might prioritize as
follows:
1.
Job potential: Which community is most likely to offer job opportunities that
match your skills, experience, and career goals?
2.
Affordability: Consider the not so obvious expenses in addition to the cost of
living. Compare local, state income, property, and sales taxes. Does the state tax your
military retirement pay? Does the location have income and career potential?
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Hot Tip:
Use the
Military.com
Salary Calculator to get salary information for specific industries in your desired work
location.
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3.
Community: Do you have family or friends there? Can you count on them to help
make your transition easier? Do you need to be close to your aging parents for economic or
medical reasons? Are you seeking upward mobility with the potential to move, or are you looking for
a community to settle for the long term?
4.
Environment: Would you be happiest living in a city, the suburbs, a small town, or
a rural area? Does the climate suit you?
