essay about moving away from home

Leave Your Hometown: 16 Reasons Why You Should Go For It

I left my hometown to live in a country which is 10,000 miles away.

Moving away from your hometown may seem scary at first. I want to give you a few reasons why you should leave your hometown for travel, work or study.

Leaving my hometown was something I always dreamed about. As soon as I graduated from University, I jumped onto a flight to land 10,000 miles away from my home.

a friend and I had made a last-minute decision to become backpackers for a year in Australia. Looking back, this was one of the best experiences of my life.

Why is it Good To Leave Your Hometown?

Leaving your hometown in your early 20s is a helpful life strategy . Moving away at 21 years old made me stronger, more resilient, and more thankful.

Leaving my comfort zone was not easy, but it was the best decision of my life. Moving to a new place is a roller-coaster of emotions.

Reasons Why You Should Leave Your Hometown

I have listed below the initial reason or feeling I experienced when I first left my hometown.

• Limited opportunities
• Lack of fulfillment
• No social life
• You feel stuck in your current situation
• You need some independence

Fresh Start, Along With Endless Opportunities

A new clean slate, fresh page, new beginnings, or whatever way you want to put it. It is always a good incentive to try and recreate your identity.

If you are sick and unhappy with your current life, then I suggest moving on.

As soon as you have left high school or university people will say over and over again ‘ The world is your oyster ’. Which is true!

By leaving your hometown and expanding your horizons you will realise how big the world is. Also, there are endless opportunities waiting for you!

Also, some of us need a change. We need a different scenery and different location.

Some of us are born into a situation that is not that favourable for us. Or, the people you are around and not helping to build to you. Some of us need a change of location.

The negative situations we were born into, we do not have to die in. You are not a tree, thus, move! We did not choose where we were born but we can choose we are heading.

Independence And Self-Reliance

Being a solo traveller allows you to grow and will bring so much independence. You will find yourself in situations where you cannot rely on friends and family.

When you live at home with family you will never grow as you will always have a backup plan or people to rely on.

So, you will learn to become resourceful and reliant on yourself. In the process, you will learn swiftly, build resilience and figure out how to do things alone.  

Being self-reliant is a great skill to learn in your 20s. As you get older, you experience more hiccups along the way.

You will be able to figure out solutions to your problems by having faith in yourself.

No Commitments

Are you at a time in your life when you have nothing pinning you down in your hometown? So now is the perfect chance for you to uproot your life and do something different.

Meet New People

Yes, it is so important to have lifelong friends that you met on the very first day at school. Sometimes, in life, it gets to a point where you feel stuck in these friendships that you have had for years.

So, moving away from your hometown allows room for more and it is important to meet new people. Meeting new people who are open-minded will spark new friendships.

You will have unique sets of friends from all over the world. Bringing your home friends together with your travel friends is always great fun too.

Immersing yourself in new cultures and local cuisines is the beauty of moving to a new place. Staying open-minded you will have no issues adapting.

Once you start meeting new people, it becomes addictive. Now, I am addicted to meeting new people.

Follow this guide on how to make friends while travelling solo.

Networking Opportunities

Also, get the chance to make professional relationships too. Moving away will allow you to create an expansive network. Essential if you want to do well in a career.

It’s good fun getting to grow your network . I enjoyed meeting new people in your industry, showcasing your talents and gaining the chance to learn one thing or another.

Introducing yourself might seem scary at first. Yet, the more you introduce yourself to people, the less scary it gets.

So, you will build confidence in yourself. Also, you will gain a new group of friends and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

There are so many more jobs when you move to a larger city or to a different country. You will get so many more opportunities to help build your career and resume.

I tried many activities like surfing and skydiving. I also gained inspiration to improve my photography and painting skills. I even started this blog.

Different Perspective

At home you have lived with people who all have similar experiences to you. You went to the same school, knew the same people, were a part of the same teams and went to the same places.

Moving away and engaging with new people feels like unlocking a new level.

When I moved to Australia there were so many opportunities to enjoy the sun! As I am from Scotland, a change to living in a country where you get proper seasons is bliss.

I was able to go outside in shorts and a T-shirt without freezing.

If you live in a hot country originally. you might want to move somewhere where you can experience cold winters and snow!

Different Things To Do

I used to always go to the same bars , pubs and clubs. With the same group of friends, and you will always see the same people wherever you go.

But when you leave you realise there are so much more things to explore, see and do.

When you move to a different town there is a chance that you will get to try something new. Something that you did not know existed, or that you would have never got to try at home.

There are more opportunities when you move to a larger city. So, some people end up following (and being successful) in completely different paths.

Appreciating Family More

Your parents will be so proud of you if you have the mindset and confidence to pack up and leave in your early twenties.

Once you move out from your family home and start meeting new people. You start to realise how much of a good job your parents did raising you. And you realise you have a lot to thank for.

It’s the truth when they say ‘ absence makes the heart grow fonder ’. Whether it takes a few days or a few months, you will begin to miss your loved ones back home . Missing birthdays, holidays and getting together is difficult but everyone is a video call away.

You might get homesick and make a last-minute decision to surprise your parents back home.

All I can say is that homesickness will pass. Just a reminder that moving out in your twenties is a good thing for you and for your parents.

You’ll Never Look At Your Home Town The Same way

I was away from home for a year. As soon as I got home I started to appreciate the little things that were awful and boring there. I am proud to say that I am from Scotland .

Despite the weather, Scotland is an amazing country . From the bustling cities of Glasgow to the quiet scenic beaches on the west coast .

There is so much to offer. It is a shame that it took me a year abroad to realise this.

I have a lot of friends who I met travelling that are desperate to come and visit Scotland .

Greater Trust and More Confidence In Yourself

As well as developing resilience you learn to trust your gut instinct. There are a few situations where your friends and family are not there when you call for help.

You will learn to be more comfortable with doing things by yourself.

There will be so many situations where you feel insecure and at your lowest. But, again you will learn to handle this and motivate yourself over the next hurdle.

Reflect More

When you move away to a different country you will be left with your own thoughts much more. This is an opportunity to reflect in a positive way.

With so many distractions and drama at home, it can be comforting and helpful to move away for a while.

It is vital to learn to look back, to realise how far you have come and how much you have grown. Have a sense of accomplishment when you get a new job, reach a new milestone or achieve small things.

Travelling and the Freedom

You can make life decisions without feeling pressured from others. Apply for a new job in a new industry, take a scuba diving course, or get a horse.

Who cares? Do it all on your own.  

With freedom, come mistakes. You might lose a job, lose a friend, or accidentally crash the car.

But, you learn that making mistakes is perfectly normal. How you carry yourself, work it out and it is how it makes you stronger on the other side.

Now, you are less judgemental, and it is easier to be yourself when you are surrounded by strangers. Also, you make changes that people in your hometown will consider to be too drastic.

With the freedom to focus on yourself and uncover who you really are. Your perspectives will change. Evidently, you will become a new person – the person you are supposed to be.

Goodbye Comfort Zone

If you change the limits of your comfort zone now. There will be no need to try and find yourself later on in life because you are already comfortable with yourself.

Other people in your hometown will be reaching their milestones and that will no longer bother you.

You will become detached from familiar influences. A change in scenery will create room for self-discovery. You have the ability to realise that everyone is on their own path in life, and you do not have to stick to societal norms.

Staying inside your comfort zone does not allow you to grow . Once you move towards change, you will become a better person, leading to you finding your true self.

Tips For Moving Away From Home

The list below are some things that I will recommend from my own personal experiences.

• Apply for jobs in a new region or country
• Move away for college or university
• Budget and have a clear plan
• Join new clubs and find people who have the same interests
• Bring some comfort items from home
• Do not listen to those who will hold you back

Is It Bad To Move Back To Your Home Town?

Moving back to your hometown will give you a chance to reconnect with your loved ones. Also, you will realise who cares for you and about the ones who do not care. 

As you know, reminiscing about old times will never get old.

Also, coming home for a short time will make you appreciate things that you have not noticed before. You will rediscover what is important.

When it comes to big things such as leaving your hometown we put so many negative ‘what ifs’ on it. ‘What ifs’ include things like ‘what if I do not make friends?’ ‘What if I do not have enough money?’. Honestly, there is no reason to overcomplicate it, just go for it.

Everything is possible, you just how to follow the curve. Your life will have its ups and downs.

Everything is possible when the curve dips, and it will come back up again. If you do not like where you are staying just simply move.

If you have ever wondered what it will be like to live in a different place. Move away from your support system and truly find who you are.

I would say just go for it. Stop dreaming and make it happen. Leaving your hometown in your 20s is a life hack.

Don’t spend your life wondering ‘ what if ’. Worst case scenario, you’ll end up hating it and move back home.

And that is okay too. Hopefully, this post has inspired you to try and live somewhere new.

In a new place, you can pick friends who align with your mindset, you can pick people who elevate you. It is amazing being able to restructure in a new place without having to destroy your old place.

Also, you will grow a sense of gratitude. You will start to appreciate where you come from. When you are away from that, you start to appreciate them a lot more.

30 Reasons To Leave Your Hometown Before You Turn 25

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Moving away from home in my early 20s has helped me become stronger, more aware, and most of all, more thankful. This article is intended to help illustrate how and why I think it’s a good idea to leave your hometown at a young age.

I’ve made some pretty good decisions in my life. I can confidently admit that. I’ve done a lot of things in my life that I’m happy about. There are a lot of times I can reflect back on and genuinely be glad that I made a certain decision and it led me to where I am now.

For example , I’m genuinely glad that I worked hard in school and that I was receptive to my parents when they were telling me education was important. Even though I didn’t make straight A’s and often got into arguments with my parents about my grades (I thought a B was good enough), my good GPA allowed me to get into a good college and actually made me one of the first in my family to graduate with a four-year degree.

Along with that, I’m happy about the college I chose and made the friends that I did. I don’t know where I would be without a lot of the people in my life, and I owe a lot of that to my 4 years spent at Duquesne University.

However, up to this point, there is nothing I can be more thankful for than the fact that I moved 1,100 miles away right after college. This arguably has taught me more about life, myself, and others than anything else ever has. I wanted to share some of the things I’ve learned along the way, which again is the intention of this article.

I am writing this with two people in mind.

The person who is currently living in their hometown without a real reason to stay there. Maybe you have considered moving away from home before, but something keeps holding you back. You’re not sure what it is. Maybe it’s the fear of the unknown, maybe you don’t want to be lonely, maybe you’re trying to be smart with money (I get it), or maybe it’s just the simple fact that you like where you are and don’t want to leave.

The person who actually has moved from home, has had a great experience, and can relate to some of the incredible things that happen as a result of trying something new.

So, coming from somebody who was once “Person 1” and now happily can consider himself in the “Person 2” category, I’ve come up with 30 reasons to illustrate why moving away from home was the best decision of my life to date.

(Disclaimer: “Before 25 years old” was not meant to be exact. This list is true for many other ages. The main overarching point is that moving somewhere new at a relatively young age is really helpful starting out.)

Here is the list, based on my personal experiences…

1. You will learn what it means to be truly independent .

You will learn what it takes to not rely on others for assistance with every little thing. You’ll figure out what to do if your tire pops, when your air conditioner breaks, when you don’t know what to cook for yourself – without immediately relying on family and people you know. It feels good to figure things out on your own.

2. Conversations are easy and interesting.

People in your new city will find you interesting and ask about where you’re from. You’ll do the same for them and it will be fun to talk about similarities, differences, and past experiences.

3. You aren’t tied down with commitments.

If you’re going to uproot your life and do something entirely different or risky, you might as well do it before having kids, a family, and multiple established reasons to stick around. When else will you get to do it?

4. You can start completely fresh .

If you’re unhappy with your life at home, need a change, or made some mistakes, it can be hard to move forward. If you want to “re-brand” or “re-invent” yourself, moving away allows you to start over with a clean slate.

5. Drake was wrong – new friends.

There is no such thing as not making new friends. Well there is, but it’s boring. There are plenty of ways to make new friends in a new city. After moving to Florida and seeing others do the same, I reflect back on how everybody’s group of friends is now completely different from what it once was. And nobody has lost their original friends – just gained new, great ones. It’s always fun when your hometown friends come together with your new friends too, so it helps you look forward to those kinds of meetings as well. On top of that, I met a great girl who I likely wouldn’t have met had I not come to Florida.

6. Networking opportunities effortlessly happen.

You will meet people that will change your life from a professional or personal standpoint. I’ve met so many people in Florida that have helped me move up professionally as well as helped me develop spiritually. This will effortlessly happen when you move.

7. New skills that wouldn’t happen otherwise.

You’ll learn new skills by moving away from home. I got golf lessons in Florida, which is something I likely never would have done in my hometown. Also, I now know a ton about data analytics and all sorts of paid media, which may not have happened had I not made the leap.

8. You hear different perspectives.

Gaining new perspectives is a huge part of moving away from home. At home, you only know the perspective of people who had a very similar experience to yours. You all went to the same high school, knew the same people, went to the same places, and had the same favorite teams. You will meet people whose mindsets and backgrounds will inspire you and maybe even teach you something about yourself that you never “unlocked” before.

9. Different weather.

Moving from Pittsburgh to Tampa was shocking because I had never gotten so much Vitamin D in my life. Whether it’s moving from cloudy to sunny, rainy to dry, sunny to cold, you will find new weather which will lead to new things to do, and possibly even an appreciation for what you had experienced before.

10. Different things to do.

I used to always hang out with my same couple of friends, go to the same couple of bars, hang out at the same houses afterward, on the same days of the week, at the same times. And it’s always the same people at those bars, every time. I do such a variety of things now and it’s so much more interesting. Moving away from home may freak you out because your mind is trained that there are only a limited number of things to do. But when you leave, you realize that it is all dependent on your location, your friends, the weather, your job, and many other factors that will likely give you so many more options.

11. Your parents already did their part.

Not to be overly harsh, but if you’re still living at your actual house, realize that your parents already did their job in raising you, and that you need to not only give yourself some freedom, but give them some as well. I understand easing into real life, but still living at home long after college is pretty drastic, even if it allows you to stack up money. Moving away from home will be good for you and your parents.

12. Learning to survive with insecurities.

There are times you’ll feel insecure. Walking into a social situation alone. Walking into a new job. Presenting at a business meeting to people older than you. Barely affording rent. Seeing people in better shape than you. But the beauty of it is that you learn to handle this and use it as motivation to get better. If you never experience being insecure and getting through it, you’ll have a harder time handling situations later in life.

13. Greater confidence.

From learning to deal with insecurities, you gain confidence. You start to realize after a while that you’ll get in a groove, start learning more, things will start clicking, and you’ll get better at things. You will have way more confidence knowing you made it there yourself. One day you’ll look around and realize wow, I have a nice place, a car I paid for by myself, and a whole group of friends in a new state. It’s amazing to look back and realize how much you’ve grown.

14. You discover new interests.

You don’t know what you don’t know. Moving to a new place might introduce you to something you didn’t know existed. I know people who have experienced moving away from home to different states and ended up going down paths they originally hadn’t planned because they found something they were passionate about. Some are pursuing their dream jobs now. What is more fun than that?

15. You learn to trust yourself.

When you’re in a new place, you often have no one else to rely on except yourself. Yes, there are people you can ask at work, you can “phone a friend” or family member at home, but sometimes you have to make big decisions on your own. One thing I’ve learned is that I trust myself and my gut decisions more. That “gut feeling” is something I have a lot more faith in now and I usually know that the decision I’m making will make sense.

16. Growing closer to your family.

I appreciate my family so much more when I look at my situation now and realize that I wouldn’t have gotten here without them. They instilled me with a mindset that made me confident enough to move 1,100 miles away at age 22. They provided me with enough support to get me started. They helped get me through college. When you realize these things, and you don’t see them as often, you make it a point to call them, see them, and get closer to them. It just happens.

17. You’ll view your hometown more positively.

Sometimes I go over a year without going back home. But when I do go back home, I really appreciate the little things I thought were awful and boring before. For example, Florida (although beautiful) is very flat, and there are just palm trees and similar views everywhere. Now I go home and I really appreciate the basic things like the hills and different views I don’t get here. My girlfriend, who grew up in Florida, has encouraged me to appreciate landscapes and views other than palm trees. When she came back to Pennsylvania with me for the first time, I was shocked as to why she thought it was all so beautiful, but now I understand. It’s also nice to keep close with hometown friends and of course, family.

18. More career opportunities.

There are only so many jobs within reasonable traveling distance from you. Let’s say you have a marketing degree and you live in a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA. There may be 300 jobs available, with 45 of them being in your experience range, with the maximum salary being $45K for the ones you qualify for. You could move to a different city and there could be 800 jobs available, with 160 of them in your experience range, with the maximum pay being $70K for one you could actually get. You could just be missing out on potentially great career opportunities and more money just because of your location and unwillingness to leave.

19. You reflect more.

Moving away from home teaches you to reflect and be alone with your thoughts, in a positive way. When you’re in your hometown and you’re constantly surrounded by people you grew up with and family members, you may not get a lot of time alone. Especially at home when your parents are asking you questions left and right. When you move away, you can get a one bedroom place and literally be alone for an entire day if you choose to be. With distractions being everywhere these days, it can be comforting and helpful to just get away and reflect.

20. You learn to manage money.

You have to. I’ve lived in one bedroom apartments most of my time in Tampa and believe me it gets expensive. New situations means more things you want to do/try, which means more spending. Not to mention I’m a caffeine freak (but trying to get better) so I spend at least $3 per day. Anyway, you learn to manage your money. You even learn how to get in a little bit of debt then get out of it which is always fun.

21. You experience the feeling of accomplishment.

This is similar to number 13 (gaining confidence), but with a heavy focus on reflection. It is so nice to look back on your situation, where you came from, and realize how far you’ve gotten. After 4 years I finally feel “established” in a new city/state and it is an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and thankfulness. You will also get new jobs, reach new milestones, and achieve different things.

22. Phones exist.

You can easily call people, see what people are up to on social media, and text. Snapchat is basically real-time. You literally can be 1,100 miles away and know exactly what happened all weekend in your hometown. More often than not, your weekend ends up being more interesting.

23. Traveling exists.

When you move, if you really miss home that bad, or you’re just going through a time where you are extra lonely for whatever reason, you can travel. It’s never impossible to see people after moving away from home. Depending on where you move to, long weekends can even make sense. It’s important to make the most of a long weekend every once in a while. I know people in Florida who travel home for almost every long weekend when there’s a holiday on a Monday or Friday.

24. Holidays become more exciting.

Naturally, as you get older, holidays just aren’t the same as they were when you were younger. However, when you move away to a different city or state, they do get a lot more exciting when you finally get the chance to come home. Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter become times you look forward to more than ever before. They become reunions. They become so much more special because you haven’t seen people in so long. Similar to number 2 above, you have so much more to talk abut when you do go home.

25. You will inspire others.

One thing I’ve found to be rewarding is that other people get inspired by your own experiences. I’ve had friends move to Florida because of a visit with me. My brother saw me succeeding by moving away from home and ended up doing the same. I talk to people at home who say they’d love to try something new. It’s good to set an example and inspire others.

26. You have the ultimate freedom.

I don’t want to get this one confused with having “personal independence”. What I mean here is that you can make literally whatever decision you want. You can buy a car. You can get a dog. You can pursue a different field of work. You can make huge life decisions without dealing with the pressure of people around you. While typing this, I realized that a dog and a car were my two biggest purchases to date – and I’ve told my parents after the fact in both cases.

27. You can make huge mistakes.

Along with number 26, you can make massive mistakes and mess up your life temporarily. You can handle getting fired from a job, you can ruin a friendship, you can make a mistake in a social situation, or you can wreck your car. Making huge mistakes is fine because they will always work out and you’ll come out stronger on the other side. Moving away from home and having the ultimate freedom allows you to make bigger mistakes that allow you to learn bigger and more important lessons.

28. Feel comfortable making drastic changes.

You can shave your head. You can grow a long beard. You can start dressing a little differently. You can paint stripes on your car, or buy a car in a bright flashy color. You can start rooting for Florida State football (you’re welcome Kelly). The point is – moving from home allows you to feel comfortable reinventing yourself and just trying things out for fun. You may not even do anything drastic, but there is something cool about knowing you can, and you can feel comfortable. When less people know you, this is easier to do without feeling too weird.

29. Your comfort zone will limit you.

Comfort zones are nice to an extent, but they are restricting. If you train yourself to be too comfortable in your 20s, you may try to be too comfortable in your 30s. You might always lean towards what’s easier for your entire life. The same way you make coffee or go for a run to set the tone early in the morning, set the tone early in your life by trying something new when you’re young and hungry. That pattern just might follow you for your whole life.

30. Your faith will grow.

I’ve naturally had faith in higher powers just from being raised in the church and reading the Bible. However, until you actually experience it in a real life way, you have no idea how much your faith can grow. After moving away, I had to figure a lot of things out, and HAD to have faith. Faith grows when you go through difficult experiences that challenge you. All in all, I would consider myself a “work in progress” from a spiritual standpoint, but after moving away I am exponentially more aware and more appreciative of God’s workings in my life.

30 things? That’s it?

I could keep going I’m sure, but I’m sure a small percentage of you even made it this far down the page. If you have, and you’re somebody who is debating moving away from home for the first time, I hope this has helped you understand from an “insider” perspective that there are some great things in store for you if you take the leap.

For people who have already made a move, I hope you were able to relate to some of these points and I hope your experience has been as rewarding as mine. Feel free to comment with which ones in my list of 30 resonate the most with you, or if you have any others you would add about moving away from home.

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What it’s really like living away from home.

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I moved away from home six years ago and have lived and worked in three different states since.

I now live thousands of miles away from friends and family, but moving away from home has been one of the most important decisions I have made in my life.

If you are considering a move, consider the below pros and cons to living away from home.

Living Away From Home is Exciting

Every place I’ve lived has had its own vibe.

I’ve picked up new hobbies and made new friends.

I’ve learned what it’s “really like” to live in a place.

Its an experience you just can’t get from a vacation.

Moving Away From Home Increases Your Career Opportunities

My career has boomed ever since I opened myself up to the possibility of living elsewhere.

I had the opportunity to live in the mecca for my industry where all of the top companies reside.

If I had stayed close to home, I wouldn’t have had these career opportunities.

You Meet Different People Living Away

Moving forced me to branch out and now I have a more geographically diverse mix of friends.

I also met my husband when I first moved and we got married this past winter.

Before, I only dated people that hung out in the same circles and were very similar to me.

I now have family in another part of the country which is awesome.

Related post: 11 Reasons Why Moving West Changes You for the Better

You Have to be Resourceful When It’s Only You

When I moved away from home, I no longer had my family and friends to rely on for the little things.

As a young twenty-something, I was forced to figure out how to adult more quickly without my support network there.

I couldn’t just call my Dad to come over when my water heater was leaking or call my best friends to come have a drink with me when I had a crappy day at work.

It stunk at first but I see it as a blessing now. I figured out how to be resourceful which is a skill that I hadn’t had to exercise before.

It also deepened relationships with new friends, many of whom were transplants themselves.

Related post: How to Make Friends When You Move to a New City

You Have Time and Space for New Projects

My calendar would be packed if I lived at home.

Between outings with friends and activities with family, I would have little time for myself if I lived at home.

Living away from home has given me the time and space to build this blog and try new things.

I can also spend the weekend doing absolutely nothing if I want to, guilt free.

Related post: How to Create Your Own Blog or Website

Now, on to the bad parts of living away from home.

Living Away from Your Family is Sad

You can FaceTime all day but it’s not the same as actually being there.

I miss my family very much and I wonder if someday I’ll regret living away from them for so long.

It’s depressing but I think about my older family members and wonder if they’ll still be there when I move back someday.

I do the math and think “OK if I see this family member twice per year for the next five years, that means I only see them 10 more times in my life.”

So depressing but it’s a tradeoff you make for the personal growth you experience when you move away.

Your Vacation Days are No Longer For Vacation

I work a standard 9-5 job that gives me a limited number of vacation days per year.

I feel very guilty spending those days actually on vacation and not on trips home to see friends and family.

When I first moved, I would go on actual vacations but now that I am coming up on six years away, I spend 90% of my vacation days on trips home.

When I do go home, I jam pack the schedule so that I can see everyone I love and miss.

It’s wonderful to see family but definitely not a vacation.

I wouldn’t spend my vacation any other way though. I want to see my friends and family and miss everyone.

It Can Get Really Expensive

I spend thousands of dollars each year visiting home.

It’s not just the flights that get expensive. ( I use travel rewards to get most of the flights for free).

Now that I’m married, I usually bring my husband with me which means that we need someone to watch our dog.

(We also are from two different parts of the country so we make double the trips home).

Dog boarding is crazy expensive.

We recently started using Rover (which is like Yelp for finding pet sitters) and I’m really happy about it.

We found a girl on the app who lives nearby and she is great with dogs.

The prices are reasonable too.

Check out Rover here and get $20 FREE

Related: The Cost of Owning a (Very Cute) Dog

You Can Feel Like You’re Not Putting Down Roots

Some people want to travel indefinitely and putting down roots or “settling” in a place is just not important to them.

Others, really want to call someplace their home base.

I love traveling and living in different places for the time being.

I do see my friends starting to settle down and put their permanent stamp on an area and wonder if I want that too.

I may be too restless for that or it may be exactly what I want. I don’t know yet.

I do know that moving so often prevents me from doing that.

I have to “reset” and build again every time I move to a new place.

Do I Regret Moving Away From Home?

Overall, I don’t regret living away from home and it has been one of the most important decisions I’ve made in my twenties.

I don’t think I’ll live away from home forever though.

Readers, do you live away from home? What should people considering a move think about?

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Reader Interactions

July 12, 2017 at 12:31 pm

I went to college 2,000+ miles away from home and stayed there for 4 years after. There were hard times, but overall, it was a really good experience. Like you mentioned above, I had to figure things out myself and solve my own problems, being resourceful and scrappy at times. It helped me become my own person and gain confidence in the world.

Once my husband and I had our son (2 years ago!), we decided that the benefits of being close to family and in a lower cost of living are far outweighed the benefits of staying in a HCOL area far from family. We are now coming up on 1 year “back home” 🙂

July 14, 2017 at 5:03 am

Congrats on your son and thank you for sharing! I can imagine that being close to your family is key when you have kids.

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Please note that Millennial Boss has financial relationships with certain merchants mentioned. Affiliate links may be used and commission earned in this post. While all attempts are made to present correct information, it may not be appropriate for your specific circumstances and information may become outdated. Copyright © 2021. All Rights Reserved.

Millennial Boss is a lifestyle and personal finance blog created by Julie, who paid off six figures of student loan debt and is now on the path to financial independence and early retirement through side hustles. She lives in Seattle and teaches others how to start blogging and sell printables on Etsy. Learn more here.

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Why Everyone Should Move Away From Their Home State at Least Once

I knew when I was growing up that I would never stay in my home state longer than I had to. It never felt like the place I was meant to be, and as much as I loved it, I knew I needed to leave. Leaving is one of the best things I've ever done for myself, and I truly think it's something everyone should experience if they can.

I grew up in a small town in Ohio that, while lovely, didn't have a lot to offer me for what I wanted for my future. I knew I wanted to be a journalist and I knew local newspapers weren't the right fit for me. I wanted the big-time in the big city, so I left for college in Florida (not a big city, but it was a step) and I only moved up from there. My mom told me when I left for school at 18 that she knew I would never come back. She wasn't wrong.

To me, I need to miss things to really appreciate them.

Since leaving at 18, I went to Florida for school, Illinois for a Summer internship, California for six years, and now New York City. Each state has added something to my life , whether it's work experience, life experience, or people. But here is the most important thing that leaving home has given me: a renewed appreciation for Ohio. I didn't like it there while I was growing up because my town was small and boring for a teenager. Now I'm excited every time I go back to visit, because it's small and quiet and a drastic change of pace from my busy New York lifestyle.

To me, I need to miss things to really appreciate them. Too much of something makes it lose its luster. There are times when I want to move to my favorite cities (London and Los Angeles) but I worry that if I live there I won't love them as much. There will probably come a day when I feel this way about New York and want someplace new, but so far I haven't reached that since this city has so much to offer.

Moving to a new place is terrifying . If you're moving somewhere you're not familiar with and where you don't know anyone, it can be a lot to face, which is why I feel like a lot of people don't move around much. It's easier to settle into what you know and, frankly, already love. Many of my friends I grew up with are comfortable and happy in Ohio, and I love that for them. But sometimes taking that leap into the unknown can lead to huge and amazing things. I wouldn't have met some of the best people I know if I hadn't left Ohio. I wouldn't have gotten to write amazing stories about those amazing people if I hadn't left Ohio.

It all comes from being willing to take a risk and try something new . Even if you don't leave your home state permanently, even leaving for a year or a couple months teaches you a lot. And even if you leave for a few months and realize you hate the place you've gone and all you want is to go back home, at least you tried it and learned that where you came from is where you want to be.

Now I feel grateful that I grew up in a small town that was easygoing and simple. I can appreciate that when I was 10 years old, I could run around the neighborhood with my friends after dark and play games and not worry about anything. And now I'm excited to go back and visit and will proudly tell everyone that I'm from Ohio. It may not be where I live now, but it'll always be home.

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Blog > Common App , Essay Advice , Personal Statement > The Best Way to Write College Essays About Moving

The Best Way to Write College Essays About Moving

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Alex McNeil, MA Admissions Consultant

Key Takeaway

Moving’s a big deal, especially when you’re in high school.

New state, new city, new school, new family dynamics, new friends—new everything, it may seem.

If you’ve recently moved, or if you’ve moved a lot throughout your life, you might be thinking about writing your college essay about moving.

Moving can work well as a personal statement topic, particularly when the experience shows your resilience and ability to adapt to new situations.

But because the topic is somewhat common, it can be risky if not done well.

In this post, we go over a few ways to approach a college essay about moving to avoid some of the biggest pitfalls and cliches.

Three Ways to Approach Your College Essay About Moving

Across the tens of thousands of college essays we’ve read, the following three approaches tend to produce great college essays about moving. They help writers avoid cliches and focus in on something deeply meaningful and strengths-based (remember: that’s the whole point of a college essay to begin with!).

Personal Insight

The first way you can think about your personal statement is by considering how your story about moving can reveal a personal insight about yourself to admissions officers.

Let me give you an example.

Emma moved from rural Montana to Los Angeles for her mom’s job. Sure, she could write about how she was shocked by the drastic weather differences, how she had to learn how to navigate a big city, or how she went from being in a school with 50 students to one with over 3,000.

Those topics would be interesting, but none would help us learn much about who Emma is or why we should admit her to our school.

To reveal a personal insight, Emma will have to be a bit more vulnerable and strategic. Let’s say that Emma wants to study agriculture. Emma’s college essay about moving would be more effective if it explored how she came to realize her love of agriculture only after she left her rural hometown.

Family Context

But maybe moving didn’t teach you something about yourself. Maybe it taught you about your family. Or perhaps you feel like admissions officers need to know about your family’s story to truly understand you.

This approach appears most often among students whose families have moved a lot because of a parent’s job or among those who have had a lot of changes in their home lives. Sharing your story, including the details of how a situation affected you personally, can help admissions officers learn about where you come from.

You can write about your experiences through the lens of resilience, diversity, or even joy or curiosity.

Lesson Learned

Finally, you can also approach your college essay about moving by reflecting on a significant lesson you learned throughout the process. Note that the key word here is significant .

Lessons like “I learned that I was strong and could handle anything thrown my way” or “I learned who my true friends were” are nice lessons, but they aren’t weighty enough for a college essay. Those kinds of lessons are too generic to actually tell admissions officers anything about who you are.

Let’s return to Emma for this example.

Instead of writing about how moving influenced her to study agriculture, Emma could also write about the lessons in diversity she learned when moving from a homogenous rural town to a big, diverse city.

Two Cliches to Avoid in Your College Essay About Moving

Okay, now that we’ve gone over three solid approaches, let’s go over what not to do.

Since college essays about moving are pretty common, you’ll want to avoid these overused and cliche methods. Your admissions officers will have read them a thousand times already, so they won’t be doing you any favors.

“Moving was the worst thing that ever happened to me…even though it wasn’t that bad.”

Listen. I know that moving can be really difficult. If moving was truly the most difficult thing you’ve experienced, then consider one of the approaches from above.

But too many applicants overstate the difficulty of their move solely because they think they have to write about something traumatic to get into college.

This approach leads to inauthentic essays that appear like they’re trying to pull the wool over the admissions officer’s eyes.

You don’t need to write about trauma, or even a difficult topic in general, in your college applications.

“Moving caused my grades to drop.”

The other big cliche that surfaces again and again in college essays about moving is the big Grade Drop following a move.

Moving can be such a disruption that it’s unsurprising if it affected your grades. It also makes sense that you want admissions officers to know that there’s a legitimate (and temporary) reason behind those less-than-perfect grades on your transcript.

But the problem with this approach is that it takes one of the most valuable pieces of application real estate—your personal statement—and fills it with information that probably belongs in the Additional Information section of the Common App.

Instead, save your personal statement for a topic that draws out your strengths and says something meaningful about who you are.

The Big Picture

Not every college essay needs to be written about a challenge. If your experience with moving has deep personal meaning, you can try it out in your personal statement.

But remember that you can also address something like moving in your additional information section.

Ultimately, you need to craft essays that say something personal about you while showcasing your strengths. It’s all part of what it means to create a cohesive application narrative .

Liked that? Try this next.

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Living Away From Home: Advantages and Disadvantages

Moving away from home to chase educational or career dreams marks a pivotal point in the lives of numerous students. This significant shift brings the allure of fresh adventures and personal development, yet it is not devoid of hurdles. Embarking on this path can be a thrilling leap into independence, offering a canvas for self-discovery and cultivating resilience. Simultaneously, it tests one’s adaptability and readiness to face unforeseen challenges head-on. This article delves into the advantages and disadvantages of living away from home, striving to offer a comprehensive viewpoint for students at this critical juncture of their lives. Our goal is to equip students with insights that help balance the excitement of new opportunities against the realities of stepping into unfamiliar territory, thereby aiding them in making informed decisions as they navigate this significant phase.

Advantages of Living Away from Home

• Independence and Personal Growth

Living away from home is a profound exercise in independence. Students need the immediate fallback of family to learn to rely on their decision-making abilities. This autonomy fosters self-reliance and confidence as students navigate life’s ups and downs, leading to significant personal growth and maturity.

• Educational Opportunities

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone by moving to a new city or country opens the door to diverse educational programs and institutions that might not be available in one’s hometown. This exposure to new academic environments and learning styles can significantly enhance students’ educational experiences and broaden their perspectives.

• Broader Social Exposure

Living in a new place offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in different cultures, ideas, and social circles. This broadened exposure is invaluable, helping students develop a more nuanced understanding of the world and forge a diverse network of friends and professional contacts.

• Life Skills Development

The practical life skills gained from living independently are as important as academic achievements. Budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and managing time are just a few examples of the skills students develop, which are crucial for personal and professional success.

• Increased Career Opportunities

Being in a new environment often means access to a wider range of internships, part-time jobs, and networking events. These opportunities enhance students’ resumes and improve their prospects in the competitive job market.

Disadvantages of Living Away from Home

• Homesickness and Loneliness

One of the most significant challenges of living away from home is dealing with homesickness and loneliness. Missing family, friends, and familiar surroundings can be emotionally taxing. Students need to find ways to cope through social activities, staying in touch with loved ones, or seeking support from counseling services.

• Financial Burden

The cost of living independently can be a significant financial burden. Expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation can quickly add up, stressing students. Effective budgeting and seeking financial aid or scholarships can alleviate some of this pressure.

• Adjustment Period

Adapting to a new city, culture, or educational system can be challenging. Feelings of disorientation and frustration can mark the adjustment period. However, with time, most students find their footing and successfully navigate their new environment.

• Academic Pressure

Balancing the responsibilities of living independently with academic commitments can increase stress levels. Students must develop effective study habits and time management skills to manage this pressure and maintain academic performance.

• Safety Concerns

Moving to a new place may raise safety concerns, especially for those unfamiliar with their new environment. Students should take the time to learn about their surroundings, understand local safety measures, and know where to seek help if needed.

Living away from home is a journey filled with both opportunities and challenges. While the independence and personal growth it fosters are invaluable, students must know the potential downsides. By preparing for these challenges and taking advantage of the resources available, students can navigate this significant life transition more smoothly.

The decision to live away from home should be made after careful consideration of these factors. Remember, each experience is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Regardless of choice, there are always opportunities for growth and learning.

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Advantages of Living Away from Home Independence and Personal Growth Living away from home is a profound exercise in independence. Students need the immediate fallback of family to learn to rely on their decision-making abilities. This autonomy fosters self-reliance and confidence as students navigate life’s ups and downs, leading to significant personal growth and maturity. […]

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My childhood home became my world during the pandemic. Then, we moved

When I first moved away from home and into my college dorm, my family bought a new couch.

They replaced our brown, well-worn leather sofa with a tan sectional, featuring cupholders and a reclining option for every family member — even a corner for the dog. Then, they fostered a puppy. He was young and hyperactive and antagonized our dog by jumping on his back and stealing his bed.

I thought our house — a place I had called home my entire life — couldn’t have changed any more than that. But in March 2020, I moved back home because of the coronavirus pandemic .

And then, in what had already become an upside-down world, we moved out of my childhood home altogether.

A house full of memories

My parents moved into our white house with hunter green doors and matching shutters right after it was built in 1999. It was a new neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, with one main street lined with tract houses, each with a square plot of land out front marked with a tree. As I grew up, so did the neighborhood, expanding into the community that it is today.

That house was where I first met my two younger brothers after they were taken home from the hospital. It’s where we all learned to walk, watched “The Wiggles” for hours on end and memorized multiplication tables. At that kitchen table, I was told about my mom’s pregnancy, the marriage of my aunt and the death of grandparents. Every monumental event in my life was rooted to that house.

My move back home mid-sophomore year became yet another defining experience tied to that physical space.

The pandemic transformed my house into my entire world. With local stay-at-home orders, there was nowhere else to go. My desk became my classroom, and, later that summer, it served as my newsroom during my first journalism internship. Our kitchen table became part office, part co-working space. The playroom turned into a dorm lounge, where I would talk with my brothers and sometimes join them for a video game when the boredom really sunk in.

And my favorite place of all, our living room, turned into our movie theater as we watched a full lineup of shows and movies each night, starting with “Jeopardy!” and usually ending with a rerun of “The Office.”

Nostalgia was a comforting emotion to surround myself with. The past was fixed. And the future had never been more uncertain.

Our house was well lived in. Closets overflowed, our attic was full, and in every drawer, you could find old crayons, a lost pair of scissors and a drawing from someone’s elementary school art class. I didn’t like to throw things away. What if I needed it one day? Every nook and cranny was occupied by something, and even if it seemed like we didn’t have enough room, we’d make some.

My parents had always said we would move one day. But it was always one of those far-off notions — something that may happen someday but not anytime soon.

But when our house became our whole world and our weekends were limited to entertainment inside, my parents started taking on home improvement projects. We repainted my room from neon turquoise to a neutral beige. We fixed the doorknob-shaped hole in our playroom wall and painted over the crayon drawings hidden in our old playroom. I remember having a passing thought that maybe it was all done just so we could live more comfortably here.

But I soon found out the reality: We were getting it ready to sell it.

Uprooting — fueled in large part by remote work — has become a part of the pandemic narrative. Data from the United States Postal Service shows that in 2020, more than 7 million households moved to a different county as many people moved from big cities to the suburbs, an increase of half a million compared to 2019. But the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University found that these upticks in early and late 2020 did not represent "a significant change from prior years in the total number of moves."

Whatever trend the data ultimately end up validating, my family's move was just one of many during remarkably unsettling times.

Growing up, I liked the idea of moving. It always sounded exciting. Anytime a new student joined my class, I would pepper them with questions: How did you pack everything? How could you carry it? How did your furniture fit through doors?

But in June 2020, my parents told us over dinner that we were officially selling the house. It was finally my turn to go through the excitement of a big move, but I felt more like a child forced to part with her security blanket.

During the early days of the pandemic, my friends and I joked that we had regressed. I started re-watching my favorite show from high school, “The Vampire Diaries,” and reread every single “Percy Jackson” book, including the spinoff series. I forced my brothers to play old board games like the Game of Life, Trouble and Sorry with me. Nostalgia was a comforting emotion to surround myself with. The past was fixed. And the future had never been more uncertain.

So the idea of packing everything up and moving into a new space gave me a feeling of grief for the 20 years I had spent there. I’d never again look out my window and see the view of our empty backyard, which had been occupied by a play set and then a trampoline at various times in my life. I’d miss running in our neighborhood’s perfect loop or walking my dog on his favorite route. And I’d miss being able to lean over the railing of the second story to have a conversation with my family downstairs.

For (my brothers), the new house looked like a brand new playground. To me, I felt like I was finally leaving one.

My family moved just as Charlotte was entering a hot seller's market, mirroring a real estate trend seen across the country. By the end of 2020, inventory in the city shrank 28.4% and sales increased by 8.5%, leading to a 32% decrease in the supply of homes, according to the Charlotte Business Journal .

In a sign of the times — with many buyers waiving contingencies and home inspections — the family who bought our old house wrote my parents a letter when they submitted an offer, expressing their vision of raising their two young children there. It felt like we were passing our house down to a family with kids who would grow up there, just like my brothers and I had.

My parents bought a house about 10 minutes away, and we were set to move the first week of August. This coincided with the last week of my summer internship and was exactly one week before I was set to move back to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to start my junior year of college. 

Packing was the worst part. I tried to keep everything organized, but as I continued to put off the task, I ended up throwing everything into brown boxes, refusing to think about the experience of unpacking it all.

On the last day, everything was bare. The furniture was gone, the closets were empty and it didn’t even look like a home anymore. My best friend came over to help me move the essentials, and so she could get one last look at the house that was the backdrop of our friendship.

I recorded a video while walking through each of the rooms. I remember being so terrified that I’d forget what it looked like. I took a picture with my parents in front of our green door. I’m smiling, but there are tears on my cheeks.

I took a picture with my parents in front of our green door. I’m smiling, but there are tears on my cheeks.

Moving into the new house was a blur. Breaking news meant that I was constantly glued to my computer as the university desk editor of The Daily Tar Heel, and I barely looked up to notice what the new house looked like. My room remained filled with boxes, with just a desk for work and a bed to sleep in. I’ll unpack later, I remember telling myself.

My brothers were ecstatic about the move. The new house meant more space and a flat driveway, so they could finally set up a basketball hoop outside. For them, the new house looked like a brand new playground. To me, I felt like I was finally leaving one.

But then I moved into my first college apartment the next week. And it wasn’t until winter break that I finally went back home. I told myself that I was too busy to visit, which was true. But there was a part of me that worried that “going home” just wouldn’t feel like being home.

Making a house a home

Due to the pandemic, our winter break that year was long, almost double its normal length. When I got home, the room I had left, sparse and filled with cardboard boxes, was gone. My mom had unpacked everything, even down to setting up my bookshelf and filling it. She found a painting of a blue flower at Home Goods and hung it behind my bed. She put old canvases I had made on the opposite walls and turned the room into something comfortable.

But I didn’t see the physical space. What I saw was my mother’s love and care, wanting to make sure that this new house wasn’t just my family’s home, but mine as well. She always says her favorite times are when we are all under the same roof.

And I realized that’s why I loved my old house so much. Because it marked the place where we all sheltered together in one space, just a few feet away from each other. College took that away. Then a pandemic gave it back. And I perceived moving as taking it away again.

Over that break, I started my first book stack right beside my bed — the first of many. I hung up pictures on the wall and organized my shelves. I moved my desk and ordered my clothes by style, the way I like it.

It marked the first change toward becoming my room in the new house — the house that kept my family together under one roof, and the place I can always come home to.

Maddie Ellis is a weekend editor at TODAY Digital.

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Studying Away From Home: Pros and Cons

In this new era of globalization, more people than ever are leaving their homes to other places either temporarily or permanently. The study is one of the major reasons why people are living away from their homes within the nation or abroad. Some opt to study away from home due to hardships in education in their land, whereas some others do it out of their will to explore and learn in a completely new environment. The US, the UK, Japan, and Australia have become a major destination of higher studies for many youngsters from across the world owing to the excellence of education systems in those countries.

Studying away from home within the nation can be a great opportunity. Alongside the opportunity, challenges do come. The pros of studying abroad lie in the opportunity while the challenges make up the cons. One needs to be aware of the pros and cons of studying away from home to make the most out of it.

Here we have explained the pros and cons of studying away from home (including abroad study) so that you can prepare yourself in order to embrace them for better outcomes.

Also Read: 10 Most Useful Websites For Students

Independence

Studying in an unfamiliar place is obvious to pose challenges to you. Living away from home deprives you of the care of your parents and the company of your friends. This can be pessimistically viewed as a loss to you, but with a little bit of optimism, you can surely see an opportunity lying. The care and company you lose can be fruitful in making you an independent person which is very important in life. Look for your own laundry and manage your room by yourself. This might sound unfamiliar to you now but that is exactly what you are going to say to yourself if you stay away from home. Being able to manage your things by yourself is a sign of maturity which can be vital for you to succeed in later life.

Starting Fresh

Your usual course of life is sure to chance when you stay away from home to study. In some cases, it can even be a chance for starting fresh. Setbacks and failures are common among high school seniors. Studying in a new place can obviously be a refreshment for them. You can act according to your own will rather than people’s expectations since the new and unfamiliar faces can be of less concern to you allowing you to focus on yourself. You can learn new ideas and gain new experiences in a completely new environment with new friends and circles. Life constantly needs changes and studying away from home can be one.

New culture

Culture is such a unique quality of society that it differs from one society to another even within a small region. Staying away from home exposes you to a new culture that can let your chance to grow new understandings, ideas, and perspectives. Let’s say you grew up in a conservative social set up of Nepal and you are going to study in the US. The liberal social setting of the US can change your certain views and perspectives about various aspects of life, eventually expanding your horizon. You will have peers from across the globe who spent their formative years in a different cultural setup. You will obviously become a well-rounded and open-minded adult with exposure to such a variety of cultures.

High Expenses

It may not be easy for all to afford for their studies away from home. Studying abroad can be even more tedious. University education can be expensive, to begin with, and the added expense might not be realistic for you or your family. Studying in a place with a high cost of living can be troublesome for some. But, don’t worry. Problems do have solutions. You can look for scholarships, aids, and fellowships to cover up your expenses.

Culture Shock

It was earlier explained that you will be exposed to a number of new cultures that you might have never thought of. While you can learn a lot from new cultures, in some cases, you can even be shocked due to the cultures. You might be shocked by the lifestyle that you are not used to. A boy who grew up in a small village can be shocked by the code and conducts of a large city to which he has just moved in. This experience can lead to homesickness, which can be depressing and distract you from your studies. In this case, you should be conscious that there are more things to learn from new cultures than to worry about them.

Also Read: OYA School: A Common Data Set for Colleges

Emergencies

Living away from home is obvious to deprive you of the day-to-day care and support from your parents. Emergency is a situation of sudden difficulty or crisis. You can have emergency cases related to your health, finance, or even education. Or the emergency may have arisen in your family. In such cases, not being with each other can be painful. You need to care for yourself in order to cope with emergencies or any sort of difficulties that may arise. You need to stay in touch with your family and friends so that emotional support can be shared in times of difficulties.

Moreover, you need to learn to balance your life away from home by taking advantage of opportunities and tackling the obstacles in order to make them work for you in the long run. Only then your stay away from home becomes fruitful.

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Include an introduction and conclusion

A conclusion is essential for IELTS writing task 2. It is more important than most people realise. You will be penalised for missing a conclusion in your IELTS essay.

The easiest paragraph to write in an essay is the conclusion paragraph. This is because the paragraph mostly contains information that has already been presented in the essay – it is just the repetition of some information written in the introduction paragraph and supporting paragraphs.

The conclusion paragraph only has 3 sentences:

• Restatement of thesis
• Prediction or recommendation

To summarize, a robotic teacher does not have the necessary disciple to properly give instructions to students and actually works to retard the ability of a student to comprehend new lessons. Therefore, it is clear that the idea of running a classroom completely by a machine cannot be supported. After thorough analysis on this subject, it is predicted that the adverse effects of the debate over technology-driven teaching will always be greater than the positive effects, and because of this, classroom teachers will never be substituted for technology.

Start your conclusion with a linking phrase. Here are some examples:

• In conclusion
• To conclude
• To summarize
• In a nutshell

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Many local languages today are dying out due to the rise of languages like English. Is this a positive or negative development?

Environmental damage is the problem of most countries. what factors damage the environment and who should take responsibility, some people say that history provides little or nothing to us, while others argue that we must learn history to understand the present. discuss both views and give your opinion., it is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not. however, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., online education is becoming more and more popular. some people claim that e-learning has so many benefits that it will replace face-to-face education soon. others say that traditional education is irreplaceable. discuss both views and give your opinion..

Moving Away

By: regina   •  Essay  •  670 Words  •  November 11, 2009  •  1,924 Views

Essay title: Moving Away

Leaving Home

Moving far away from family and friends can be tough on a child at a young age. It has its pros and cons. One learns how to deal with moving away from the people they love and also learn how to deal with adjusting to new ways of life. Everything seems so different and at a young age one feels like they have just left the whole world behind them. That was an experience that changed my life as a person. It taught me how to deal with change and how to adjust. It developed me from a young boy into a mature young man.

The day I moved away, a lot of things were going through my young mind. As I took my last look at my home, I remembered all the fun times I had with my family and friends through out my life. Now I was moving 800 miles away from all of that with no insight on what lied ahead for me. As my family and I drove away from our Michigan home, I looked out the window wondering what Virginia would be, and what my friends were doing. A lot of things were going through my mind at the time. At the time my main worry was if I would make any friends, and how I would adjust to everything. During the whole drive down, my mother would often let me know that everything would be all right and I would like it. Trying to be strong and hold back my tears, I just shook my head no, wondering why we had to move so far away. Life would be different for me and I knew it would.

Adjusting to an atmosphere and new people had its ups and downs. Everybody talked different and it made me feel strange but I quickly adjusted. My first day in school I wanted to fit in. So I thought being a funny or being a class clown would make the children accept me and know me as the funny guy from Detroit. That had its ups and downs. I got in trouble sometimes, but on the other hand I was making friend. As the years passed, I got more comfortable with Virginia and my life as an individual. I started playing sports in middle school and quickly became popular

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Preparing for a move: City to country transition tips

After the constrains of the pandemic, more people than ever are being drawn by the allure of open spaces, scenic surrounds, fresh air, and a slower pace of life, but rural living is different from city life and the transition to country living comes with its own set of challenges and surprises.

So says Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty , who adds: “Moving from the city to the countryside can be a life-changing decision in many ways and most of them positive, but in order to make a smooth transition, it’s essential to understand what the key differences are and what the main challenges will be.”

“Whilst a country lifestyle is very appealing, especially for those who are able to work remotely or only need to go into the office a few times a month, city dwellers considering the move don’t always take into consideration the adjustments they will have to make in order to enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle and a closer connection to nature.”

Geffen shares the main factors that should be considered before making the move:

Lifestyle Changes

One of the most significant changes you'll experience is in your day-to-day lifestyle. City life is often fast-paced with a constant buzz of activity. In contrast, the countryside offers a slower, more laid-back way of life and whilst this can be a refreshing change, it can also feel isolating or even boring after a while if you're used to the convenience and variety of urban living.

Consider how you spend your time in the city - do you thrive on the availability of cultural events, dining options, and social activities? If so, the countryside might feel limiting. On the other hand, if you seldom go out and crave solitude, wide-open spaces, and outdoor activities like hiking or gardening, the rural lifestyle could be a perfect fit.

Access to Amenities

In the city, you're likely accustomed to having everything you need within walking distance or a short drive away. In the countryside, essential services like grocery stores, hospitals, and schools might be farther away so it’s crucial to research the availability and proximity of these amenities before deciding on a rural location.

Healthcare access is particularly important, especially if you’re older or have specific health needs. While cities often have a wide range of medical facilities and specialists, rural areas may only have small clinics or general practitioners, so you need to consider whether you're comfortable with having to travel for more extensive health care.

Transportation and Connectivity

Transportation is another major difference between city and rural living. In the city, public transportation is usually readily available, whilst rural areas typically require a car for almost every aspect of daily life. This can be a significant adjustment if you're used to relying on public transport, and it may also add to your expenses.

Internet connectivity is also a critical factor, especially for those working remotely. High-speed internet is a given in most cities, but rural areas can have slower speeds or limited availability so if you work from home or rely heavily on the internet, it’s essential to check the quality of the internet service in the area you're considering. You might also need to purchase printers and whatever other gadgets you need to work from home.

Cost of Living

One of the attractions of rural life is often the lower cost of living. Housing is typically more affordable, and you might get more space for your money. However, this isn't always the case, especially in popular or picturesque rural areas where demand drives up prices.

Additionally, while housing might be cheaper, other costs could increase. For example, you might spend more on transportation, and rural areas often have fewer options for shopping, leading to higher prices for some goods and services. It’s important to balance these factors when considering your budget.

Community and Social Life

Cities are known for their diversity and social opportunities, with a mix of people from various backgrounds and cultures. Rural communities tend to be smaller and more close-knit, which can be both a positive and a challenge.

On the one hand, moving to the countryside can provide a strong sense of community and belonging, especially if you’re interested in getting involved in local activities or groups. However, it can also be challenging if you're used to the anonymity and variety of social interactions in the city. It’s worth spending some time in your prospective new community to see if it feels like a good fit.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities are generally more abundant and varied in cities, where industries and businesses are concentrated. In the countryside, job opportunities might be more limited, particularly in specialised fields. If you’re looking for new employment, research the job market in the area as some rural areas have growing industries or niche opportunities, but it’s essential to know what to expect before you move.

Home Maintenance and Self-Sufficiency

Homes in the countryside often require more maintenance than city apartments and you’ll probably need to be more hands-on. Many rural homes are older and may require regular upkeep. Additionally, services like plumbers, electricians, or general handymen may not be as readily available as they are in the city, so learning basic home maintenance skills is invaluable.

Once you have done your homework and are sure that it’s the right move for you, Geffen says that there are a number of things one can do to ensure a smooth transition:

• Try before you buy

Unless you’re moving to an area that you know really well, it’s advisable to spend at least six months in a rental property to really understand a place before committing to buying a home. A few miles either side can affect broadband speeds, planning decisions, school catchment areas and much more.

• Make connections

Knowing who to ask if your septic tank blocks up over the weekend will be invaluable. Friendships in the countryside often come not from shared interests or cultural backgrounds, but from necessity.

• Get the gear

It pays to invest in a decent pair of wellies, warm socks and a good outdoor jacket and pack the high heels away for special occasions. It’s true that there is no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong clothes.

• Get a decent set of wheels

For all the eco-appeal of country living, car travel is essential as there’s seldom reliable public transport and you might often travel on dirt roads so having a reliable car, which can cope with all-season travel, is essential.

• Be wary of buying too much land

Owning land means managing it and that gets more difficult the more land you have. Ride on mowers will work for between half an acre and around five acres, but for more than that, you’ll need a tractor. You can easily grow your own veg, plant a few fruit trees and keep a few chickens on a quarter of an acre.

“Moving from the city to the countryside can be a rewarding experience, offering a chance to reconnect with nature, enjoy a slower pace of life, and embrace new challenges, however, it’s essential to be well-prepared for the differences and potential difficulties.

“By thoroughly researching and preparing for these differences, you can make a smooth transition and fully enjoy the many benefits of country living,” says Geffen. 

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