Considering a move to a new city – or even a new country? One of the biggest reasons many professionals do so is the promise of higher salaries and thus, a better quality of life overall, allowing them to enjoy more of the luxuries they love. If that sounds like you, then you might be considering your options and wondering where offers the best prospects in 2023, and the good news is that in the US, there are plenty of vibrant and exciting cities that are excellent choices for those seeking to increase their income, land higher-flying jobs and do business with ease.
Choosing a city with a robust jobs market should, of course, be your most important consideration, and these cities certainly promise some impressive salary packages, but they also offer plenty more besides.
Here, we take a look at four of the best cities to consider relocating to in the USA this year, as well as a few things you’ll need to do to get the ball rolling once the decision is made. From financial planning to shipping your car interstate, it might sound like a lot to think about – but once the money starts rolling in, it’ll all be worth it.
New York City, New York
It’s perhaps unsurprising to see the Big Apple at the top of this list, but as one of the largest financial centres in the world, New York is well deserving of its place.
With a thriving jobs market, the city is the go-to relocation spot for young professionals looking to climb the career ladder, but also for the more seasoned who are looking for elevated salaries in their field, and with opportunities in areas including law, media, finance and fashion, in NYC, the sky really is the limit.
Even so, the cost of living in New York is one of the highest in the country, so it’s wise to make sure your salary increase will be worth it. In many cases though, it absolutely will be, and a glamorous and fast-paced city like this, with its lavish real estate market, buzzing food and drink and cultural scenes, and exciting nightlife, most certainly promises you a slice of the good life.
San Francisco, California
Best known for its burgeoning technology industry, San Fran is home to major tech giants like Apple, Google and Facebook, so it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most attractive prospects for those looking to break into the field or up-level their career to lofty new heights.
The city offers some of the highest salaries in this particular sector in the entire country, so if tech is your bag, then this is undoubtedly the place to be.
Houston, Texas
The state of Texas is becoming an up-and-coming state to live in amongst young professionals, and cities like Houston are largely responsible for putting it on the map. Its strong energy sector means there are a plethora of job opportunities in this field, and you don’t have to be an engineer to benefit, as there are plenty or roles that surround the supporting and running of behemoth energy companies, including business operations, human resources and finance.
As an added bonus, Houston also has a relatively low cost of living when compared with many other US cities, so making a move here in 2023 for improved salary prospects might just turn out to be a win-win.
Boston, Massachusetts
For those in healthcare and education, Boston is the place to be, and offers some of the best salaries in the country for professionals who are experienced in the medical, academic and research fields.
The city is also well-known for its prestigious string of universities and educational institutions, which include Ivy League college Harvard, making it an academic and intellectual hub – and, with its strong economy, rich cultural scene and proximity to plenty of natural green spaces, it ticks all the right boxes if you’re seeking a balanced and luxurious lifestyle.
Making the move
If any of these exciting cities have tickled your fancy and you’re already raring to go, then be sure to take these few important factors into consideration to make the transitions all the smoother.
State-specific requirements
Understanding state-specific requirements is key, as each one has its own set of laws and regulations that may influence your move in some way – so looking into these before you start making plans is crucial. Areas that may be impacted include establishing residency, obtaining a driver’s license and registering your vehicle.
Interstate car shipping
On that note, if you’re moving a particularly long distance to relocate to your new home of choice, then driving your car to get there might be out of the question – so look into having your car shipped interstate and the associated costs. Generally, this will equate to somewhere between $0.50 to $2 per mile.
Financial planning
Although you’ll be making the move in order to reap the financial benefits, there are factors beyond a salary increase that you’ll need to consider, too. If you’re aiming to invest in a new piece of real estate, and there may be some potential fluctuations in your salary during the transitional period – for example, if there will be a break between ending one role and beginning another – then financial planning is key. And of course, don’t forget to factor in the moving costs themselves.
