How to Decide Where to Move

Jun 11, 2025|4 minute read

How to Decide Where to Move Next: Choose a Safe, Family-Friendly Neighborhood with Great Schools

Deciding where to move is a big decision. It’s about more than just finding a nice house. You want a place that feels safe, offers good schools, and has plenty to do nearby. These factors can shape your day-to-day life and long-term happiness.

Let’s explore how to decide where to move.

How to Prioritize Your Needs: The 90/10 Rule

The 90/10 rule helps you focus on what matters most when deciding where to move. It keeps the decision-making process simple and clear.

Spend 90% of your energy on the biggest priorities.

Start with what matters most: safety, good schools, and overall quality of life. These are your non-negotiables. Once you’ve nailed those down, then think about the extras—like being near a great gym, farmer’s market, or hiking trail.

Factors to Consider When Deciding Where to Move

When deciding where to move, focus on what will impact your daily life. Safety, schools, and nearby attractions are important for a good quality of life.

Safety

Safety is one of the most important things to think about. Start by researching crime rates in the areas you’re considering. These trusted tools—can help you understand crime rates, walkability, and what to expect day-to-day. But nothing beats visiting in person or hearing directly from locals

Also, consider looking at city safety ratings in these applications. They can help you get a better understanding of what life is like. Look for trends in violent and property crimes before deciding where to move.

You should also visit the area at different times of the day. Walk around and observe. Do the streets feel lively and well-maintained? Are there streetlights and visible security measures?

If you can, ask residents about their experiences. Their insights can give you a clearer picture than statistics alone.

Don’t forget to look at emergency services. Check your proximity to hospitals, fire stations, and police departments. Knowing help is nearby can give you peace of mind.

Schools

Great schools shape futures and build community. Even if you don’t have kids, strong schools still matter. They bring people together, boost pride, and improve everyday life.

Looking for the best schools in Florida?

Tools like GreatSchools or Niche to compare K-12, college, and specialty programs in one place.

If you’re looking for the best schools in Florida with GreatSchools, you can see student demographics, reviews and sort by districts. You can sort by test scores, programs offered, and real parent feedback, programs offered, and real parent feedback.

Consider the programs that apply to your family, like:

  • Advanced placement (AP)
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Special education services
  • Scholarships

Visit schools to see how they operate and pay attention to how staff interacts with students. If possible, talk to parents in the area to get their opinions. Their experience can give you helpful insights.

Attractions and Lifestyle

The best places to live don’t just offer a roof over your head—they offer a lifestyle. Whether it’s beaches, mountain trails, or historic downtowns, think about what energizes you.

If you're moving to Georgia, consider looking for what Georgia attractions would appeal to you.

  • Atlanta features the Georgia Aquarium and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  • Savannah has historic charm with cobblestone streets and Forsyth Park
  • Dawsonville near North Georgia Mountains provide hiking, camping, and scenic views
  • Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island and Brunswick are perfect for relaxing on quiet beaches

If you're moving all the way to San Antonio, do the same. San Antonio attractions blend history, culture, and family-friendly activities:

  • The Alamo is a must-see for history lovers and a key part of Texas heritage
  • River Walk offers dining, shopping, and live music along a scenic waterway
  • SeaWorld San Antonio has marine life shows, roller coasters, and water parks
  • Natural Bridge Caverns provides underground cave tours and outdoor adventures

Consider your everyday lifestyle, too. Look at local grocery stores, gyms, and coffee shops.

The right mix of essentials and fun activities can make life more convenient and enjoyable. Numbeo can help you determine what the cost of living is like in an area. Also, think about your commute to work and amenities. How much do you value access to public transportation?

Find Your Dream Home

Where you live shapes how you live. At ARK Homes for Rent, we make it easy to find a home that checks all your boxes—safety, comfort, community, and more. Explore our family-friendly homes and discover a place that feels just right.

However, ARK Homes for Rent can make the process easier for you.

Find the perfect community for your family today!