Should I move to another city?
The short answer
Move if the new city aligns with your work, your relationships, and your 5-year self. Don't move to escape — the problems travel with you.
Signals to weigh
- 01There is a specific job, relationship, or opportunity pulling you there.
- 02You've spent 2+ weeks in the city, not just visited on vacation.
- 03Cost-of-living-adjusted, your comp is flat or better.
- 04Your close relationships either come with you or can survive distance.
How to decide
- Step 1List what you're moving toward, and separately, what you're moving away from.
- Step 2Run 10-10-10: how you'll feel about the move in 10 months, 10 years.
- Step 3Rent for 6 months before buying — every city looks different in month 4.
- Step 4Set a 12-month check-in date to honestly evaluate the decision.
Framework used
10-10-10 →Full walkthrough of the framework, with examples and pitfalls.
Consider these alternatives
- ·Remote work from the new city on a trial basis before relocating fully.
- ·A 3-month sublet to test-drive the daily life, not the vacation version.
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