Perhaps you are considering a move to another part of the country.  Living somewhere can be an adventure. There are a number of factors that you need to keep in mind when deciding, including:

n Why are you moving?  Interest in a new area of the country is perfectly legitimate, as is interest in meeting new people, trying a different lifestyle, or a new career path.  But it’s important that your expectations be realistic.  If you have problems to deal with or something to get away from, try to resolve things before making a decision to move.

n What impact will your move have on your family?

n Is the area you are considering urban, suburban, or rural?  Have you lived in this type of environment before?  What about this environment do you like/dislike?

n What is the job market like in the part of the country you are considering living?  What are the local resources for getting the information you need to find a job in that market?

n What contacts do you have in your prospective new home?  Consider contacting relatives, friends, classmates, friends of friends, and other former volunteers.  They can be a great source of information.

n What is the cost of living in the area of your interest?  Urban areas, especially in the Northeast and West Coast, are more expensive areas in which to live.  Even though you may be committed to a relatively simple lifestyle, do not underestimate what it will take to live in the new area.  Visit http://realestate.yahoo.com/realestate/neighborhood/main.html for a breakdown of useful statistics on virtually every city in the U.S.
▪ Do you know what you want in a place to live, but not sure where that place exists?  Visit www.findyourspot.com for a questionnaire to help you find a location. 

n Finally, what resources are available to you through the Church in that area?  Resources, programs, hiring practices and attitudes vary tremendously from diocese to diocese, region to region.

If, after careful consideration and thorough research, moving seems like the right thing for you -- go for it!