Making a sea change
It is often the case when you go on a sun-soaked holiday. You’re lying on the beach, the sun warming your face, the sand between your toes, and the sound of the waves crashing nearby. And you think to yourself, “Why don’t I live here permanently?” The sea change. The notion of moving to a more quiet and peaceful lifestyle with the sea not far away. Here are a few pointers for those who are seriously considering a permanent beach escape.
Research, research, and more research!
Like moving to any new suburb or town, researching your new beach-side area is critical. If you’re a family, checking out the quality of schools and pre-schools in the area should be your number one priority. You should also think about spending a few days in the area during different times of the year. You may love your new beach-side community when you’ve been there for a holiday but at other times of the year it may have real drawbacks. It’s also good to check out the availability of local services such as hospitals, doctors, vets, supermarkets etc. Most importantly, check out the real estate. What will you get for your money?
Have work lined up
Don’t just assume that you’re going to rock up to you new coastal community and land a job. Coastal communities have a high rate of unemployment, so it’s crucial to explore employment options before buying or moving to a new area. The strength of employment opportunities in a particular town or region may actually decide which specific area you’ll want to move to.
Move to where you know
It’s often a good idea to move to a place that you’re familiar with. This could be a frequent holiday destination, or an area you grew up in when you were younger. Not being a totally unknown quantity can only be a good thing.
Timing is everything
As with all big decisions in life, it’s important to not rush into a sea change. If you’ve just experienced a painful life event (a break-up, loss of a job, death of a loved one), your gut instinct will be to want to run away from your real life. In these circumstances, just give it time, not just weeks but maybe even a few months. If you still feel the desire to make the change, then go for it! It could be the best thing you’ve ever done. Of course then you need to line up selling your home and then buying or renting a new home. If you have children, then school terms are also part of the mix.
Prepare to make a few friends
It seems obvious, but making a sea change will often mean leaving friends behind. If you’re looking to meet new people, it may mean engaging in community events, joining local clubs, or just starting a conversation with a stranger at the local coffee shop or pub.