Daffodils, tulips and forsythia blooming used to get my wild oats moving, now sadly; the sweet smell of spring jump-starts my inner sense of change to a new home. Visions of fresh beginnings in a new home motivate homebuyers and renters to make the leap and sign the documents. But, the reality soon sets in, how are we going to get all our stuff edited, organized, packed and moved to the new place? Not to worry, Mark Nash author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home, a confessed serial mover shares his tried and tried advice and tips for getting through the grunt work and into your new digs.
I didn't start out to be a serial mover, but evolved into one over time. Buying fixer-uppers, rehabbing handy-man specials or building new construction homes as a business long before "home flipper" was coined sent me down the road to serial mover. I couldn't take any profits from my last project until it was sold, and I always lived in my project (just one at a time), so moving was the chore that delivered the money. Being single and childless provided flexibility and never any serious discussions of the pros or cons of this vagabond lifestyle. After all, I thought it was a business, this American mobility.
My friends retroactively in whispered dinner talk qualified me in the mid-1980 as a serial mover. At least it was relatively safe, behind my back gossip. They all proudly chided me for being their only friend that was never entered into their address book in ink, only pencil. The pencil entries started for my first home, 2 years, home two, 3 years, third home, 2 years, number four and five, six months each (that was some year, why I unpacked either time is still a mystery), number six three years, and my soon to be not current home, six years. I'm proudest of this time in my soon to be ex-house, according to statistics compiled by The National Association of Realtors(R). I'm now like the average American for length of time in their current home. And, my friends were just starting to think I was due for ink.
My moves have entailed down and up sizing and a few laterals. I am a self-identified purge, just with my physical stuff, not my physical body, so moving is a great way to exorcise sentimental woes, awful gifts, dreadful artwork, mistake purchases, and hand-me-downs. As a bonus for all the hard work, it creates many new shopping opportunities. Moving allows you to redefine yourself and your living environment, and analysis aside; it's been rewarding to spurn anything that floods me with melancholy. I must admit, this current move is no longer an American Adventure (sorry U-Haul); it’s a downsize from hell. But, with years of experience I'll make the best of it. I have daydreamed and implemented the most efficient way of packing a box for the last two decades of my adult life.
The major purge categories are:
Paperwork and document files. Boomers are guilty of hording income tax returns, phone bills, and credit card statements from the Nixon era. And those fading Polaroid photographs should go too. Out, but shred them, one thing that hasn't changed is your social security number. Maybe the boomers will be remembered as the over-archived (originally the Pepsi) generation. I like the X and Y's, they truly do save trees by having their files and folders stored electronically.
Cassette, eight-track, record albums and VHS tapes. I never did have a disco ball, but I still have a significant collection of Donna Summer cassette tapes, which replaced the albums I purged, but I haven't listened to them since I moved in six years ago. Now, I boogie-oggie to Donna Summer on the oldies station in the car. While you're at it, purge those ugly cassette tape storage towers that don't look like anything, and the cheap plastic boxes that are filled with knock-off copies of Dallas and Dynasty. I like the X and Y's because they have all these cool compact file cards, I-Pods and watch television shows on their cell phones, so neat and tidy.
Paint. This goes hand-in-hand with serial movers. The old adage that paint is the cheapest way to redecorate is true and my collection of left-over and disasters paint is huge. Ralph Lauren had a collection of metallic finishes a decade ago, they were expensive, and even though they never looked good on my walls, I couldn't throw gallon of excess away. Now's the time. Paint and other chemicals need to be disposed of properly. Old bed linens, how many drop clothes do I need? I like the X's and the Y's because we have something in common with them, they love earth tones and natural colors in decor (, remember the 1970's?) and they can buy a home in many parts of the country that feature this decor in it's 'original" state, which is so, green, and thus, move-in condition.
Kitchen stuff. Julia Child made us believe that we all could be French chefs. My cupboards are full of beautiful flan cups that every time I used them, the topping was burned (by that flame thrower that was fifty bucks), odd coffee mugs from significant birthdays I'd rather ignore, the bundt cake pan from the 1980's, I know they'll come back into food-style, but when? Plus, all those seasonings and cake decorating supplies that I know I'll never use, but they were so expensive for just one use, and paper coffee filters to fit any and all coffee makers, even the ones I no longer have. I like the X's and the Y’s; they are firmly entrenched in the belief that a kitchen is for reheating take-out and throwing out empty Starbuck's go cups.
Clothes and shoes. Imelda Marcos isn't the only one guilty of indulging in over-consumption of shoes. And guys, you're just as guilty; it's about time you come out of the shoe-for-every-outfit closet. The problem with being a serial mover is that it's amazing how much my waistline changes between moves. When I moved in six years ago I was a thirty-five, then I ballooned to a thirty-eight, but now I'm back to thirty six, so purging all those thirty-eights is a joyful rite of moving. Don't forget to take the boxes of used dry-cleaning hangers back to the source, and I love to use the clear protective bags, double bagged as purging receptacles. Boomers are addicted to dry-cleaning, and having midnight blue-black as the new black feeds the addiction, dust, lint and hair doesn't go with any shade of black. I like the X's and the Y's, they enjoy clothes, but synthetic fibers and an Abercrombie & Fitch look are not iron-friendly.
Hardware and duct tape. Even if you're not handy, you have picture hanging hardware, screws, nuts, bolts and twenty Allen wrenches that fit twenty different pieces of something you had to assemble. Add in door-stoppers from your last house, those dreadful beige wall switch plates you took down, but are worth something, and surge protectors, cable TV wires, computer coaxial stuff, and your first, second and third cell phone. Duct tape, don't you wish you invented it? From what I hear, it's a home run for either gender. It's in a drawer in every room in my house and it's great for putting a band-aid on any household problem. Some of my rolls are so old; the adhesive has co-mingled from multiple layers. I like the X's and the Y's, they've never heard of Architectural Digest or This Old House. So what if the switch plates are faux Mediterranean or the recycling basket is coming apart from being over-stuffed, chill out.
It just dawned on me, that as much as we're a nation of consumers, we're also a nation of savers. After all what are, attics, basements and garages for? But, I've always had a saying that I use with clients who are just starting the daunting task of preparing for a move; 'when in doubt, throw it out". It works. It's easy. And, it doesn't wait around to be picked up by a charity, so you can re-decide to keep it. Being a serial mover has taught me some hard lessons about preparing to lift up my worldly goods and take them on the road again. A road for me well traveled.
Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Mark Nash
Mark Nash is a Chicago based residential real estate author, broker and columnist. His advice, analysis and tips have been featured on: Bloomberg TV, CBS News, CNN, Fox News Channel, NBC News, The New York Time, The Washington Post, Business Week, Parade, and Smart Money Magazines, The Library of Congress, Washington, D. C., HGTV.com, and RealtyTimes.com. Nash's annual survey "What's In, What's Out with Homebuyers" is utilized by more than 500 news organizations in the U.S. and Canada.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Nash
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By Idan Lavi
If you have a lot of house plants and you are used to dealing with them then you will know that they respond to changes in the atmosphere and changes in routine. Believe it or not some plants can find moving very stressful and may not survive the move.
Because plants can be easily stressed by moving then you may have to make the difficult decision to leave some of them behind – if you can’t do this then you need to find the best way of moving them to give them a chance of survival in the new environment. If you decide that you want to take some plants from the garden because you can’t bear to leave them behind then you need to make sure that they are being transplanted in a way that best suits them. For example, if you want to take some large plants with you then you will need to make sure that they are well dried out. Wrap the leaves carefully so that they don’t get knocked around too much. When you get to where you are moving get the plants out first, then give them a light spray with water to prevent them from wilting and dying from the shock of the move.
Small potted plants are much easier to move but make sure that they are in a cool space, if they overheat then they could wilt and die before you reach your destination. One final thing you should remember if you want your plants to survive the move, is to prepare them for it. In the couple of weeks immediately before the move give your plants some extra care. Make sure that they are fed and that they are well watered. This will make them more resilient to the inevitable stress of moving.
For the complete moving guide or for requesting a free moving estimate please visit gomovers.com, we also offer Free Moving E-Course delivered to your email.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Idan_Lavi
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By Idan Lavi
When it comes time to relocate, the stress and anxiety that comes with selling your house, packing up your belongings, and traveling to a new destination can be hard on everyone involved. The most unsettled about the entire process might be the kids, who have built friendships they thought would last forever and are already used to their current school and home routines. As you approach the time when it becomes a must to alert your children of an upcoming move, it is important handle the situation in a delicate manner. You may or may not know how your child is going to handle the news.
It is true; not every child will react in the same way to the notion of relocating. There are some who may cry uncontrollably for days, entering a stage of depression. Then, there are the few who actually embrace the idea of moving and view it as a chance to meet new people and explore a new city. Whomever you are dealing with, it is important to get them involved and have "the talk" as soon as possible. This allows everyone in the family to become on the same page when it comes to the entire moving experience. You also want children to have enough time to get used to the idea. Having only a week to handle the news may cause a serious disruption in their lives.
When mentioning the idea of moving to a new home, prepare for the onslaught of questions. Your child will want to know why this act is occurring, when, and what to expect. You should be as honest as possible so they can better make sense out of the entire occurrence. Some children will warm up to the idea of moving when their questions are answered while others only worry more. To help them get acquainted with their soon-to-be new location, paying a visit to the library to look at maps and photos of the destination may help them paint a picture. For instance, a move from New Jersey to California may become more exciting when they are able to view palm trees, sunny days, and endless beach land. You can always find at least a couple of positive points to make regarding any new relocation.
When you are positive and upbeat about the move, you children are more likely to pick up on this energy and adopt the same attitude. If you make the move a group effort where they feel like an important part of the process, they will also feel more open to the overall idea.
To find out what else you can do in order to help your kids with the upcoming relocation or if you need additional information on paking for your move, visit gomovers. We also offer Free Moving E-Course delivered to your email, check it out, it is Free.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Idan_Lavi
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Locale Insight from MyDreamLocale.com addresses one of your fundamental needs if you're moving: finding the best location for your new residence.
Go beyond questions like "is this a good school district?" or "is this a good neighborhood?" Use MyDreamLocale.com to make an informed decision and be happy where you live.
We help you find the best place to live. Whether you're moving locally or across the U.S. we have tools and information to help you.
As with any important decision, you want unbiased advice. In this case on where to live. Locale Insight matches places for you. Tell us where you're moving, your price range, and pick a community to match (from almost 25,000 places across the U.S.). The Locale Insight data model will automatically find the best communities in your destination area. Unbiased advice on where to look for a new home or residence.
How does Locale Insight work? Sophisticated data modeling to match you with the best places.
Through years of research & analysis, we have identified specific pieces of data about communities that paint a very thorough picture of what the community is like-- and allow us to compare it to any other community in the US for level of similarity.
While our comparison is based largely on Census data, through statistical methods, we combine different data elements to create the unique attributes used in the Locale Insight community search engine. For example, the number of people working in a particular occupation is a data element, but the distribution of all occupations is an attribute composed of many data elements.
When you select a community, and ask us to find others like it in your destination area, we compare it to all communities in the destination area. From that comparison we can automatically determine which places are relatively more similar to your ideal and rank them for you. By using a relative comparison, we can automatically adjust for regional differences across the U.S.
What you get are recommended communities most likely to appeal to you, a greater sense of control over your relocation, and the information you need to work more effectively with your real estate or relocation professional.
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Copyright © 2007 Community Insight LLC. All Rights Reserved
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Relocating in the Information Age - Part 2: Using data to compare potential communities and find the best one for you
How to use the Comparison Report from MyDreamLocale.com
This report provides overview information for multiple areas on three key elements of your search:
1. Residential real estate
2. Schools & Test Scores
3. The people who live in the area
The most important components in assessing real estate are:
* What is available in your price range
* Is the type of residence you want available in a prospective area
* What are the factors that could impact future real estate values in the area
Real Estate Overview
Median Value
The Median Value is based on owner reported data from the US Census, adjusted for average changes in residential real estate values between the 2000 Census and the current year. The Median Value is provided to give you a benchmark of affordability. In other words, your target purchase price should be near the median value.
If the Median Value is much lower than your target purchase price, you are less likely to find neighborhoods that are appealing to you.
If the Median Value is much higher than your target purchase price, you are less likely to find residences that are appealing to you.
This value is not meant to inform you of actual current prices in the area—consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking price of properties currently for sale to determine current price levels.
Median Value – Change since 1990
The percentage change since 1990 is based on owner reported data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports. The value reported for 2000 is adjusted for average changes in residential real estate values between 2000 and the current year.
This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of price change in the area. In other words, have real estate values gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
As with the Median Value, this is not meant to inform you of actual current prices in the area—consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking price of properties currently for sale to determine current price levels.
Median Cost/square foot
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. You can use the Median Cost/sq. ft. to get an idea of how much floor space you will likely get in an area for your target purchase price. Here’s an example:
If your target purchase price is $175,000 and the median cost/sq. ft. is $125, then it’s likely that you will be seeing residences of about 1,400 sq. ft. in your price range.
The Median Cost/square foot is provided to give you a general indication of unit costs for residential real estate in an area. Consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking pricing and corresponding floor space of properties currently for sale to determine current unit cost levels.
Median Size
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. The Median Size is provided to give you a general indication of whether you are likely to find residences that meet your size requirements.
If the Median Size for the area is much lower than you require, you might consider other areas that have newer residences—more recently built residences typically offering more living space.
Please note that because of limitations in Census data, all residences of approximately 2,000 square feet or greater are categorized together.
Median Age
The Median Age is based on owner reported data from the 2000 US Census. The Median Age is provided to give you a general indication of whether you are likely to find residences and neighborhoods that offer the characteristics you want.
In many cases, residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles prevalent at the time the area was developed.
Residential Price Distribution
The Residential Price Distribution provides an overview of residential real estate values for 1990 and 2000, based on owner reported data from the Census. Allows you to assess the potential for price appreciation (for example, is your target purchase price near the top of the range of values for an area).
Gives you insight into the change in prices from 1990 to 2000, such as whether prices increased across all ranges or only in specific price categories.
Age Ranges for Residential Properties
Provides a distribution of residential real estate by year built. Allows you to assess whether the residences in the area will offer the characteristics you want. In many cases, residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles prevalent at the time the area was developed.
Type of Residences Available
Provides a distribution of residential types for 1990 and 2000. Allows you to assess the availability of the types of residential real estate appealing to you.
Gives you insight into the evolution of the area from 1990 to 2000, such as whether the distribution of residential types has remained constant or new construction has been concentrated in one category.
The bar graph provides relative quantities of residences of each type: single unit detached (individual houses), single unit attached (town homes), small, medium and large multiple unit dwellings, and other (mobile homes, RVs, and boats). Actual quantities of residences (based on 2000 data) are displayed above the graph.
Wealth/Economic Recap
Median Income
The median income for residents of the area reported in the 2000 Census and adjusted to the current year based on the cumulative national average increase. Provides a general indication of the income level for the area.
Median Income – Change since 1990
The change in Median Income since 1990 is based on data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports, adjusted for average changes in income between the 2000 Census and the current year. This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of income change in the area.
In other words, have personal incomes gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
Median Real Estate Taxes
This is based on owner reported data from the 2000 Census. It is not adjusted to estimate current year amounts.
Provides a general indication of the real estate taxes for an area. Actual property tax assessments are reported in listing data when a residence is offered for sale.
Median Property Tax Rate
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. Provides a general indication of the real estate tax level for an area. Actual property tax assessments are reported in listing data when a residence is offered for sale.
Population
Total Population
The number of people in the area counted in the 2000 US Census. This information is not adjusted to the current year.
Total Population – Change since 1990
This is based on reported data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports, but is not adjusted to estimate the population for the current year. This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of population change in the area. In other words, has the population gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
Education
(Summary of Education levels)
The High School Graduates category includes everyone who graduated from High School regardless of whether they are also counted as Bachelor’s degree holders.
Households
(Distribution of Family and Single Households)
Provides insight on opportunities to socialize with people in the area who are in the same household category.
Single: Single households are those with one person in the household.
Family: Family households includes a householder and one or more other people living in the same household who are related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. Multiple person households consisting of unrelated people are not included.
Occupation
(Summary of Occupational Categories)
Occupations are group based on standard classifications used by the US Census.
Examples of occupational sub-categories included are:
Category: Professional/Executive Subcategories: Management, business, and financial operations; Computer and math; Architecture; Engineering; Sciences; Legal; Education; Arts; Healthcare.
Category: Sales/Service Subcategories: Sales; Healthcare support; Protective services (police, fire, etc.); Food preparation; Building Maintenance and care; Personal care.
Category: Blue Collar Subcategories: Farming, fishing, and forestry; Construction; Installation, maintenance, and repair; Production and transportation.
People Moving into the Community
New to area 1995-2000. Moved into area from within the US between 1995 and 2000 (all US territories—including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam—are considered part of the US).
Emigrated to the US from another country between 1995 and 2000.
Age Distribution
Provides an overview of the proportion of people at different life stages: Children 0-19, Adults 20-29, 30-55, 55+.
Offers insight on opportunities to socialize with people in the area that are in a similar age range.
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Copyright © 2007 Community Insight LLC All rights reserved.
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How to use the In Depth Report from MyDreamLocale.com
This report provides in-depth information for a single area on four key elements of your search:
1. Residential real estate
2. Schools & Test Scores
3. The demographics of people who live in the area
4. The culture of the area
The most important components in assessing real estate are:
* What is available in your price range
* Is the type of residence you want available in a prospective area
* What are the factors that could impact future real estate values in the area
Real Estate Overview
Median Value
The Median Value is based on owner reported data from the US Census, adjusted for average changes in residential real estate values between the 2000 Census and the current year.
The Median Value is provided to give you a benchmark of affordability. In other words, your target purchase price should be near the median value.
If the Median Value is much lower than your target purchase price, you are less likely to find neighborhoods that are appealing to you.
If the Median Value is much higher than your target purchase price, you are less likely to find residences that are appealing to you.
This value is not meant to inform you of actual current prices in the area—consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking price of properties currently for sale to determine current price levels.
Median Value – Change since 1990
The percentage change since 1990 is based on owner reported data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports. The value reported for 2000 is adjusted for average changes in residential real estate values between 2000 and the current year.
This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of price change in the area.
In other words, have real estate values gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot. As with the Median Value, this is not meant to inform you of actual current prices in the area—consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking price of properties currently for sale to determine current price levels.
Median Cost/square foot
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. You can use the Median Cost/sq. ft. in two ways.
Median Cost/square foot Example: To determine how much floor space you will likely get in this area for your target purchase price.
If your target purchase price is $175,000 and the median cost/sq. ft. is $125. Then it is likely that you will be seeing residences of about 1,400 sq. ft. in your price range.
To help validate the asking price of any residence you are considering purchasing.
If the median cost/sq. ft. is $150, and you are looking at a residence with 1,800 sq. ft with an asking price of $320,000. Then, you should investigate whether the $178 cost/sq. ft. is justified.
The Median Cost/square foot is provided to give you a general indication of unit costs for residential real estate in the area. Consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking pricing and corresponding floor space of properties currently for sale to determine current unit cost levels.
Median Size
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. The Median Size is provided to give you a general indication of whether you are likely to find residences that meet your size requirements.
If the Median Size for the area is much lower than you require, you might consider other areas that have newer residences—more recently built residences typically offering more living space.
Please note that because of limitations in Census data, all residences of approximately 2,000 square feet or greater are categorized together.
Median Age
The Median Age is based on owner reported data from the 2000 US Census. The Median Age is provided to give you a general indication of whether you’re likely to find residences and neighborhoods that offer the characteristics you want.
In many cases, residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles prevalent at the time the area was developed.
Residential Price Distribution
The Residential Price Distribution provides an overview of residential real estate values for 1990 and 2000, based on owner reported data from the Census. Allows you to assess the economic diversity of the community (residences in all price ranges, or concentrated in a few price ranges).
Gives you insight into the change in prices from 1990 to 2000, such as whether prices increased across all ranges or only in specific price categories. The bar graph provides the relative quantities of residences in each price band, while the actual quantities are displayed above the graph:
If the actual quantity is small, you may have to wait to find a desirable residence in that area, or focus your search somewhere else. In general, less than 1% of residences in an area will likely be for sale in any particular month—of course, specific circumstances in a particular area could be very different.
Type of Residences Available
Provides a distribution of residential types for 1990 and 2000. Allows you to assess the availability of the types of residential real estate appealing to you.
Gives you insight into the evolution of the area from 1990 to 2000, such as whether the distribution of residential types has remained constant or new construction has been concentrated in one category.
The bar graph provides relative quantities of residences of each type: single unit detached (individual houses), single unit attached (town homes), small, medium and large multiple unit dwellings, and other (mobile homes, RVs, and boats). Actual quantities of residences (based on 2000 data) are displayed above the graph.
Premium Real Estate
Provides a distribution of residences valued at over $500,000. If you are in the market for premium residential real estate, this allows you to determine availability in the area.
Residential Real Estate Status
Provides a distribution of residential real estate by occupant status. Allows you to identify areas with a concentration of rental properties if you are seeking investment properties and to identify areas with high vacancy rates that may merit further investigation before purchasing.
Age Ranges for Residential Properties
Provides a distribution of residential real estate by year built. Allows you to assess whether the residences in the area will offer the characteristics you want. In many cases, residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles prevalent at the time the area was developed.
Wealth / Economic Recap
Median Income
The median income for residents of the area reported in the 2000 Census and adjusted to the current year based on the cumulative national average increase. Provides a general indication of the income level for the area.
Median Income – Change since 1990
The change in Median Income since 1990 is based on data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports, adjusted for average changes in income between the 2000 Census and the current year. This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of income change in the area.
In other words, have personal incomes gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
Poverty Rate
The portion of households in the area with incomes below the poverty level as established by the federal government’s official poverty definition. Provides an additional general indication of the income level for the area.
Median Property Tax Rate
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. Provides a general indication of the real estate tax level for the area. Actual property tax assessments are reported in listing data when a residence is offered for sale.
Size/Population Density
Total Population
The number of people in the area counted in the 2000 US Census. This information is not adjusted to the current year.
Total Population – Change since 1990
This is based on reported data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports, but is not adjusted to estimate the population for the current year. This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of population change in the area.
In other words, has the population gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
Population Density
The number of people per square mile, categorized into High, Medium, and Low. The categories provide a general indication of potential congestion in the area.
Urbanization Level
The proportion of people living within urbanized areas (e.g., cities) or urban clusters (i.e., a concentration of people living in a small area), categorized into High, Moderate, and Low.
Assess the community environment using Population Density and Urbanization Level together:
Population Density High, Urbanization Level High: Large city environment
Population Density Medium, Urbanization Level High: Suburban environment concentrated in small area
Population Density Low, Urbanization Level High: Most/all people living in a town/village situated in a rural area
Population Density High, Urbanization Level Moderate: Small or medium sized city
Population Density Medium, Urbanization Level Moderate: Suburban environment spread over large area
Population Density Low, Urbanization Level Moderate: Mix of people living in a town/village setting and living remotely
Population Density High, Urbanization Level Low: Large suburban community (occurs mostly in Zip Code areas)
Population Density Medium, Urbanization Level Low: Suburban environment spread over large area (occurs mostly in Zip Code areas)
Population Density Low, Urbanization Level Low: Rural environment without a population center (town/village)
Education
(Summary of Education levels)
The High School Graduates category includes everyone who graduated from High School regardless of whether they are also counted as college degree holders.
Bachelor and Graduate degree holders are counted uniquely, meaning that the percentage of Bachelor degree holders does not include those who have a Graduate degree even though Graduate degree holders necessarily have a Bachelor’s degree as well.
Occupation
(Summary of Occupational Categories)
Occupations are group based on standard classifications used by the US Census.
Examples of occupational sub-categories included are:
Category: Professional/Executive Subcategories: Management, business, and financial operations; Computer and math; Architecture; Engineering; Sciences; Legal; Education; Arts; Healthcare.
Category: Service Subcategories: Healthcare support; Protective services (police, fire, etc.); Food preparation; Building Maintenance and care; Personal care.
Category: Sales Subcategories: Sales; Office and administrative support.
Category: Blue Collar Subcategories: Farming, fishing, and forestry; Construction; Installation, maintenance, and repair; Production and transportation.
Households
(Distribution of Family and Single Households)
Provides insight on opportunities to socialize with people in the area who are in the same household category.
Single: Single households are those with one person in the household.
Family: Family households includes a householder and one or more other people living in the same household who are related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. Multiple person households consisting of unrelated people are not included.
People Moving into the Community
Provides insight into migration patterns for the 5 years prior to the last census (1995-2000).
Lived in same residence: did not move between 1995 and 2000.
Lived in same state: moved between 1995 and 2000, but within the same state.
Relocated within US: moved between 1995 and 2000, but lived in the US in 1995.
Immigrated to US: moved to the US from another country between 1995 and 2000 (all US territories—including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam—are considered part of the US).
Age Distribution
Provides an overview of the proportion of people at different life stages.
Children: 0-9, 10-19.
Adults: 20-29, 30-55, 55+.
Offers insight on opportunities to socialize with people in the area that are in a similar age range.
Ethnic & Cultural Review
Top 5 Heritage groups (racial, ethnic, cultural)
Top 5 Countries of orign (for people who immigrated)
Top 5 Languages spoken (primary language in household)
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My Dream Locale: I always dreamed of living in a small town with tree-lined streets where people know your name when you stop into a local business. For you, it may be a city or a farm. Yes, many of us dream of living in some exotic location, but since few of us can afford that, we’ll stay in the realm of the possible.
We’ve created a process to compare places and developed reports to help you find your dream locale. The process, called Local Insight, is simple. For example, say you were moving from the Chicago area to Tampa, FL. Pick a community you know and like in the Chicago area and we’ll rank communities in the Tampa area by how similar they are to the community you like.
We help you find the needle in the haystack. And it only takes minutes. Try describing to real estate agent what you want in a community, then drive around to see if they guessed right—it will take a lot longer than a few minutes. Plus, you can use the recommendations to identify real estate or relocation professionals that know the areas that should be appealing to you.
In addition, you’ll get reports for each community that give you in-depth info on real estate, people, and culture in those communities. This will help you work more effectively with your real estate professional—because you are fully informed.
Post a comment and tell me about your dream locale—and let us help you Find Your Place in the World.
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