So, it is that time of the year again and you are planning to visit a new city to learn their culture, food, and the ways of life of the inhabitants of the city; but before you make that big leap, have you sat down to consider whether the city will be suitable for you? Most cities of the world have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and it is entirely not a bad idea to compare them beforehand before you even book your flight.
Visiting a new city can be time-consuming, costly, and draining, especially if it’s your first time; hence, it is important that the city you’re planning to visit is suitable and comfortable for you. There are a number of factors to keep in mind when deciding which city you should call your second home, including the crime rate of the city, cost of living, and the cost of schooling. These factors may not necessarily be important to you now, but you will need to consider them before you board a flight to your travel destination.
Here are some of the best ways to compare cities:
Comparing Neighborhoods
Before heading to a new destination, it is important to scout out your potential neighborhood and thoroughly research important information about the neighborhood. Some travelers usually resort to a satellite-enhanced map online to compare neighborhoods in the city they plan to visit, however, this is not the right approach. A satellite-enhanced map will only give you a pictorial view of the rooftops of the structures or buildings in a neighborhood, which is not what you are looking for.
But if you do in-depth research of the neighborhoods, you can easily uncover whether the city you’re traveling to is similar or better to the one you are living in now. If you are married and have kids, consider whether the city has nearby parks or other family-oriented facilities. You can use public housing data or crime rates to find a good neighborhood to stay with your family.
Cost of Living
The cost of living of a city is another big consideration that a traveler should keep in mind before boarding a flight to their travel destination. If you overlook this factor, you may run the risk of price shock if you don’t have a deep pocket. You may feel that the cost of living in the city you live in is reasonable, but when you travel to a larger city, you’d be shocked at the way goods and services will be expensive. So compare food costs, hotel expenses, and even utility costs. Comparing these costs will help you live within your means.
Crime Rates
Statistics show that crime rates are usually higher in larger cities and cities with a huge population. However, crime stats are not always definitive. In the United States, for instance, cities like NYC and Seattle have done well in terms of reducing crime rate, but other cities or states have not done so well in this regard, which is why you should compare crime rates before moving to a new city.
Schools
Another way to compare cities is to compare schools within the city that you plan to visit. You should be more disposed to a city with schools, whether college or high school, especially if you have children or will have children in the future. But if you don’t have kids or never will, then it’s fine to visit a city without schools.
The Bottom Line
When you intend to visit a new city, the best thing to do is to be prepared. And the more you research and compare cities, the better for you. There are lots of online sources that you can turn to for help.
Some other factors you should keep in mind when comparing cities are employment rates, arts and cultural amenities, sports and fitness amenities, healthcare and hospital, retail and shopping amenities, mobility and transportation, as well as police officer per population ratio.