Kansas City is a charming Midwestern town located right at the heart of the Kansas-Missouri state line. The city’s culture is drenched in history and is known for barbecue, jazz music, and loyal sports fans. Kansas City is bursting with life and has seen tremendous growth and modernization over the years. Today, the city is home to thousands of families looking to settle in an affordable and accommodating location. Brought to you by Cheap Movers Kansas City (FB | about.me), the area’s best low-cost moving company, here are some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods:

West Plaza

The West Plaza neighborhood is located on the Kansas side of the state line. Homes are older, yet offer lots of character and charm. The neighborhood blends pockets of small starter homes with larger, multi-family units. The value of homes in the area is much higher than surrounding areas and the community is in the proximity of some of the best private schools in the city. The neighborhood also rubs up against the Country Club Plaza and Westwood Park which are both hot spots for Kansas City residents.

Brookside

Located just minutes from the popular Country Club Plaza, this quaint neighborhood is filled with charming cottages and all the conveniences of a suburban lifestyle. Brookside residents enjoy the Brookside Shopping Pavilion which houses popular grocery chains in addition to several unique boutiques and gourmet eateries. The neighborhood is also close to the city’s Trolley Track Trail and one of the city’s largest public parks. The Brookside area is trendy and offers a great mix of new families and young professionals.

North Liberty

Liberty is a northern suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. The town’s economic development council has assisted the city in growing leaps and bounds over the past decade. The city boasts some of the state’s best school systems and residents enjoy a short 20-minute commute to downtown Kansas City. In addition, this bustling suburb offers a variety of restaurants, shopping, and other conveniences.

Waldo

Waldo is in southeast Kansas City. The neighborhood is experienced mostly by young professionals and families enjoying their first home. The homes tend to be smaller when it comes to square footage, but are considerably more affordable than some of the surrounding areas. Waldo is a prime location as it is central to almost any other area or suburb in the city. Residents are just five minutes from the Country Club Plaza and a 20-minute ride to the downtown area. In addition, Waldo is home to one of the most popular bar and shopping scenes in the city and has two popular public parks.

Prairie Village

This cozy development has risen in popularity in the past several years. The average home value lands at about $206,000. The neighborhood is nestled between the affluent Leawood and Overland Park neighborhoods and boasts some of the lowest crime rates in the city. In addition, Prairie Village offers a quick 25-minute commute to Downtown Kansas City.

These are just a few of the many popular Kansas City neighborhoods. Residents of these areas tend to enjoy a wealth of food and shopping, short commutes across the city, and a friendly neighborhood vibe. You won’t be disappointed when exploring one of these Kansas City gems.

As a major political arena, Washington D.C. attracts hundreds of people from all over the world. While some come to visit and see the sights, others are looking to make this beautiful city their new home. Relocating can be stressful, particularly when you’re moving to a big city. Cities like Washington D.C. come to life with their distinct culture and an unwritten set of rules that all newcomers usually learn the hard way. Although it can be overwhelming, the learning process can also be exciting. Before you jump in with both feet, look at the following tips for relocating to our nation’s capital.

Get Used to the Cost of Living

It’s probably not surprising that the cost of living in D.C. comes with a hefty price tag. As a matter of fact, it’s been consistently ranked among the 10 most expensive cities in the USA. If you’re relocating from New York City, then the cost of living probably won’t be as much of a shock as it would be if you’re moving from Idaho. In general, housing will be more expensive the closer you get to the downtown area. So, even if you’re moving from within the city, be prepared to pay more if you want to live where all the action is. On the lighter note, the higher cost of living tends to balance out with the higher-than-average median income. The median income here is approximately $58,600, as opposed to a mere $40,440 somewhere like Tulsa, OK.

Choose a Neighborhood

Before you pack up the U-Haul, you need to decide where you are going to live. Since there are a lot of different neighborhoods in D.C., you should be able to find a place that fits your budget. For example, the Eastern Market or Capitol Hill areas are more residential and ideal if you just landed a job at the Hill. Since the area is walkable, you don’t need to worry about having a car. If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, then you should look at Logan Circle. Known for its picturesque Victorian-style homes and dining options, this area is a popular choice among young millennials.

Learn to Like the Metro

If you’re relocating from a place where public transportation isn’t the norm, then using the underground might seem intimidating at first. However, it’s incredibly safe and makes commuting a snap. Now instead of spending hours behind the wheel of your car, you can let someone else do the driving while you read or relax.

It’s Okay to Downsize

Since bigger cities sometimes equate to smaller spaces, Cheap Movers DC notes that it might be necessary to take on a minimalist approach. Before embarking on your move, this DC mover recommends making sure your new place is large enough to accommodate everything you want to bring. If not, you might need to invest in a self-storage unit to house all those things you simply can’t live without.

Familiarize Yourself with Trains Schedules

Making friends with the train route and schedule will make your life a lot easier. Figuring out which stops are closest to where you work, live, and play will save you time, and you’ll probably feel less frantic as you move around the city.

Dress the Part

As you settle into city life, you’ll notice that most people here carry themselves professionally. After all, Washington is home to some of the most influential people in our nation. So, if you have a big job interview lined, up, err on the side of caution and dress accordingly. In addition, a lot of upscale bars and dining establishments enforce dress codes, so before heading out, take the time to find out what is acceptable attire.

Know Traffic is Unavoidable

If you want to live in the city, you must get used to the traffic. Since there are a lot of people, car and foot traffic tend to be on the heavier side. If the hustle and bustle of a big city makes you nervous, leaving for your destination earlier than usual should help calm your nerves.

Moving to a new city can be stressful, especially if you’re not used to the large crowds of people busy atmospheres. Although Washington D.C. can seem impenetrable, nothing could be further from the truth. In all reality, it’s a city full of history and culture that’s waiting for you to become part of it.

 

Miami is nicknamed the Magic City for a very good reason: when you live here, every day feels like magic. If you are thinking about moving here, you should first learn a few facts about the magical lifestyle that residents of Miami enjoy every day.

The part of the United States that most people know as Miami is not a single city; it is a large metropolitan housing market that extends beyond Miami-Dade County. Based on its geographic location, as well as its sociocultural history, Miami is one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the Americas.

Diversity of Cultures, Neighborhoods and Lifestyles

If you appreciate a diversity of lifestyle, Miami is certainly the place for you. If you enjoy Latin American and Caribbean culture, you will certainly feel at home in just about any district; however, you will also find neighborhoods that house small enclaves of European culture.

Miami is also ideal for home buyers looking to raise their families in nurturing neighborhoods. The Latin American vibe of the region makes it easy for newcomers to be welcomed by their neighbors, and there are many family-friendly activities to enjoy. The weather certainly helps in this regard since the sun warmly shines for most of the year, and thus families can enjoy the numerous park and nature reserves in Miami.

Working and Doing Business in Miami

When it comes to business, the corporate vibe in Miami leans towards international trade and globalization. Professionals will find little difficulty in finding work, but the Miami labor market is very competitive, which may translate into lower salaries in some fields.

The entrepreneurial culture is strong in Miami; quite a few households are supported by micro enterprises, and many self-employed professionals enjoy doing business on their own. Since this is a large metropolitan area, there are many organizations that offer grants and subsidies to business owners whose vision can help to improve quality of life to Miami residents. For this reason, many businesses have relocated to Miami in recent years.

Traffic and Commuting

Like other American metros, Miami could benefit from solutions to alleviate urban sprawl and the resulting gridlock. The public transportation system does its best to alleviate congestion, but not all suburbs are served adequately. State and municipal agencies regularly work on developing ways to reduce gridlock; to this effect, a few carpooling programs have emerged in the last few years.

Affordability and Household Economics

The Hollywood image of Miami as a glitzy playground for the rich and famous does not apply to all communities. The cost of living is fair and commensurate with median salaries, and the housing market is dynamic enough for patient buyers willing to wait for motivated sellers.

Miami is a city of bargains; you can find discount stores and flea markets in just about every community. Lastly, Miami is a haven of epicurean delights: you will never run out of interesting restaurants and cafes to discover. There’s also an abundance of grocery markets to choose from, and the prices happen to be very reasonable when compared to other American metros.

Thanks to Cheap Movers Miami for contributing to this post. When you’re ready to pack your boxes, and move to Miami, give these affordable Miami movers a call. From West Palm to Key West, this local moving company will help you get settled in your new home quickly and efficiently without breaking the bank.

New York is one of the world’s most exciting and culturally rich cities. If you’re planning to move there, one of the key decisions is choosing a great neighborhood. Some of the factors that you must consider when comparing neighborhoods are cost, convenience, cultural activities and anything else that might be important to you.

Step 1: Select a Borough

The first thing to understand about New York City is that it’s divided into five counties, known as boroughs. Before choosing a neighborhood, you should pick a borough.

Manhattan

When you see New York pictured in movies, it’s usually Manhattan that’s displayed. Manhattan is home to well-known neighborhoods such as the Upper East Side, Wall Street, Times Square, Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side. Presently, Manhattan is the costliest borough given its proximity to downtown, though Brooklyn is catching up.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn, a short drive or subway ride away from Manhattan, has become very hip and trendy in recent years as young professionals and families have moved here to escape the congestion of Manhattan. This borough, also known as Kings, includes fashionable neighborhoods such as Brooklyn Heights, Flatbush, and Williamsburg. Brooklyn is known for top-notch dining options, diversity, and a great art scene. In short, there are plenty of reasons to consider moving to Brooklyn.

Queens

Like Brooklyn, Queens has recently become much hipper than it used to be. Astoria, Sunnyside, Forest Hills and Long Island City are all up-and-coming neighborhoods to check out in this borough. Queens is home to JFK and LaGuardia airports, so this is a great place to live if you are a frequent traveler. It’s also where the U.S. Open is hosted every year and where the Mets play. Plus, residents have easy public beach access at the Southern end of the borough.

The Bronx

North of Manhattan, The Bronx is best known as the home of the New York Yankees baseball team. The Bronx offers some good values when it comes to apartments, condos and coops. If you’re looking here, Riverdale, Country Club, and Throggs Neck are listed among the Bronx’s best neighborhoods.

Staten Island

This borough, also known as Richmond, is literally an island and is only connected to the rest of New York City via a bridge to Brooklyn (and by ferry to Manhattan). The least populated borough, it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a small town atmosphere in the middle of the big city. In Staten, many people also have bigger houses and even yards, which you won’t find in the other boroughs.

Step 2: Pick a Neighborhood

What to Consider

Choosing the right New York City neighborhood requires you to consider what kind of lifestyle you’re seeking, what’s convenient for you, and what type of housing you want. Some neighborhoods are more suitable for single people, while others are more family oriented. If you’re single, you may be looking for a studio apartment in New York. Families will need an apartment or house with one or more bedrooms.

It’s best to spend some time walking around different neighborhoods to get a feel for the atmosphere. New York is very concentrated, so it’s easy to explore many neighborhoods without covering much distance. In downtown Manhattan, for example, Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo and Greenwich Village are all within a radius of a few square miles.

The following is a checklist of thing to consider when moving to New York City. Some of these points won’t apply to everybody, but consider the ones that are relevant to you.

  • Decide which of the five boroughs is right for you.
  • Identify your budget for buying or renting.
  • Calculate the time it will take to commute to work.
  • Quality of schools.
  • Consider proximity to shopping, restaurants and cultural activities. These are plentiful throughout New York, but the specifics differ from one neighborhood to the next. Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, for example, are known for their arts scenes.
  • Demographics such as the ratio of singles vs. families with kids.
  • Crime rates.
  • Proximity to highways, bus stops or subway. If you’re going to be using your own car, check out parking options.

Step 3: Choosing an Apartment

Once you’ve settled on a neighborhood, you’ll need to find an apartment. When compared to finding a place to live in other parts of the country, finding an apartment in NYC can be a real nightmare. For the best chances of finding a doable apartment in your neighborhood, take some tips from Thrillist:

  • Make sure you and the roomies have all your essential documents together – pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, and proof of employment
  • Work with a good broker or comb through the Listings Project
  • Don’t be too picky or pushy – the average vacancy rates in NYC hover between 1-2%, so there’s not a lot of room for negotiations
  • Walk the neighborhood in search of for rent signs. You may find something that’s not even listed online.
  • Be okay with moving in early.

Whatever you do, make sure the apartment you decide upon is really within your budget! A lot of people make the mistake of moving here without factoring in just how expensive everything is in the Big Apple (rent, clothes, food, transportation…we mean EVERYTHING).

Step 4: Moving In

Now that you’ve found your apartment, it’s time to get ready for moving day! Some words of advice for making your NYC move-in smoother:

  • Schedule a Mover: The best New York moving companies (like this one) fill up quickly, particularly around the end of the month and during the summer (when everyone else is moving). Make sure to call a mover as soon as you know your moving dates so you can secure a good mover.
  • Hire a Professional: Trying to navigate New York City in a moving truck is just about as difficult as finding an apartment. In addition to dealing with traffic, if you take the DIY approach, you’d also have to worry about where to park and figure out how to get everything up to your apartment. This is not the time to be cheap; you’ll be glad you spent the money hiring a professional moving service that knows what they’re doing.
  • Discuss Everything: If you do spring for a mover, make sure you are thorough in describing what you are moving and where it’s going. Don’t be surprised if your mover tacks on additional fees if you fail to mention that you’re on the 10th floor in a building with no elevator, or if you decide to move an extra 40 boxes last minute.

With these 4 easy steps, you’ll be settled in your new, New York apartment in no time!

 

 

Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States and the population continues to rise. The city is known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World” and is home to an abundance of celebrities. Most people would love the opportunity to live in Los Angeles, but the high cost of living can be a deal breaker for many individuals. However, with the right amount of planning, anyone can move to LA. For those who are preparing to relocate to the area, here is a guide that will make moving easier.

Plan for the Cost of Living

The cost of living is much higher in Los Angeles than almost any other city in the United States. From groceries to utilities, expect to pay more, which is especially true with housing. According to the Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living scale is based on a number (100) to compare the cost of living between cities. In Los Angeles, the cost of housing is 280 compared to 100, so keeping an eye out for foreclosures or finding a roommate to share rent can be helpful. For new residents of LA, saving money can be difficult, but it is a wise decision in case of unexpected emergencies.

Get to Know the Layout of LA

Los Angeles is known for terrible traffic, so getting to know the layout of the city can be beneficial and save time when commuting. Traffic is the worst in LA between 4 pm and 7 pm, so avoid driving during this time if possible. The 101, 10, and 405 highways are the major roads that connect the city, so it is best to know when traffic peaks on these roads.

Know the Neighborhoods

LA is a diverse city with many neighborhoods. You should research the neighborhoods that are best suited for your lifestyle. West Hollywood is completely different than Santa Monica or Venice. There are also lots of wonderful suburbs to check out if your job doesn’t demand central living. For example, Santa Clarita, to the north of L.A. is a town with approximately 210,000 residents. According to this moving company Santa Clarita, CA, this area has epic mountain views, generously-sized homes, and excellent school districts. To the south of Los Angeles, Huntington Beach offers a laid-back surfing culture, for those who desire a life outside of the rat race.  In order to get the most out of your move, be sure to establish yourself in an area that will make you happy. The city offers a wide range of coastal and non-coastal neighborhoods. According to I’m Moving to LA.com, “Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis that encompasses over 500 square miles and nearly 300 different neighborhoods.”

Take Advantage of the Weather

Los Angeles is known for pleasant weather, which leads to more than one advantage for LA residents. Living in LA is expensive, so the weather allows residents to reduce their utility costs by not having to use the air conditioner as much. The warmest months in LA yield average temperatures in the mid-seventies and the coldest months are in the mid-fifties to sixties.

Enjoy Yourself!

Although moving can be stressful, remember Los Angeles is one of the most entertaining cities in the world. From farmer’s markets to a variety of beaches to theme parks, there is always something to keep residents entertained. If you want to meet new people, then there is an abundance of opportunities, which can include acting classes, a variety of fitness gyms, or networking events. Now’s the time to get moving!

There’s nothing worse then being duped into paying more than what you expected something would cost. We’ve all been there before when you begin the typical process of research a product or service, and you begin to have an expectation of how much it will cost. Then, before you know it, the small additions that you make add up to a substantial difference. Think about the car buying process. What starts as a base car with a reasonable price, turns into an expensive car when you add in the leather trim, audio system, and so forth.

The moving industry functions the same way. The goal of a moving company is to book business over the phone and their smooth talking sales reps are really good at it! This is particularly the case for long distance (referred to industry-wide as interstate moves) movers. The way that most people think about the moving process, it sounds like a commodity right? You need a few strong guys to pick up some stuff, put it in a truck, and take it to the other destination. I mean, how hard can it be…. right? When you start down this train of thought, it’s entirely logical to think that if a service isn’t difficult to perform and somewhat hard to mess up; choose the cheapest company! And that is precisely where you would be wrong.

Let me fill you in on a little secret when it comes to the pricing schemes behind these so-called cheap long distance moving companies. The quoted price over the phone is almost never the price you end up paying. There are hundreds of fees that get tacked on to the billing price. And on the day of the move, what are you going to do? It’s not worth cancelling the service, booking a new company, and waiting three more days for them to have availability. So, you end up sucking it up and paying the higher price. Sounds pretty sleazy right? Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common.

This is why it is so important to make sure that you ask the moving company for all of the additional fees that can be or will be associated with the move. Additionally, make sure you are only working with licensed and verified movers. Check the American Mover & Storage Association (AMSA) for proper licensing and to ensure they are up to date on all of their regulatory paperwork.

One of the quickest ways to check for reliable, but affordable moving services is to begin by searching these cheap long distance moving companies. This service works ONLY with fully licensed and insured and professional movers. They’ve been around for many years and have been helping people find reliable interstate moving companies that are licensed and insured. You’ll still want to make sure that you speak directly with each of the movers you receive a quote from, but knowing the source of the referral will give you additional confidence.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to doing your research ahead of time to be prepared. Moving is a complicated process and you shouldn’t expect finding the right reliable mover to be any easier, because it’s not!

Start your move the right way…. do your research!

The recent snowstorm that swept across the east cost has affected millions of residents. Snow-trapped residents have stockpiled food and water to keep from having to get out in the elements. But what about the people that had been stockpiling their belongings into cardboard moving boxes preparing for the big moving day. If you had dreams of this being an easy and carefree move, think again. The snowstorm that came through has affected everyone, and that includes the moving companies.

If you haven’t heard from your moving company representative lately, it’s because they have likely been swamped with phone calls and customer service requests. The backlog of customers to contact and clients belongings to pick up is growing larger by the day. This just isn’t going to be easy if you’re in a hurry. But, if you’ve got a little patience to give, work with the moving company to come during an off-peak time, and be flexible!

Now that the streets are clear and the moving trucks can hit the pavement, the moving crews can begin their work. If you’re mover bailed on your order and you’re still searching, these are the best movers Brooklyn has to offer. Give them a call and tell them we referred you.

2016 is destined to be an interesting year. Good luck and happy moving!

Moving in Austin is very exciting but all the joy and thrill can disappear when you think about the stress and difficulties of moving your stuff. Instead of worrying and getting yourself stressed out, entrusting the transport of your belongings to a moving company in Austin can be a great idea. If you want to […]