Know Before Moving States

Researching Your Destination State:

Thorough research is the foundation of a successful interstate move. Key areas include:

• Cost of Living: This is paramount. Investigate average housing costs (renting vs. buying - see guide), property taxes, typical utility bills (electricity, gas, water), grocery prices, transportation costs (gas, insurance, public transit), and childcare expenses. Use online cost of living calculators to compare your current location to potential new cities/states (see state comparison). Remember costs can vary widely even within a state (urban vs. rural).
• Job Market & Economy: Explore employment opportunities in your field. What are the major industries? What is the unemployment rate? What are typical salaries for your profession in that area? (See best states for jobs). Check job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Network virtually if possible.
• Schools & Education: If you have children, research the quality of local public school districts (using sites like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com), private school options, and childcare availability/costs (transferring records guide). If pursuing higher education, look into colleges and universities.
• Climate & Environment: Understand the typical weather patterns throughout the year – average temperatures, humidity, snowfall, rainfall, risk of natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires). Consider how this aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.
• Culture & Lifestyle: Learn about the local culture, pace of life, political climate, community values, diversity, and recreational opportunities (parks, arts, dining, nightlife). Does it seem like a good fit for you/your family? Visiting beforehand is highly recommended if possible.
• Taxes: Research state and local tax structures (see state laws guide). Key taxes include:
  • State Income Tax (rates vary; some states have none).
  • Sales Tax (state and local rates combine).
  • Property Tax (rates vary significantly by locality).
  • Vehicle Taxes/Fees.
  • Understand how taxes on retirement income (pensions, Social Security) differ if applicable.
• Healthcare Access: Research the availability and quality of hospitals, specialists, and primary care physicians in the area (finding a doctor guide). Check if doctors you might consider accept your anticipated health insurance plan.
• Laws & Regulations: Be aware of key state laws that might differ from your current state, such as traffic laws, gun laws, vehicle inspection requirements, recycling rules, and any specific local ordinances.

Key Legal and Administrative Tasks After Moving:

Once you move, you'll need to update various documents and services promptly:

1. Update Driver's License & Vehicle Registration:
   • Most states require you to obtain a new state driver's license within a specific timeframe after establishing residency (often 30-90 days). This usually involves visiting the DMV/MVC, providing proof of identity, residency, SSN, passing vision/written tests (road test may be waived if transferring a valid out-of-state license). See Getting a Driver's License guide.
   • You must also register your vehicle(s) in the new state within their timeframe, which typically requires the new state license, proof of insurance meeting state minimums, the vehicle title, and potentially emissions/safety inspections. See Registering Vehicle guide.
2. Update Address Information:
   • File an official Change of Address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) online or at a post office.
   • Notify banks, credit card companies, insurance providers (auto, home/renters, health, life), loan providers, subscription services, employers (for tax documents), and any other relevant organizations of your new address. See Changing Address/Docs guide.
3. Update Voter Registration: Your previous voter registration is invalid once you move states. You must re-register to vote in your new state according to its deadlines and residency requirements. See Voter Registration guide.
4. Transfer Utilities & Services: Arrange to stop services at your old address and start them at your new address (electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, trash). See Transferring Utilities guide.
5. Healthcare & School Records:
   • Transfer medical records from your old doctors/dentists to new providers.
   • Transfer school records for children to their new school district.
6. Taxes: Be prepared to potentially file part-year resident tax returns in both your old and new states for the year you moved. Consult state tax authority websites or a tax professional.