Relocating to the Greater Twin Cities Area

Moving to a new city can be an intimidating proposition. Here are a few tips to help make your move as painless as possible. You may also find Twin Cities Living-Digital Editionuseful!

Research before you move. It’s important to understand the culture you’re joining. Do research online and find out about school systems, neighborhoods, parking, weather, public transportation, and laws that are native to that area. If you can, visit a city before moving and connect with someone who’s lived there before. I can be this resource for you!

Have a plan. There are a lot of steps to go through before you start packing the moving truck. Find housing before you leave, or at least know where you’ll stay while you look for a home. Never sign a lease on an apartment that you haven’t seen. If you can’t get there, find a friend or an employer to check for you. Have a job waiting for you, or if that’s not possible, know what you’ll do for money in the first few weeks of living there. Try to line up things like driver’s licenses, car insurance, renter’s insurance, and parking passes ahead of time as well.  Plan the move for your kids too! 

Get involved. Meeting people in a big city can be daunting. Don’t expect the neighbors to knock your door down with a casserole when you arrive: city life is often too noisy and hectic. Take the initiative. If there are things you liked to do in your town, find ways to do those things in the city. Try new things. Volunteer. Big cities offer so many opportunities to engage other people, so find what you like.

Mind your wallet. City life is expensive. Everything costs more: food, insurance, clothes, rent. There are also a lot more ways to get ripped off, whether legally or criminally. Be careful how you spend, and know where your money is going.

Hire the right agent. Not all real estate agents have the skills and experience critical to helping buyers relocate. An agent like Sarah Marrinan, a REALTOR®, has the training through the National Association of Realtors for Successful Relocation Representation and testimonials from happy clients is key.

Sarah Marrinan can provide specialized help on moving to the following areas/communities:

• Arden Hills
• Blaine
• Centerville
• Circle Pines
• Eden Prarie
• Edina
• Forest Lake
• Hugo
• Inver Grove Heights
• Lexington
• Lino Lakes
• Mahtomedi
• Mounds View
• North Oaks
• Oakdale
• Shoreview
• St Louis Park
• Vadnais Heights
• White Bear Lake
• Woodbury
• Wyoming, MN