Getting used to big city living can be a challenge if you’re coming from a smaller community. Everything from socializing to adjusting to a new cost of living can seem overwhelming if you don’t know how to handle these challenges. Here are a few tips to help you acclimate to living in a major city.
Try to Avoid Rush Hour Travel
Although your job may require you to travel to work during the 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. rush hour, try to avoid traveling home during the 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. rush hour. Even if you take public transportation, the subways, buses, and taxi services will be booked solid during these times.
This means it will take you longer to get home. If you can wait a little longer, or perhaps pick up a hobby near your workplace, the later ride home will go by much faster.
Watch Your Spending
As you go about your day, it’s easy to spend money without giving it much thought. From that gourmet cup of coffee to reading material for the ride home, you may be spending more than you realize. You can help yourself save by creating a spending journal and collecting receipts for all of your purchases. After just one week, you may find that you’re spending too much money. This may be enough to prompt you to change your daily habits.
Share Your Living Space
One of the biggest problems with big city living is that rent can be significantly higher, sometimes getting as pricey as three times the cost of a comparable place in the suburbs. There are alternatives that will help you save on your living expenses. For instance, consider coliving in Los Angeles and other expensive places to live to reduce what you’ll have to pay out each month. Sharing a rental can enable you to live in a much nicer place without having to go outside your monthly budget.
Look For Other Ways to Save Money
You can get more out of living in a major city when you have the extra money to spend on social and cultural events. To that end, look for ways to save. If you rarely drive, it may make sense to get rid of your car and cancel your auto insurance. Walking, taking the bus, and using a cab for shopping can save a great deal of money right off the top of your budget.
You can also buy many of your staple items online in bulk for a lower price. Look for more ways to trim spending by looking at your expenses and canceling redundant services. If you stream content online, you don’t need a cable subscription. If you have a cell phone, you don’t need a landline.
Meet New People
Going to the neighborhood bar isn’t the only way to meet new people. You can also meet people in groups on social media sites that focus on your geographical area. Another alternative is to get involved in activities that interest you.
If you’re a big reader, joining a book club can help you meet others with similar interests. Whatever your interests, there’s probably a social group in your city that shares that interest. This can be the best way to meet like-minded people.
Living in a major city can be a little unnerving even for those who have lived there their whole lives. However, addressing challenges as they arise can help you adjust more gradually over time. Before you know it, you’ll think of that big city as your home and you wouldn’t want it any other way.
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