1. Affordability:
   
   Wages, employment and cost of living are three factors that will tell you how far a dollar goes in your new town. The Salary Value Index, a report prepared by the Web site Salary.com, ranks cities by how expensive they are. Want to move to New York City? Bad news--it's the most expensive place in the U.S. But are you willing to be within a one-hour commute to NYC? Great news--New London, Conn., tops the list of affordable cities. You can compare the cost of living between cities using the Salary Calculator at Homefair.com.



2. Jobs:
   
   You want to look at both availability of jobs within your chosen field and job growth in the area. The web site JobWatch.org tracks private sector employment and offers links to state agencies that can give you specifics about the city or state you are considering.



3. Housing:
   
   Are you going to rent or buy? House or apartment? Are you looking for a family neighborhood or a singles complex where you can accelerate the whole process of finding friends and romance? By giving the Realtors in your target cities as many specifics as possible about your needs, you'll increase your chances of finding the right place to move to.



4. Weather:
   
   Do a little research about your future city. Love sunny weather? Seattle and Portland may not be for you. Do the trappings if a traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas rank high on your list? Florida and Hawaii just might flunk that test.



5. Health Care:
   
   Make a check list of your medical needs. How close do you need to be to a good hospital? Ten minutes? An hour? A day's drive? What are the medical specialties you need to be near? The American Medical Association's web site can be a great resource.



6. Schools:
   
   If you're moving with children, learning about the school districts in your new city is paramount. Local Realtors are well-versed in neighborhood schools and can help you match your housing with your child's educational needs. Web sites like Homefair.com offer detailed reports of schools ranked by test scores.



7. Culture:
   
   Need to be near world-class museums, four-star restaurants and the latest in theater and dance, or will a mall, a multiplex and a decent pizza (delivered) do it for you? Make a list of what you long for in terms of art and entertainment, then do some research on your prospective cities. Many have their own magazines, which you can buy at a newsstand or online. Pay close attention to the ads--they will tell the true culture story.



8. Recreation:
   
   Make a list of the activities you like--skiing, biking, salsa clubs, running--and check their availability in the regions you're considering. Be sure to cast a wide net--skiers in Manhattan can drive to New England. Surfers in Phoenix can find a perfect wave a day's drive away in San Diego.



9. Spiritual life:
   
   Check with the local Chamber of Commerce for a list of churches and synagogues, then call the ones that interest you. Is the congregation active? Are there clubs and events and outings?



10. Je ne sais quoi:
    
    This is the intangible, the something-in-the-air that gives you a jolt of joy just to be living there. It's instinct and romance and whimsy and without it, even the place that looks perfect on paper will fall short. That's why a site visit to your potential cities is so important. Take a weekend and immerse yourself in the place. Drive around, get lost, eat out, ask questions. Choosing a new home is a bit like choosing a mate--you can't explain what you're looking for but you'll know it when you find it.

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