Moving to a new state with children involves far more complexity than relocating as a single adult or couple. The decision affects every member of the household in different ways, and factors that might seem minor during the research phase can become significant once you’ve unpacked the moving boxes.
Families who invest time in thorough research before committing to a move tend to settle in more smoothly and avoid the regret that comes from overlooking critical details.
The checklist below covers seven areas that directly impact family life. Some of these factors receive plenty of attention during the house-hunting process, while others tend to fall off the radar until after the move is complete.
1. Cost of Living Beyond Housing Prices
Housing costs dominate most relocation conversations, and for good reason. A mortgage payment or rent check represents the most significant monthly expense for most families. However, the sticker price of a home tells only part of the story.
Groceries, utilities, childcare, and healthcare all vary significantly from state to state. A family moving from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest might find that housing costs roughly double while groceries increase by 15 to 20 percent.
Meanwhile, a move from California to Texas might dramatically reduce housing costs but introduce new expenses, such as higher car insurance premiums and toll road fees.
Online cost-of-living calculators provide a reasonable starting point, but they work best when combined with direct research. Browsing local grocery store websites, calling childcare centers for rate quotes, and checking utility company estimates for similar-sized homes will paint a more accurate picture than any algorithm.
2. School Options and Education Funding Programs
Public school quality varies enormously by district, and families with school-age children often let school ratings drive their housing search. This approach makes sense, but it can also limit options and push families toward more expensive neighborhoods.
Some states offer school choice programs that expand options beyond the assigned neighborhood school. Education Savings Account programs, for example, allow families to direct state education funds toward private school tuition, tutoring, and other approved educational expenses. Arizona’s ESA program is the oldest and most expansive of these programs, providing families with $6,000 to $9,000 or more per child annually for qualified educational expenses. Several other states have implemented similar programs with varying eligibility requirements.
For families considering private schools, understanding the funding support available in a given state can significantly affect the financial calculations. A state with robust school choice programs might make private education accessible where it would otherwise be out of reach.
Homeschooling regulations also vary by state. Some states require virtually no oversight, while others mandate standardized testing, curriculum approval, or regular check-ins with local school officials. Families who homeschool or are considering homeschooling should carefully review the requirements of their destination state.
3. State Tax Structure
State income tax rates receive the most attention, but property taxes and sales taxes often have a larger cumulative effect on family budgets. A state with no income tax might make up the difference through higher property taxes or sales taxes on everyday purchases.
Property tax rates vary not just by state but by county and municipality. Two homes with identical purchase prices in neighboring towns might carry property tax bills that differ by several thousand dollars annually. Families planning to buy should request actual property tax records for any home under serious consideration rather than relying on percentage estimates.
Sales tax matters more than many families realize, especially those with children. School supplies, clothing, sports equipment, and birthday presents add up over the course of a year. States that exempt groceries and clothing from sales tax put more money back into family budgets than their overall sales tax rates might suggest.
4. Healthcare Access and Insurance Costs
Health insurance premiums on the individual market vary dramatically by state, and families who purchase their own coverage should request quotes before finalizing a move. Employer-sponsored plans also differ in cost and quality depending on regional healthcare markets.
Access to specialists matters for families with children who have ongoing medical needs. A state with excellent overall healthcare rankings might still lack pediatric specialists in certain areas. Families should identify the specific providers and facilities their children need and verify that comparable options exist in the destination area.
Prescription drug costs and dental care availability round out the healthcare picture. Some states have more competitive pharmacy markets, and dental practices in high-demand areas often have waiting lists for new patients that stretch several months.
5. Climate and Outdoor Lifestyle
Weather affects daily life in ways that become apparent only after living through a full year in a new location. A family accustomed to mild Pacific Northwest winters might struggle with the humidity and extreme heat of a Gulf Coast summer. Conversely, families moving from warm climates to northern states often underestimate both the length of winter and the associated costs of heating, winter clothing, and snow removal.
Children adapt to new climates more readily than adults, but outdoor activities and sports are often season-dependent. A child who plays year-round soccer in Arizona will face a compressed outdoor season in Minnesota. Families with active children should research youth sports leagues, parks, hiking trails, and other recreational options that matter to their household.
Air quality deserves consideration as well. Some regions experience seasonal wildfire smoke, high pollen counts, or elevated pollution levels that affect children with asthma or allergies.
6. Job Market and Remote Work Policies
Employment stability underpins everything else on this list. Families with two working parents face particular complexity, as both adults need to find suitable positions in the new location unless one or both work remotely.
Remote work has expanded relocation options for many families, but state tax implications of remote employment remain a developing area. Some states have aggressive policies for taxing remote workers, and families should consult with a tax professional before assuming they can work remotely from any location without complications.
For job seekers, researching the local market in your field matters more than general unemployment statistics. A state with low overall unemployment might still have limited opportunities in specialized industries. LinkedIn searches, local job boards, and industry contacts can reveal whether your skills align with the regional economy.
7. Family-Friendly Community Features
The intangible qualities of a community often determine whether a family thrives after a move. Proximity to extended family, the presence of faith communities, access to cultural institutions, and the general pace of life all contribute to how quickly a family feels at home.
Families moving without a built-in social network should research how newcomers typically connect in their target area. Some communities have active newcomer groups, parent organizations, or neighborhood associations that help families integrate. Others can feel insular, making it harder to establish friendships and support systems.
First-time homeowners often experience anxiety about the purchase process itself, but the emotional adjustment to a new community can prove equally challenging. Visiting the area multiple times before committing, at different times of year if possible, helps families develop realistic expectations.
Safety statistics, commute times, and walkability scores provide useful data points, but spending time in a neighborhood reveals details that numbers cannot capture. Walking through a park on a Saturday morning, eating at local restaurants, and chatting with residents at a farmers market all contribute to understanding whether a community feels like the right fit.
Making the Final Decision
No relocation decision is risk-free, and every family’s priorities differ. A move that transforms one family’s quality of life might create stress and regret for another. The research process outlined above cannot guarantee a successful outcome, but it reduces the likelihood of unpleasant surprises.
Families who take the time to investigate these seven areas thoroughly tend to make more confident decisions. They also adapt more quickly after the move because they arrive with realistic expectations rather than idealized assumptions.
