Guest Post by Adam Taylor
Moving to a new city is a big job, but it can be invigorating to start over, especially if you’re thinking of starting a business or want to relocate one. There are several factors to consider when looking for the right location, including the cost of living, how safe the area is, and what types of resources are available to small business owners. In the Jersey Shore, you’ll find a wide variety of rentals to choose from as well as safe, charming communities.
When you’re ready to start the search for your next home, contact Meghan Carroll to get an idea of your options. Here are a few ideas on why the Jersey Shore is a great place to live and how to make your move a smooth one:
The cost of living has multiple benefits
In the Jersey Shore, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,700 per month for rent depending on the neighborhood. A higher cost of living can be beneficial for your business, as it means there are higher net worth customers in your area. It also typically means a thriving economy, which creates even more advantages for your business.
The housing market is heating up in Monmouth County, with listings staying up for about two months; the average sale price is about $550,000, but you may qualify for down payment assistance in the form of a VA loan, a mortgage credit certificate, an Energy Efficient Mortgage program, or a Homeowner Voucher program.
You’ll find support
Like finding the right home and neighborhood, having a supportive community around your business is essential, both for your wellbeing and for the success of your company. The Jersey Shore has a wonderful array of resources for small business owners that will help you network, find a mentor, and stay motivated even when entrepreneurship becomes challenging. Take a look at:
There are lots of cultural opportunities
The local culture of an area can also play a big role in the success of your business and in the enjoyment you, your family, and your employees find in living there. In and around the Jersey Shore, you’ll find several beautiful spots, as well as different celebrations happening all throughout the year, including:
- World Diversity Day Children’s Festival
- MelaNIQ Picnic Festival
- Red Bank Street Fair and Craft Show
Plenty of restaurant options
Because the Jersey Shore is a good-sized city, the celebrations aren’t the only things that are varied; you can find some great restaurant options there as well. Whether you’re craving Greek, Italian, or Vietnamese cuisine, you’ll have several eateries to choose from in the area.
Location is everything
Because the Jersey Shore is so close to New York City, you don’t have to stick just to your community. There are plenty of public transportation options, and this bigger city is just a short drive away when you’re ready to branch out and find new parks, restaurants, or events.
Great schools sharpen the talent
Quality of life is also affected by access to great educational opportunities, and New Jersey has several colleges to choose from. Not only will you and your family benefit from these schools, you’ll have your pick of talented employees who have had the best training. Institutions in the area include:
- Princeton University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Rutgers University
Plan well with these resources
Small business resources can make all the difference when you’re starting anew in an unfamiliar city, and the Jersey Shore has plenty. Once you’ve written a stellar business plan, you’ll need to find funding and obtain the correct licenses and permits.
For your protection, consider forming a corporation, which makes shares easier to transfer than an LLC does. Not only that, your investors will likely prefer the stability of a corporation structure. There are different regulations for forming a corporation depending on where you live, so do some research beforehand.
You’ll also need to think about marketing; a YouTube channel is a great place to start, and you can create a banner for your page using an online banner creator that allows you to customize a template with your branding. Use it to create a consistent brand image identity across multiple social media platforms.
Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, but learning all you can about the area will help reduce your anxiety and prepare you for the process. Once you make some connections, you can get your business up and running without a hitch.
Ready to start your home search? Reach out to Meghan Carroll today!