Any career move can be a difficult decision, and the legal job market is no different.  This is especially true if you are considering relocation to a metro area that is thousands of miles away.  Attorney headhunters can give you access to new job opportunities, advice on timing and tips on local culture, but they cannot actually pack boxes for you.  Consider the following points when deciding whether you are really ready for a move to an entirely new city.

Reasons behind the move
The first thing to do is to take a step back and evaluate the reasons behind your relocation.  Are you truly comfortable with leaving your current city?  Does the career experience outweigh the costs of moving, or vice versa?  The number one thing to decide is if this relocation matches your long-term career and life goals – if not, bench the move and stay where you are for the time being.

New location
If you are set upon a move, make sure you do your research on the new area before actually getting into the car.  What is the cultural scene like?  Are you living where there are a lot of restaurants, stores, museums, parks?  Not every city is New York, but all have their own unique appeal.

Cost of living
A change in location means an entirely new budget.  Drastic differences in state income taxes, housing, and even groceries are a very important consideration.  While many major firms are on New York payscale worldwide, there are many cases where a regional move will mean a pay cut, at least on the top-line.  However, a lack of income tax and lower housing cost quickly adds up to a higher net salary.  Check out one of the numerous cost of living indexes when considering such a move. (Kiplinger’s is here)