9 Tips for Relocating to Boston for Work

Relocating to Boston for work is a huge deal, whether you’re coming from across the state or across the country. But thousands of people pull it off every year, and you can, too. Have a look at these nine tips for relocating to Boston for work to get yourself amped up for the big transition.

9 Tips for Relocating to Boston for Work

Check out our nine best tips for relocating to Boston for employment (or just about any other reason):

Find out about the relocation benefits your employer offers
Connect with a Boston REALTOR®
Ask your real estate agent to tell you about communities in Boston that may be a good fit for you
Do your homework on the local school system
Familiarize yourself with Boston’s cost of living
Visit to find the right home
Cautiously choose a moving service
Make your travel arrangements, including arrangements for your pets
Find out whether your moving expenses are tax-deductible

Here’s a closer look at each.

Explore luxury condos in Boston here

#1. Find Out About the Relocation Benefits Your Employer Offers

Your employer most likely offers at least some relocation benefits. Some employers are willing to pay for the entire move, but even those that don’t may still offer some benefits. For example, your employer may connect you with a relocation counselor who can help you find schools, help your spouse find a job, or even provide an organizer who can help you settle into your new home. Talk to your employer or your HR rep to see what’s available to you when you relocate – you may not have to shoulder all the hard work yourself.

#2. Connect With a Boston REALTOR®

A Boston real estate agent can help you find the perfect home in your new city. Your agent will be familiar with the local market and neighborhoods, and they can help you learn about things like pet laws, where to get information on local amenities and necessities, and so much more.

#3. Ask Your Real Estate Agent to Tell You About Communities in Boston That May Be a Good Fit for You

When you’re looking for a new home in Boston, it’s important to find a neighborhood that’s the right fit for you. Talk to your real estate agent about what you’re looking for – whether it’s a short commute, great schools, a vibrant nightlife, or something else – and they can help you find the perfect neighborhood to call home.

#4. Do Your Homework on the Local School System

If you have kids, it’s especially important to do your homework on the local school system before you make a move. Talk to other parents in the area, read online reviews, and visit schools in person to get a feel for the different environments your kids may be in. Visit GreatSchools and local school district websites to see biographical data and school grades to determine where your children will be a good fit.

#5. Familiarize Yourself With the Cost of Living in Boston

There’s a good chance that the cost of living in Boston is a bit different than it is in your current location, so it may pay to check up on how far your dollars will go in the city. There are a few good tools you can use to estimate the differences, including:

Each of these calculators can give you a good ballpark figure so you understand what you’re getting into.

Pro tip: You may also want to use a salary paycheck calculator to recalculate your salary when comparing it to the cost of living. Here are two:

#6. Visit Boston to Find the Right Home

After you’ve spoken with your real estate agent, searched for Boston homes for sale online, and zeroed in on a few properties you’d like to see, it’s time to stop in for a visit. Your agent will schedule showings at all the homes you’re interested in. If you can’t make it for a visit, that’s okay – your agent will be happy to schedule virtual tours for you. That way, you can still see the properties and get your agent’s feedback in real-time; if a home doesn’t have a key feature you need (or if it has a feature you don’t want), you’ll be able to get eyes-on while your agent walks you through the home virtually.

#7. Cautiously Choose a Moving Service

There are plenty of moving services that can help you get from your current home to your new one, but it pays to be cautious when making your selection. Make sure the company is licensed and insured, and read reviews online before you commit. After you’ve chosen a mover, get everything in writing – from the cost of the move to the date and time of your pick-up. That way, you’ll have a paper trail if anything goes wrong.

#8. Make Your Travel Arrangements (Including Arrangements for Your Pets)

If you’re driving to Boston from your current home, map out your route and account for any rest stops or overnight stays you’ll need to make. If you’re flying, book your flights and make any necessary arrangements for airport parking or transportation to and from the airport.

If you have pets, make sure they’re up-to-date on their vaccinations and have valid health certificates. You’ll also need to make arrangements for them to travel with you if they’re flying. Keep in mind that most airlines have heat embargoes, which means pets can’t fly during hot summer months, and that some airlines have restrictions on certain pets (such as snub-nosed breeds).

#9. Find Out Whether Your Moving Expenses Are Tax-Deductible

You may be able to deduct your moving expenses on your taxes. The IRS has a few requirements that must be met in order for you to qualify:

Your move must be closely related to the start of your new job – meaning it needs to happen within one year of starting your new job, and your new job must be at least 50 miles away from your old home.
You must meet the “time test” – meaning you must work at your new job for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months after you arrive in your new location.
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to work at your new job for at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months after you arrive in your new location.

If you’re moving to Boston for a new job and you meet these requirements, you may be able to deduct your moving expenses on your taxes using Form 3903. Be sure to keep any receipts or documentation of your expenses so you have everything you need when it’s time to file.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Boston?

If you’re searching for a luxury home for sale in Boston, or if you’re selling your home, we can help. Call 617-967-5271 or get in touch with us online so we can discuss your needs. In the meantime, please feel free to browse our listings in the following communities:

9 Tips for Relocating to Boston for Work