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The 4 Pitfalls of “Best Place to Live” Lists

pinterest pin titled The 4 Pitfalls of Best Place to Live Lists

Best place to live lists are often sought after for their apparent convenience and quick solutions. However, relying solely on these lists can lead to undesirable outcomes that leave you feeling more overwhelmed than informed. Instead you should focus on a more personalized approach when trying to find the perfect place to call home.

Best Place to Live for Remote Workers or Digital Nomads

Choosing a place to live is a significant decision that can profoundly impact our lives and overall happiness. Remote workers and digital nomads have the flexibility to live anywhere. This can make finding the ideal location both exciting and overwhelming. The possibilities are truly endless.

I know a thing or two about being a remote worker who can live anywhere. When I got my remote job and my boss told me I could live wherever I wanted, I was thrilled. Then very quickly overwhelmed. Location was always important to me. I always believed that it was a much bigger decision than going to college or choosing a job. Melody Warnick, author of If You Could Live Anywhere claims that where you live is your destiny.

The older I get the more I agree.

Where you live is so much more than what the “best place” to live is for the majority.

Your best place to live should be rooted in who you are and what YOU want.

For so long, where I live dictated so many decisions for me. I grew up in a small town. This limited my options for classic city entertainment to the Walmart parking lot or Friday night Huddle House. I didn’t get the chance to try ethnic cuisines or go on hikes. The people I was around simply weren’t interested. As and extravert, I could only do so many things alone.

After high school, I high-tailed it to a school in Kentucky and then landed in Atlanta after college.

college graduation of Brit Suits founder of choose where to live on her way to find her best place to live. She is wearing a graduation cap and her friend is also in graduation garb.
Sweet young impressionable Brit excited for something other than small town Kentucky…

I didn’t choose any of these places.

My circumstances did and I hated that.

So when I finally got my remote job that would let me live anywhere, I was stoked!! I had the opportunity to live wherever I wanted and that was exciting until it wasn’t…

For the first time I got to CHOOSE where to live.

This was awesome.

Only problem?

I had NO IDEA where to go and worse NO IDEA what I even wanted out of a place to live. So like most people, I spent endless hours googling “best place to live in the US” or “best place to live for twenty somethings, best place to live for young single people… you get the picture.

It was exciting to think that I could live wherever I wanted but these list were just so generic. They demonstrated so much bias that I was having a hard time understanding what was real versus what was not. They seemed to be intentionally confusing bc they had …

The Pitfalls of “Best” Place to Live Lists

  1. Biased Rankings: Best places to live lists are often based on weird blends of statistical data and public opinion. When has that ever been a good thing? Remember, what others like might not align with your preferences and needs.
  2. Money-Driven Rankings: Some cities may pay for their rankings on these lists, making them less reliable and transparent. Moving to a place motivated by financial incentives might not lead to the best experience.
  3. Majority Preference: These lists assume that everyone has similar preferences and desires, which is far from the truth. Each individual is unique, and finding the right place requires considering personal needs and priorities.
  4. Over Simplified: Best place lists can oversimplify complex factors that affect our happiness. Things like climate, job opportunities, and cultural activities which can leave out vital information.

You can find the full list at yourplacefinder.com.

The Benefits of a Personalized Approach

Determined to find a place that truly suited me, I set out to develop my own system. Hours of sourcing the internet yielded little help, leaving me feeling lost and overwhelmed. It became clear that I needed a personalized approach to discover the city that would be my perfect fit.

The realization of needing a tailored solution led me on a path of self-reflection. I began asking myself critical questions about my daily activities and the kind of community I wanted to be part of. I made lists of everything I loved about my current location. And a list about what I didn’t, seeking patterns and connections that could guide my decision.

After much introspection, I defined my life goals and the attributes I sought in my future home. I discovered that my ideal city needed to have parks for relaxation. A thriving live music scene, and a pool of eligible bachelors to enhance my chances of finding a partner.

What?! I wanted a man!

This process of self-discovery was challenging but ultimately rewarding. It allowed me to craft a detailed and personalized system for choosing a place to live. One that included all my preferences, no matter how unique they might have seemed to others.

Through this journey, I learned that finding the best place to live is not about following what others believe is best. It’s about understanding my own needs and desires. And aligning them with a location that can fulfill my goals and aspirations.

So, if you’re spending all of your time on these best place to live lists, I encourage you to try a new path. Use my Location Strategy Must Haves as a good place to start. Be sure to consider these factors.

Factors to Consider for your Best Place to Live

  1. Prioritize Personal Needs: Consider what makes you happy, your long-term life goals, and what kind of community and activities align with your interests.
  2. Utilize Research and Data: Use reliable data to support your decision-making process. However, ensure that the information you rely on caters to your specific requirements.
  3. Testimonials and Case Studies: Learn from others’ experiences to gain insights into how a personalized approach can lead to successful outcomes.
  4. Contact choosewheretolive.com for a FREE consultation.

Overcoming Skepticism

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed by the idea of analyzing your personal preferences thoroughly. Trust me that level of self reflection is not easy for even Jay Shetty himself. Still, investing time and effort in this process is far more beneficial than sifting through generic lists that may not resonate with your unique needs.

Choosing the best place to live is a deeply personal decision that deserves a thoughtful and individualized approach. Best places to live lists may provide some interesting insights. But they should not be the sole basis for such a life-changing decision. By investing time and effort into analyzing your preferences, you’ll increase the likelihood of finding a place that truly feels like home. My personalized program at choosewheretolive.com can guide you through this process. It will ensure that your decision is aligned with your unique needs and aspirations. Remember, this is your life, and you deserve to live it in a place that brings you joy and fulfillment. So proceed with caution when using best places to live lists.

Let me know how I can help you on your journey. Contact me here.

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