Map the Move

Scout first, or commit and figure it out on arrival?

Both work. A scouting trip de-risks the neighborhood decision — you walk a few areas, check commute times, and get a feel for the city before you're under lease-signing pressure. Committing outright is faster and cheaper overall (one trip instead of two), as long as you treat your first 2-4 weeks as short-term housing rather than rushing into a year-long lease.

Either way, the visa pathway you choose usually dictates your entry point and rough timeline more than the city does — see the visa guide before locking in flight dates.

Frequently Asked Questions