Are you making a move to Oahu, Hawaii? If so, congratulations are in order, as you are about to move to a virtual paradise filled with sunshine and tropical beauty. Before making the move, however, it is a good idea to learn a little more about what you can expect from the move. In this way, you will be able to make the transition as smoothly as possible.
Learning More About “The Gathering Place”
Referred to colloquially as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu has a population of nearly one million people. The third-largest island of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu is also home to Honolulu, the state capital. While Honolulu offers the same general feel as a large city on the US mainland, it also offers extra charm and the touch of “aloha” that only an island can provide.
Preparing for Expenses
Generally speaking, Hawaii is considered to be the most expensive of the 50 states in which to live. According to 2015 data gathered by the Hawaiian government, the mortgage cost for those who own a home in Hawaii was $2,248 while the median rent was $1,500 per month. On the other hand, the per capita personal income in Hawaii was slightly higher than the US average at $48,288 while the unemployment rate was 1.7 percent lower than the US average at 3.5 percent.
Overall, the cost of living is also generally more expensive in Hawaii. This is particularly true if you enjoy things such as fine dining and fancy clothing. If you are more of an outdoors person, however, you will find that many of the beaches and natural destinations are free to enjoy. Therefore, depending on the type of lifestyle you plan to enjoy, you may find that the cost of living is not as bad as you anticipated.
In addition, while the median price for a single-family home was $749,000 and for a condominium was $400,000 in April 2017, property taxes are much lower in Hawaii when compared to the mainland.
Finding a Job
With tourism being the biggest contributor to Oahu’s economy, you will find plenty of jobs available within this sector. This includes jobs in sales, retail, restaurants, and hotels are plentiful. Other major employment sectors in Oahu include medical, construction, legal and IT. It should be noted, however, that most employers do not take job-seekers seriously until after they have actually moved to Hawaii. Nonetheless, it is still a good idea to explore opportunities and to connect with employers and employment agencies before you actually make the move. This will give you a better sense of the job market as well as how easy or difficult it will be for you to find a job that fits your skills and interests.
Making the Move
Of course, there will also be some expenses in the moving process that may be more costly than making a move to the mainland. After all, you can’t simply drive to your new home in Oahu. This means you will need to buy a plane ticket. In addition, it may make more financial sense to sell all or most of your personal belongings with the intention of purchasing replacements once you arrive, as shipping items such as furniture and cars can be quite cost-prohibitive.
