Relocating to the Honolulu oceanfront is a dream come true for many. At the same time, it is important to keep a few key things in mind in order to ensure a smooth transition and to be sure you are completely happy with the decision that you have made to move to the beach. To that end, here are some tips to follow when moving to the Honolulu oceanfront.
Tip #1: Prepare Yourself for Change
If you are simply moving from one part of Hawaii to another, the move to the Honolulu oceanfront may not be so drastic. If you are moving there from the mainland, however, you need to be prepared for some significant changes to your lifestyle. First, you are not likely to see your friends and family on the mainland as often as you are currently used to seeing them, which can be emotionally difficult for some people. Second, the island culture and mentality is quite different from that on the mainland, with residents being generally more laid back and moving at a slower pace. This can be frustration to those who are used to moving at top speed at all times.
Tip #2: Remember That a Primary Residence is Not the Same as a Vacation Home
It is important to keep in mind that a place where you love to vacation is not necessarily a good place to call your home. Of course, living on the Honolulu oceanfront can certainly serve as a great place to call your permanent residence, but it is also a good idea for you to visit the area a few times, to talk to the locals and to get to know the area from an everyday living perspective rather than from a vacationer’s point-of-view. Take a drive on the route that you will take to work at the time when you anticipate taking it so you can get a feel for the traffic situation. Look for retail stores, banks, grocery stores and other establishments that you will need to use on a regular basis. Get a genuine feel for what it will be like to live in the area before you make a purchase.
Tip #3: Be Prepared for Annoyances
When you live on the Honolulu oceanfront, there are two primary annoyances that you can expect to face: sand and tourists. Obviously, when you choose to live on the beach, you can expect to deal with a lot of sand. Yet, people who are new to oceanfront property are often surprised by just how much the sand gets everywhere and into everything. It is simply one of those things that you will have to learn to accept as a part of your life, both outdoors and in.
Similarly, Honolulu is a popular destination amongst tourists. Therefore, you can expect to see tourists nearly everywhere you go. For some homeowners, this adds to the fun of living on the oceanfront, but it may become an annoyance to you as you navigate through all of the additional people during the most popular tourist seasons.
