Proximity to School
If you have school-aged children, proximity to school is a key factor. Many international schools provide bussing, but it's important to determine if the trip is an okay length for your children. Adding two hours a day on a bus to your child's schedule may not be the best idea - especially during the time when they will be adjusting to expat life.
Proximity to Work
How long will it take you to get to work? We recommend talking with other expats about commuting times - especially if you are in a big city. Checking distances on a city map can be irrelevant - a few miles in Manhattan can take an hour when the commute includes subway transfers, a long walk to the subway, etc... Ask your future colleagues about commuting times and for recommendations on their favorite neighborhoods.
Suburban vs. City Living
Cost-of-living often dictates the decision between suburban and city living. If you're single and looking for an active social life, the more metropolitan your neighborhood the better! For families, it's a lifestyle decision as well. Many expat families, who live in the suburbs in their home country, decide to live in the city during their assignments abroad in order to take better advantage of cultural and social events.
Housing Options
Housing options are very different from country to country and city to suburbs. $3000/month rents you a much different home in Prague, Paris and Tokyo. Do your research, figure out how much space you will need and spend a good deal of time hunting during your look-see trip or when living in short-term housing.
