a) Size of community
Your probably have a pretty good idea of the kind of environment it is you feel most at home. Some rural facilities have strong needs and some hospitals have lesser needs, so the size of community does not necessarily correlate to the need for physicians. You should consider the type of environment in which you will be most at ease, productive and needed.

b) Proximity of family and friends
Do you have friends or family with whom you need to stay close to? What about your spouse's family needs? There are a lot of things to consider in this area. For example, will family need you nearby as they advance in age? Be sure to talk openly about these things with family and friends before making a decision.

c) Employment opportunities for your spouse
The question of whose career comes first is a difficult one. The ideal move is one that benefits both careers. If your spouse has a career to consider, it is best to have frequent and open conversations about this subject. There are always trade-offs, as well as a period of adjustment for both spouses, but happy compromises can be worked out.

d) General economic and social structure
Do you want to live in a town of primarily blue-collar or white-collar workers or a mixture of both? Do you prefer rural or urbanized areas? Are the traditions and customs of a certain area a plus or a minus? The doctors who pick an area where they can feel at home are the happiest.

e) Quality of schools
The qualities of schools differ considerably from area to area. Plan to call or visit schools in your area of interest. We urge you to keep detailed notes on student/teacher ratios, class sizes, tracking programs, special programs etc. Your comparison of different school districts is likely to figure importantly in your planning.

f) Housing costs
Is being able to buy a home right away important to you, or do you plan to wait awhile? If you choose the Northeast or metropolitan areas, housing costs will be higher. However, resale values will also be higher. If you are looking in the deep South and the Midwest, you can expect more moderate housing costs. Housing costs and the availability of homes for sale can play a crucial role in evaluating an opportunity. This is one of the many reasons you will want to start your job search early. An early start will give you time to thoroughly evaluate the part housing may play in your decision.

g) Recreational opportunities
Is it important to you to live in a town that has lots of movie and live theaters, restaurants, golf courses, amusement parks, concerts, major league sports teams, etc? Or is the great outdoors more to your liking? Remember to factor the recreational desires of your entire family into you decision.