How do you relocate to a new city

[Juche]

I work on contracts in a scientific field, meaning I am hired to work 9-18 months at a certain job. I'd like to travel to different cities and do contracts for a year or so there (liberal cities that have decent populations and activities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Minneapolis, San Diego, San Jose, Madison, Denver, etc).

So my questions are

1. Is there a way to relocate that doesn't involve moving to a new city and living off savings for a year while I look for a new job?

2. Are there other cities I should be looking into? I am interested in cities that have a decent progressive community, activities, outdoor activities and decent populations (at least 200k people).

[OmahaBlueDog]

1. Find the job before you move and find a house in a week

That's how we did it.

[Moondog]

2. Job first, then the move.

In addition to the cities you listed, you are describing Portland (OR); Austin (TX); Boulder (CO); Seattle (there's only one); and, believe it or not, greater Washington, DC.

[Juche]

3. How does the interview process work for the job if you don't live in the city

Meaning, how do you go to the interview in person? Do you need to drive/fly over there for each interview or what? I find jobs through placement agencies (aerotek, kelly scientific, etc), and they require an interview at the job before you are hired.

[mwooldri]

4. Don't do it how I did it.

I packed my bags, got on a plane and went. Married my now wife a week later. Then went job hunting. I also had work permit issues but those got worked out.

Seriously, if you are properly looking to relocate to another city without having to live off of savings, you've got to get a job there first. Worst case scenario is that you're living in an Extended Stay hotel for a few weeks until you find a place. Also depends on your present housing situation - are you renting and tied into a lease? Do you own and do you need to sell to be able to move or can you rent out the place? If you're renting, yes it's easier than if you own the place and have a huge mortgage.

I had some savings and a wife in work so it wasn't that bad ... plus when I did get my job my employers were understanding with my work permit issues and although they had to release me they rehired me as soon as my permit was good again.

Mark.

[StrongBad]

5. I moved from NJ to LA 3 years ago w/ no job lined up but a decent amount of savings

Luckily, I found work within my first month. I dunno if you have family and such, but if you have some savings I would say take the leap.

And LA is a pretty cool place, once you get passed all the negative stereotypes. It fits all the criteria listed above.

[XemaSab]

6. Most companies advertise online

I'd find a job before moving, definitely.