After unpacking, arranging furniture, and establishing new amenities, comes another key part of the move: settling into your new community. Knowing your neighborhood is a key part of making your home feel like home.
For some families, this might fit in as soon as neighbors see their trucks moving, but more often than not, getting to know your new surroundings also requires some initiative on your part. It is not as complicated as you think; Being proactive in exploring your new area can be fun when discovering a cafeteria, a morning jogging trail, or a community center with classes for your children.
If you're ready to get acquainted with your new environment, here is our list of seven top strategies. Even if you implement one or two of these suggestions, you will feel more established in your new home in no time.
Do your research
Maybe it was some feature of the place like a shorter commute to work, stellar schools, or access to large parks and outdoor spaces. During a private home visit, your family probably drove around the neighborhood to see the place.
You may have noticed children playing, toys scattered on the lawn, families walking their dogs, or gardeners tending their flowers. On the other hand, it may have been calm and quiet. This preliminary scan can help you know what to expect from your new neighbors.
By using Google Maps, you can see nearby parks, recreation centers, supermarkets, and other amenities. You can even plan your trip to work or where your kids will take the school bus. Getting acquainted with your new surroundings will increase your chances of having a peaceful first day.
If you are moving to a whole new city, find out everything by reading the local newspaper and online blogs. You will learn the names of city officials, featured restaurants, and discover other activities. These tactics will help you get to your feet so that when you arrive, you have a soft landing and a good understanding of your surroundings.
Become a Tourist
Explore your new neighborhood, as a tourist; take note of museums, galleries, markets, theaters, or other interesting places dotted around your new neighborhood.
Look for city guides that focus on your neighborhood. Join a walking tour or enroll in a photography class that will take you to the most picturesque parts of your new city.
If you're a foodie, search for the top-rated restaurants on Google in your neighborhood, or on Yelp. This way you will have a list of options when you want pizza or sushi.
And if you are a sports fan, buy tickets to the next game so you can see your new sports team and the stadium.
Be sure to walk or hop on the bus and take note of the interesting shops, restaurants, and services like the spa or dry cleaning. These could become your new excursions!
Take time to immerse yourself in the culture of your neighborhood. Create a Google map and place markers at all the locations you would like to visit. Commit to taking a tour each week, or set aside a day each weekend to try a different restaurant. In a few weeks, you will have an updated list of restaurants, services, and activities in your new community.
Seeing your new neighborhood through the eyes of a tourist is beneficial when family and friends come to visit. You will know the best places to take your loved ones as your tour guide!
Know your Neighbors
Getting to know your neighbors can happen organically as you interact with them while washing the car, picking up mail, or mowing the lawn. If you delay a little while doing these tasks, you will increase your chances of expanding your circle.
Present yourself as a newcomer who is eager to play an active role in the community. You will be amazed at how friendly your neighbors are and how they can volunteer to answer any of your questions about the community. They might have a neighborhood watch, community social events, or other insider tips for you, such as their recommendations for a great place to go.
If you haven't come across neighbors naturally, you can buy a bottle of wine or bake a small batch of cookies and knock on their doors. Introduce yourself as the new family next door. If you know they have children, you can bring your children.
With introductions out of the way, new friendships can be formed over time. Even if they are just casual acquaintances, getting to know your neighbors adds another layer of security to your community. In some areas, next door neighbors help each other pick up mail or feed the cat while a household is on vacation. You can even organize play dates for your kids and carpooling after school. No matter how big or small, this is a great relationship to maintain.
Get Involved in the Community
Once you've oriented yourself, you can learn about volunteering, job opportunities, or other clubs and initiatives that are close to your home.
A good place to start is at your child's school. Be sure to be there on the first day of school to meet and greet teachers and fellow parents. Raise your hand to volunteer at bake sales, school dances, and soccer games. This is a great way to make friends with other parents.
Head to your local community center, college or university, where you can find outdoor yoga classes, night crafts, calligraphy courses, or sports activities. Through these courses and group activities, you will find like-minded people who share similar interests.
You could even volunteer to teach a course for something you know about: coding, playing guitar, or writing.
Families can even give back to the community by volunteering at a local soup kitchen, helping the elderly on trash cleanup days. All of these groups welcome volunteers.
Organize a party
Once you've settled into your home, consider inviting neighbors and new friends over for a backyard party. It can be a casual event during Christmas or a summer drinks gathering - you can supply drinks, appetizers and snacks and ask everyone to drop by to say hi.
If you are hosting a more formal housewarming party with family and friends, this could be an opportunity to invite some neighbors.
This is a perfect way to build community connections and show that you are making an effort to join.
Consider Your Children's Interests
Changes like a new home, a new school, and a new neighborhood can be daunting for your children. To help them feel more comfortable, find places they like, such as playgrounds, parks, libraries, and other kid-friendly places where they can play and meet their peers.
When building your list of places you would like to visit when your family is sightseeing, ask your kids to get involved. Discuss and review menus, course listings, and event flyers and ask them to decide what sparks their interest.
Take Advantage of Seasonal Activities
As the seasons change, so do the activities in your neighborhood. This gives you a full year of exploration from lighting up the town's Christmas tree, to visiting the beach and carnival in the summer, or heading to the pumpkin patch in the fall. Some of these activities could become family traditions.
Getting to know your neighborhood as it transforms through each season will be a pleasure. And when the year is over, and you've completed the circle, you can look back and see the progress you've made in making your community an integral part of your home.
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