Discovering Your Community After the Move

Few things will help you acclimate to your new home faster than learning where things are and how to get around your new neighborhood. Where’s the nearest and best coffee shop, grocery store, pharmacy, and park?

What’s the most convenient route to work, and when does rush hour begin? What is the public transportation schedule? Knowing these things provides a sense of comfort and control. Here are some ways for you to get out, meet people and become a part of the community.

How to discover your community after the move

• Explore the neighborhood

  Plan to do something new in your community each week. A few ideas are to try a restaurant, go to a school sporting event, or sign up for a class at the community center.

• Meet your neighbors

  Don’t be hesitant about meeting your neighbors. When you see them out front or know they’re home, just knock on the door and introduce yourself. Remember, many times people are just busy with their day-to-day lives to stop by, even though they may very well have the intention of doing so. So go ahead and make the first move.

• Throw a housewarming party

  Serve punch and cookies or cocktails and appetizers, invite the neighbors, and see how friendships will build. If you have kids invite all the neighborhood kids over for a playdate. Then, your kids can also get to know their neighbors and make friends. For more ideas, read our guide to how to throw a housewarming party.

• Get involved with town-sponsored teams

  If your kids are into sports, getting them involved with town-sponsored teams is a plus for everyone. The kids make friends among their teammates and you can make friends among their parents. The same bonding experience holds true for non-sport activities such as drama and music, among many others. The sooner your kids meet kids their own age in activities they like, the faster and easier they’ll make the transition.

  

• Join the PTA or volunteer at school

  Parents who are involved at school will find many social activities as a bonus, from school functions to playdate partners. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a positive contribution to your new home.

• Visit the library and a local community center

  Depending on your interests, this can be an excellent way to get connected and meet people with similar interests. Many cities offer recreation or hobby classes, and you can meet new people at the library or your local community center.

• Subscribe to the local newspaper

  Nothing can make you feel at home more than knowing what’s going on, where to go, and what the big issues are in your community. Plus, the advertising will give you a start in discovering local businesses.

• Get a map app and drive

  There’s nothing like a short family drive on the weekend to help you learn the lay of the land. Map apps are perfect for learning about the community and you can make a stop at a nearby park so the kids can stretch their legs and maybe meet some new friends.

• Join a local organization

  It doesn’t matter if it’s a church or your favorite nonprofit group. This makes it easier to find people who care about the same things you do.

• Contact your town’s chamber of commerce

  Most chambers of commerce compile helpful information about their communities, including historical data, emergency call numbers, annual events, and government statistics. They also include the names and contact information for clubs and organizations.

• Take a tour

  Some clubs, such as historical associations and garden clubs, conduct tours for members and non-members alike. Joining one of these tours not only allows you to get a closer look at various neighborhoods but also allows you to meet new people.

• Use the internet to make friends after you move

  Whether you only have a few contacts or you’re starting completely from scratch, the internet is a great place to go for building connections in a new place. From friendship apps to online services for new clubs, classes, and volunteer opportunities, use the internet to branch out, meet more people, and establish some brand new friendships. Here are some of our recommendations for how to use the internet to make new friends after you move.

Additional tips for meeting your neighbors

Needless to say, meeting your neighbors is one of the important steps in the process of settling in. And in addition to getting yourself off on the right foot in your new neighborhood, meeting your neighbors is helpful for starting to learn about your community and for getting recommendations for local services. Here are some more ideas on how to best meet your new neighbors. If you need even more ideas, read our tips for getting to know your neighbors.

• Smile and say hello. Make a point of greeting everyone you meet with a “hello” and a smile. You can mention that you just moved in, though you don’t have to. The point is to form a foundation for a pleasant relationship, and a warm, genuine greeting upon first meeting is a great way to facilitate that.
• Ask some questions. Talking about the weather might be the universal go-to as far as conversation starters are concerned, but when it comes to best practices for how to meet your new neighbors, asking a question about the area can initiate more of a conversation and friendly rapport. When you see the person again, follow up on your previous conversation.
• Spend time outside. Place yourself in areas where you’re more likely to come across some new faces, such as your front porch or yard. Or simply go out for a walk in the neighborhood. The more people you come into contact with, the greater chance you’ll have of sparking a new relationship.
• Lend a hand. If you notice one of your neighbors could use some help with something, be proactive and lend some support. It may mean helping an older neighbor carry in some groceries, or bringing mail to them if it was misdelivered to your door. Acts of kindness can go a long way.
• Ask for help. On the flip side, you can also build relationships by asking for help. Most people like to help others, and if it’s not a big imposition it can help build and sustain a nice relationship. Maybe you need your packages held or your plants watered when you’re out of town, or you need to borrow some tools. Show gratitude and assure your neighbors that you’re always more than happy to return the favor.

Welcome to your neighborhood!

The common thread among these various methods of familiarizing yourself with your new neighborhood is getting out and asking questions. Talk to your neighbors, the mail carrier, the librarian, and the hardware store owner. Most people are eager to help. You’ll find yourself feeling welcomed by your new neighborhood in no time.