I’m Moving. How do I Find Out About My New Community?
When you are moving to a new community, it is a time of excitement and change. However, whether you are moving across the city or the country, it can be difficult blending into new traditions and cultures of a new community. Leaving behind old friends and attempting to make new ones can be a daunting task. However, there are some pretty easy things you can do to integrate into your new community faster and start enjoying your new home.
Here are some ideas that can help ease the challenges.
Get out and enjoy your new home’s local attractions!
Online Research is a Great Way to Learn About Your New Community
First of all, just as you probably did when looking for your new house and your moving company, you can start by online research. Start Googling weeks in advance of your relocation to the new community, and you should have a pretty good idea of some fun things you want to do, places to visit, stores you want to try out and community activity centers. Quality local realtor sites often contain great information on neighborhoods and resources nearby.
When you are moving to a city or larger town, look in detail at the cultures and traditions that exist in the new community to get an idea of what your neighbors might be interested in. If you have not already done so, you can do online research about schools, healthcare facilities, and resources such as dentists and medical clinics, churches and other religious or community centers and activity facilities such as the local gyms, yoga studios, vets.
Interested in food? Then grocery stores of note, attractive or interesting local or regional restaurants can also be found and research on-line to ensure you hit the ground running. As a fun reward for your move, you can pick out a special restaurant or treat the family to a special meal.
Use Social Media
In particular, Facebook is more and more turning into a community hub with groups, clubs, events, and businesses all advertising daily on the site. By following pages and adding new friends, this can ensure key activities aren’t missed.
Also if you see a store or local business of interest to you, you can check out customer reviews and feedback on Facebook. Businesses can be assessed, and alternatives or competitors identified quickly and easily.
Take a Tour of Your New Town
When you have settled into your new home, it’s a good idea to get out and look around the new local. Visit local shopping centers and attractions and get a feel for how to navigate around your new home region. If public transport or bike paths are an option, then we highly recommend that you walk or ride as much as possible. Feet on the ground is always the best way to see and learn a new community. Meet and greet your fellow citizens when the opportunity arises. Local shop owners and business people know your new home well and will be keen to help new neighbors. This could lead to starting new friendships and getting to know more about the area such as the best schools, bars/restaurants, etc.
Clubs and Committees
An excellent way to make new friends and blend into the new community is by joining a club of your choice which suits your interests such as soccer, walking or reading club. This way you can ensure people with the same mindset will be at these clubs allowing relationships to develop quickly. Also, consider getting involved in volunteer work in the area this could be helping out at local charity events or offering a helping hand at town festivals. Community event participation should be considered too, such as a fun run or marathon. With such big numbers taking part in activities like this they can be a great place to meet interesting people with similar interests.
Invite the Neighbours over for dinner or a BBQ
If your new home has space for it, asking your neighbors around for dinner is an efficient way of settling into the neighborhood and getting more information about the surrounding environment.
Not only will you spark a new relationship but will be a good way of sourcing the nearest bus stops and parks, finding out about schools and other community-related resources that may be of interest. If nightlife is more your style, then pop into a local bar and buy a fellow patron a drink or just enjoy some conversation and feedback.