Alright, you did it! You moved. And there’s no way around it – moving is hard. You’ve had to pack up your life and then unpack it again. You’ve been navigating a herculean list of tasks and sub-tasks. And you’ve had to leave familiar favorite places and people to find new ones. Now what? If you don’t know how to settle into a new neighborhood, moving might be coupled with regret rather than excitement. There are a few things you need to do to ensure a smooth transition into your new neighborhood.
Here is a list of 5 things you need to do if you don’t know how to settle into a new neighborhood.
- Get your essentials in order.
- Get to know your neighbors.
- Find your neighborhood community resources online.
- Get to know your area.
- Get involved in your new neighborhood community.
1. Get your essentials in order.
Just moved to a new home and don’t know how to settle into your new neighborhood? The first thing you need to do is get your essentials in order. Likely, you’ve already had to input your new address for various bills and subscriptions ahead of time. But there are always loose ends that can only be tied up on this end of moving. It’s time to make sure your cable and internet are good to go. Check the safety of your new neighborhood and decide about possible home security systems. And don’t forget to make sure you’re informed about things like how parking works in your neighborhood and trash days.
According to a recent study, Americans have a one in five chance of living in a community run by an HOA. And that probability continues to increase. So, statistically, it is very likely your new home will be under HOA regulations. If so, it’s essential to make sure you know the rules and fees set forth by the organization. You should also take this opportunity to introduce yourself to the HOA president and let them clearly explain your responsibilities. A good relationship with the HOA president will be beneficial to you later if and when problems or conflicts arise.
2. Get to know your neighbors.
One of the most important factors in knowing how to settle into a new neighborhood is meeting your new neighbors. Having a good relationship with your neighbors can come in handy later on. It is also good to know who lives around you for neighborhood security reasons. You can help keep an eye on each other and be aware of who comes and goes.
Don’t be afraid to be the first to initiate and introduce yourself! If you see a new neighbor outside, say hello! They are likely curious about you, too.
Going door-to-door with goodies might seem old-fashioned, but it’s still a great way to introduce yourself to a new neighborhood. If you have kids, this is a great time to ask around and see who might also have kids for yours to play with. Finding friends for your kids to play with early on will help them settle into their new surroundings, too.
Another great way to get to know a neighbor is to help with a project they are working on. They might reciprocate later when you need help with something, too.
Hosting a house-warming party will also help you to feel settled in. Make sure you invite your neighbors as another fun way to get to know them!
Some neighbors might not be as friendly and outgoing as others, while others might prove a little extra nosey. And that’s okay. It’s all part of getting to know who you live around.
3. Find your neighborhood community resources online.
As the world turns more toward online communication and social media, so have local communities. Neighborhood apps such as Nextdoor have surfaced as a way to connect and to exchange helpful information, goods, and services. Facebook also has local community groups you can join to make connections and stay updated.
When discovering how to settle into a new neighborhood, these apps and online resources can be very useful. Just make sure you make an in-person connection with your neighbors and the people in your community, too.
4. Get to know your area.
An important part of knowing how to settle into a new neighborhood is getting to know your area. Take an opportunity early on to map out the most convenient routes to your essentials. You quickly will need to have located a grocery store, supply store, gas station, gym, post office, library, etc.
After you have your necessities nailed down, you can start exploring and finding new favorite spots in your area! Try a few coffee shops, pick a favorite, and start getting to know your baristas. With coffee in hand, you and your family can start finding your favorite local restaurants, bookshops, parks, and movie theaters. This is definitely the fun part of settling into a new neighborhood!
Having trouble choosing new places to try on your own? Find a local online magazine or blog that features establishments in your area for some suggestions. Or use this as another opportunity to build relationships with your neighbors and ask them what their favorite spots are. And maybe even invite them to come along.
5. Get involved in your new neighborhood community.
Being the “new kid” on the block can feel intimidating. But if you want to know how to settle into a new neighborhood, you need to get involved. It is the quickest way to start feeling like you belong in your new community.
Don’t know where to start? Try the library! Your local library is usually heavily involved in community news and events and is a great place to start looking. Check out their calendar of events, bulletin boards, and even the librarians themselves should be able to help you.
Find out if there is a local community center. Community centers will usually offer classes, activities for adults and kids, and volunteer opportunities.
If you attend church, find one that suits you and start attending, participating, and meeting new people there. A good local church is very supportive and involved in the community and will help you to be, too.
There are sure to be things you miss from your old home and community. But there are also sure to be things you will NOT miss. Moving to a new place can be a wonderful and exciting opportunity for a fresh start. And now that you know how to settle into a new neighborhood, we hope you will apply these methods soon. Start loving your new home, your new community, and your new life today.
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