Moving to a completely new area is exciting, but the early days can also feel isolating. Finding your community is the key to feeling at home, and luckily, there are plenty of ways to do just that. Here’s how to start making connections in your new neighborhood.
Simple as it may sound, one of the best ways is to just get out there. Get to know your physical surroundings. You don’t even need a plan — take a walk or bike ride with no specific destination, and you’ll soon come across the local coffee spots, parks and community centers where people hang out. If you feel like you need a friend to help you along the way, introduce yourself to your neighbors. Most people appreciate a friendly new face. This is even something you could do before buying a new place, to make sure the community is right for you.
You could also go with a more structured route. Look for clubs, sports leagues or hobby groups that match your interests. If there are none to your usual taste, endeavor to try something new. Whether it’s a book club, yoga class or local volunteer group, shared activities help forge friendships faster. Perhaps there isn’t a regular group that appeals to you, but many towns host local festivals, farmers’ markets and outdoor concerts. While these won’t occur as often, these types of gatherings can still offer a relaxed way to meet your neighbors and learn a bit more about local life. Keep an eye on social media or your town’s local website or forums for upcoming events.
Speaking of social media, it’s also a perfectly acceptable method of finding local people, not only events. Online social media platforms such as Nextdoor, Meetup or local Facebook groups can connect you with people nearby. Many communities have online groups for newcomers, making it easy to ask for recommendations and join in on local happenings.