You just moved. You’ve found a new rental (thanks to Rentals.com, of course), set up your utilities, internet, cable and water, but you’ve lost your comfort zone. Whether you and your college friends have dispersed, your job took you away from your co-workers, family and friends or you just needed a change of scenery, you no longer have familiar faces and features to keep you company. So how can you forge new connections and make this new city feel like home? The Rentals team has gathered some tips for settling into your new area and making lasting community connections.
Talk to Neighbors
Hopefully you met a few while hauling boxes and furniture, but if not, make it a point to introduce yourself. You won’t become best friends with all of them, but at least your future interaction won’t be awkward and they can assist you with finding services in that area. And why go back to the store for that cup of milk or wine bottle opener when you can go next door? Neighbors can also be your first resources for finding the best grocery stores, pharmacies and physicians.
Immerse Yourself in Community Events
Apartment communities and neighborhood associations often host get-togethers, happy hours and special events for their residents, which provide easy opportunities to meet neighbors and potential friends. Ask them questions about the area, introduce your kids and/or pets and make plans to speak or meet again. Often, they can provide information on exclusive deals for community residents.
Research
Check out entertainment guides online, which can give you information on discounts, nightly specials, tours, concerts and sporting events. Also, look at your new city’s Chamber of Commerce online. In addition to information about logistics and services for new residents, most chambers have lists of popular visitor attractions, which can give you things to check out during your first couple months in town.
Go to Community Hubs
Gyms, pools and parks are the most obvious places to meet people with similar interests. Also consider participating in more specific activities: take a cooking class, join a yoga studio or sign up for a kickball league. Try a scrapbooking club to finally do something with all of those college pictures. Or join a running club to help train for that marathon. Not only will you meet lots of people in these groups, you’re more likely to make good friends because of your common hobbies. If you have children, introduce yourself to other parents and set up play dates to help your kids connect with their new community too.
Get to Know Your Co-Workers
As with neighbors, ask your colleagues at work about the best places to eat, shop, play and relax. In particular, co-workers can point out the post offices, banks, dry cleaners and lunch spots close to the office.
Walk, Talk, Drive, Explore
Take an afternoon stroll downtown. Explore any historic areas. Ask technicians and fellow customers in nail and hair salons, boutiques and specialty stores for recommendations. Drive down main roads on a weekend morning to investigate shortcuts and alternative routes. If you find or hear of a bar or hot spot that you want to check out and you moved to the area by yourself, as a usual rule, don’t go alone. Instead, wait until a friend or relative is visiting and go together. That way, you get to show him or her a good time while checking out the scene with reliable company.