Editor’s Note: This is a guest post written by Cristian Garcia, A freelance writer.
Moving to a new neighborhood is a big deal. You’ll have a new layout to adjust to, new neighbors to meet, and new services to set up. And if you have kids, things get even more complicated with new schools and new friends are thrown into the mix. To make your transition easy, we’ve provided tips to help you feel settled and acclimated in your new space in no time.
What to look for when moving to a new neighborhood
When making a move, you’ll want to choose a neighborhood that fits your needs and makes your feel comfortable. There are many factors to consider including nearby services and commute time. Here are few top considerations to keep in mind while you complete your apartment search.
- Safety
- Convenience to shops and services
- Green spaces
- Noise level
- Parking options
- Cultural opportunities
- Recreational facilities
- Dining and nightlife options
Tips to feel settled in your new neighborhood
Once you’ve found an apartment in a new neighborhood it’s time to get settled. Here are a few tips to make your transition into your new neighborhood easier.
1. Meet the neighbors
Make some friends, especially if you’re moving to a completely new town. You’ll be living next to these people for a long time—the rest of your life in some cases. So, even if they don’t share interests, get to know them on a casual level at least.
Getting to know people in your neighborhood can even help keep your home safe: the better you know your neighbors, the easier it is to ask them to keep an eye on your home or feed your dog while you’re out of town. It just makes life much easier!
Try to be approachable, friendly, and look for opportunities to introduce yourself. Depending on the time of year you move, you can throw a barbecue, holiday party, or other events to break the ice and give yourself an excuse to chat up your new neighbors.
2. Scope out the best local establishments
Whether you’re into theater, sports, fine dining, or live music, you’ll want to find out the best hangouts and hotspots in your new community. Google Maps and Yelp can offer locations and reviews, but if you’re feeling social, ask your new neighbors where they like to go for fun. Real-world recommendations are often more helpful than online reviews. And, of course, you can always explore on your own to get a feel for things.
Finding local recreation spots can also offer many benefits if you have kids—little ones rarely cope well with boredom. Playgrounds, parks, libraries, and other kid-friendly spots can keep kids active and engaged. Plus, the locations can help smooth out the transition of moving to a new home, which can be hard on kids.
3. Map out your new commute
Getting used to your popular points of interest is an important part of feeling settled in your new neighborhood. Whether you plan to use public transportation or drive, you’ll want to map out your new commute. Identify your main points of interest and the easiest way to travel to each. For your everyday needs, identify the following locations and plan your commute to each to make the adjustment to your new neighborhood easy:
- Work
- Grocery store
- Pharmacy
- Gas station
- Gym
- Bank/ATM
- Doctor’s office
- Vet
- School
4. Join local organizations
Familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood and neighbors by joining local organizations. Non profit and community service organizations are a great way to foster a sense of community while giving back to your neighborhood. Many organizations have monthly meetings and events where you can mingle with other members of the community while enjoying free entertainment. Your local library or town hall will have information on community groups and events. You can also ask your property manager for volunteer opportunities with your apartment complex or check out bulletin boards in your shared spaces.
5. Forward your information and set-up providers
Finally, while you’re waiting for your address changes to take effect, have the post office forward your mail to your new address. Once you do so, the postal service can continue this setup permanently or arrange for it to be only temporary. Find your local providers for cable and internet access and get your utility set-up complete. Ensure you will feel comfortable in your new neighborhood by having access to internet and are receiving your important mail pieces.
FAQ: Moving to a new neighborhood
Start by walking or driving around your new neighborhood and taking note of local shops and services. Sample take-out from different local restaurants to find your new “go-to” spots. You can also look on Google Maps and identify nearby stores, gas stations, and services and find the best route reach each location.
The best way to make new friends in your area is to get out and introduce yourself. If your apartment complex is hosting a resident event, make sure you attend and mingle with the other neighbors. Sites like Meet Up make it easy to connect with others in your area that share common interests.
To get the real feel for a new neighborhood before making the move you should visit both in the morning and evening. This will help you get a feel for the neighborhood vibe at different times of the day, while assessing the traffic conditions and noise levels.
Whether you’re moving to a new apartment across town or across the country, these tips should give you an idea of how to get acclimated. Enjoy your new neighborhood and start creating new memories.
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