Turning ‘New Town’ into ‘Hometown’

Doesn’t it feel great to have all of those boxes unpacked? Everything has found a place and your new house is finally starting to feel like home. It’s a great start, but that’s not where getting settled ends. Take a few tips from our guide on how to start transforming ‘new town’ into ‘hometown’.

1.)    Pretend You’re on Vacation

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Acting like a tourist is a great way to get to know your town. Pick up a city map to learn streets and the best routes to common destinations, like your child’s school or the local dog park. Pop into the visitor’s center or a local bookstore to pick up information on restaurants, stores and the like, or just get crunching in front of your computer. There are plenty of websites which will offer valuable information about your town.

2.)    Find Like-Minds

One of the easiest ways to meet people in your new town? Do things that you like to do. Don’t force yourself to go to whiskey bars or yoga in the park in an attempt to meet people if that’s not what you enjoy. Rather, opt for an activity or volunteer program that incorporates something that you like. It’s more probable that you’ll find like-minds with a common ground to build on.

3.)    Stretch Your Legs

Think of neighborhood walks as both a personal and social opportunity. You’ll feel more comfortable once you’ve explored your new town. It gives you the chance to discover off-the-beaten path destinations that your guidebooks may not have mentioned, like a teeny local café or a great place to take morning runs. You’ll also open yourself up to more opportunities to chat with neighbors and locals.

4.)    Get the Kids Out and About

With all of the chaos a move can bring, sometimes it’s easier to forget the impact that a big move can have on kids. Once you’ve gotten a lay of the land, set up play dates for younger children either with classmates or neighborhood kids. It’s fun for them and could be great for you, too. Who knows? Maybe your toddler’s favorite playmate will also have great parents that become your new best friends.

Moving is supposed to be fun, so think of getting to know your new town as a chance to embark on an adventure. You never know what you’ll find or who you’ll meet, but it’s all part of the ride. So, enjoy it! Make the most out of your move and soon the word ‘new’ will have disappeared when you reflect on your town; it’ll just be home.