When you move, you're not just getting a new house. You're getting a new community. Your new neighbors can help you with everything from showing you where the best grocery store in the area is, to loaning you a leaf blower when it's time for yard work, to calling the authorities if they notice something wrong while you're not there. They can also turn into lifelong friends. First, however, you need to meet and get to know them. Here are a few ways to do that.

Take a Walk

Going for a walk every day is a good idea for a number of reasons. It's good exercise, it provides fresh air and sunlight...and it's also a great chance to get to know your neighbors. If you take a walk around the neighborhood at the same time every day, chances are there will be a few neighbors you'll start to see regularly. You may pass one as they're working in their garden or another as they're getting in their car to go to work. You may even encounter one or two people who also take their daily walk at the same time.

When you see these people, be friendly. Wave and say, "Hi!" If they're busy, it doesn't have to be anything more than that. Don't be afraid to start out slow. Today, it's a quick, friendly wave. Tomorrow, it's, "Hey, good to see you again!" Maybe next week it's, "We always see each other around! I'm ___! What's your name?" Over time, these quick interactions can turn into regular chats.

If you have kids, that's even better. Take a walk as a family. If you happen across other families out with their kids, that's a built-in excuse to stop and talk to them for a while, while your children get to know their children. Over time, you may be able to set up some playdates for them. Your kids will get to know their kids, and you'll get to know the parents. Everybody wins!

This can work for pets as well. Walking your dog around the neighborhood is a great way to find your neighbors who also have dogs and get to know them.

Utilize Apps and Groups to Meet Your Neighbors

Download Nextdoor on your phone or a similar community-based app. There may also be a private group for your neighborhood on Facebook. Finding an online presence for your community can put you in immediate touch with other people in the area for important information on what's happening in the community. When does the public pool open for the summer? How much longer will that road construction up the block be slowing down traffic? As you discuss what's going on, you can also get to know people and hopefully gain a few of them as friends in the real world too.

These online tools are also a great source for finding out about local gatherings. Are there any clubs or organizations in the area that are relevant to your interests? Maybe a chess club or a community theatre? Check the app to find out when and where they meet and find other like-minded people in your area.

Likewise, apps and groups will have the scoop on any volunteer opportunities in the community. Or you can simply use Google to help you find local food banks, libraries, animal shelters, and other organizations looking for help. Volunteering is a great way to connect with other people in the area who share the same passions/causes as you.

Host a Potluck

One of the quickest ways to meet the people in your community is simply to invite them over. Since you're new to the area, once you're settled into your new home and comfortable, host an open house and invite the people around the neighborhood.

Post the invite to the Nextdoor app for your area or your neighborhood's Facebook group. You can also keep physical invitations on hand and give them out to the people you see out and about when you take your daily walks. If you're really brave, you can even go up and down the block and knock on a few doors to invite them over.

Make it a potluck, and ask everyone to bring their favorite dish to share. There are few things that help a community bond better than food. Often, your neighbors will find that it's a great opportunity not just to meet you but to get to know one another and maybe talk to other people in the area that they don't know or haven't seen in a while. If the event is a success, you may even decide to make it a regular thing, once a year or every few months.

These are just a few of the ways you can meet and get to know the people in your new neighborhood. Our real estate agents can help you find not just a new house but a community with plenty of opportunities to socialize and make friends. Contact us today, and let us help you find your new home and your new neighbors.