Settling into your new home involves more than just arranging furniture and hanging photos on the walls. It also means settling into a new neighborhood—learning where everything is, finding new favorite hangouts, and making new friends. And while the thought of establishing yourself in an unfamiliar place may be daunting, there are a few things you can do to feel right at home in no time at all.  

Do your research ahead of time

Moving to a brand-new place can be nerve-wracking, but being prepared will help put your mind at ease. In between packing boxes and submitting address change forms, take the time to do a little research on your new hometown. Find out where your local post office is, what gas stations are nearby, and where you can run for any last-second supplies while you're moving in, like grocery stores or hardware stores. The more you know, the less you'll have to worry about during your actual move.

Find online communities

One way to make connections before you even arrive in your new neighborhood is by joining online communities. Check out apps like Nextdoor or look for neighborhood groups on Facebook or other social media sites. Even if your specific neighborhood doesn't have an online community, you may find other local groups that pique your interest.  

Introduce yourself to your new neighbors

Once you've had a chance to settle in, it's time to start making new friends. If the weather is nice, take a walk around your neighborhood. Chances are your neighbors will be outside as well, giving you the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself. If you feel awkward about making small talk, try asking them for advice. Inquire about the trash or recycling pickup schedule, ask what restaurants deliver to the area, or ask for local recommendations—coffee shops, restaurants, a gym, et cetera.

Pro-tip for those who struggle with names: Write down the names of your new neighbors as you go. That way, be it a few days or a few months till your next interaction, you have one less thing to stress about.

Map out your routes

Perhaps one of the most anxiety-inducing aspects of moving to a new place is not knowing where anything is. Mapping out the routes to various places (the grocery store, the gas station, et cetera) can go a long way to helping ease your nerves. Physically making those trips can help even more, allowing you to learn street names and public transit routes. A test run is especially important for any commute that's under a time crunch—like getting to work or school on time.

Visit your local library

Finding new friends can be daunting. But one tactic that won't steer you wrong is dropping into your local library. Libraries host community events, clubs, and classes, which are perfect for meeting people who share your interests. The library is also a great resource if you have kiddos that need to make friends too, especially if you moved while school isn't in session. Plus, your resident librarians are sure to know what else is going on around town, especially other community-sponsored events and social organizations.

Live like a local

To feel at home in a new place, you have to act like you're at home there. Make an effort to live like a local—patronize locally-owned restaurants and other small businesses, and visit hometown institutions like landmarks, museums, and zoos. But don't fall into the trap of acting like a tourist in your own town. Go off the beaten path to connect with members of your community: Drop by the farmers market, take in a play at the community theatre, or spend Friday evening at a high school football game.   

Get involved

Once you're comfortable, stop exploring and start getting actively involved. Look for activities that interest you and take the plunge: join a book club, sign up for a sports team, or audition for a local play. You can also get involved by volunteering—if you're a member of a religious organization or have a kid in school that can be a good starting point—but you can also look for organizations serving community needs, like an animal shelter or litter cleanup efforts.  

Stay connected to your old life

It might feel contradictory, but staying in touch with friends from your old home can help you settle into your new one. It can be hard to make yourself socialize when you're feeling lonely, and having old friends to reach out to is a huge help. You may have left the neighborhood, but you don't have to leave your friends!

Juggling both a big move and finding your comfort zone in a brand-new place can be understandably stressful. But once you put yourself out there and start finding new favorite places and people, you'll be able to truly settle in.  

---

The Masiello Group is a second-generation family company that has been a trailblazer in New England real estate since 1966. With now more than 35 offices throughout northern New England, we're the largest residential real estate firm north of Boston to offer a complete suite of home services, including buying, selling, mortgage, title, insurance, relocation, and more.

Our agents are eager and excited to meet your real estate needs!

You can find more information on today's market and other real estate trends by reading our blog weekly at https://www.masiello.com/news-and-updates/.