Whether you’re moving across the state or to another state or to another country, feeling like you’re part of a community and neighborhood takes time and effort on your part. Use these tips for settling in after a move and getting acquainted with your new home and city more quickly.
Volunteer
Volunteering is always the easiest way to get involved in your local community and a great way to make new friends and at the same time, feel like you’re making a difference. Find a local organization which supports your interests, then visit their office to find out how to help. With volunteering, a minimum amount of hours are usually required, however, this can range from just a couple to a full-time commitment. In addition, unlike people you might meet at a place of employment, volunteers are usually made up of different kinds of people, with varying backgrounds, interests and employment histories. This can lead to further networking and job possibilities if you’ve moved to your new town without a job or are hoping to find a new employer.
Join a Club
Even if you’re not too much into clubs or joining a group, it’s a good way to combine your interests with meeting new people. Again, think about what interests you whether it’s a sport, such as hiking or skiing or walking, or a hobby, such as reading, investments or photography – most towns and certainly large cities will have a wide variety of clubs from which to choose. Plus, joining a group through Meetups or through other online sources, can be a great way to find Local Clubs, Activities, and Groups to Join.
Take a Class
Find a local class to join, whether through a community center or through an art store. The best place to start looking is at your local recreation and small colleges. Painting, languages, even belly dancing can not only teach you new skills but will help you get acquainted with people in your new neighborhood. And keep you in shape.
Get out in the Neighborhood
This is by far the easiest thing to do – get out, walk and see the new neighborhood. You don’t need to go far, but the more you’re seen on the streets, the more people will reach out to you. If you moved with your dog, then get out to the local dog park – there’s nothing that works better than chatting with a fellow dog owner. And if you have kids, even better. Take them to the local park where you’ll find parents and where your kids will find new friends.
Introduce Yourself to the Neighbors
This might seem obvious, but it’s amazing how many people don’t spend time on their front porch or in their front yards where people have a chance to meet. Reach out and introduce yourself if no one approaches you – sometimes just a wave and a smile are enough.
Moving requires you to step out of your comfort zone so make that leap and you’ll find new friends who can enrich your life. Be open, be friendly and be curious. Venture forth!
Check out my related post: Have you done the big move?
Interesting reads:
https://www.migratingmiss.com/5-ways-make-friends-move-abroad/
https://www.atlasandboots.com/how-to-make-friends-in-a-new-country/
http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20170111-how-do-you-make-friends-in-a-new-country
https://www.thespruce.com/meet-new-people-in-your-neighborhood-2436577
https://www.bustle.com/p/how-to-make-friends-when-you-move-to-a-new-place-as-adult-9086541
A Better Man 
Fantastic advice it must be so difficult and lonely for some people in a strange land 😀
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Thanks! After moving to a couple countries due to work, it is important to continue to make new friends and expand that social circle. Helps to keep loneliness at bay as well.
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I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous
blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
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