Welcome to the Neighborhood! Tips for Getting to Know Your New City

Moving to a new city is a significant life change and getting to know your new neighborhood is a fun way to help you settle in, become part of the community and make you feel at home. Here is some advice to help you out, whether you’re moving to Dallas, New York or even Paris!

• Locate all your essentials: These are the landmarks of everyday life and they’ll give you a foundation from which you can explore further. Knowing exactly where your local grocery store, school/play school, gym, doctor’s office, gas station, coffee shop and local government office will make sure you have all your bases covered and take some of the stress out of simple daily tasks.
• Do some online research: This is a great option because you can accomplish a lot before your actual move! It’s no substitute for the real thing, of course, but doing research about what your new city offers and what life is like there can go a long way towards answering any questions you may have, putting your mind at ease. It’s also a great way to look for local attractions that you or your family love, like hiking trails, parks, sports grounds, restaurants, zoos or theatres.
• Don’t do the same thing twice: We’re all creatures of habit – but how are you ever going to find the best coffee shop if you stick to the first one you see? You have a whole city of options! From shops and restaurants to activities and cultural experiences, every city has a unique and varied offering. Make an effort to always try something different, especially on the weekends when you have more time for exploring – you never know what you might find or even discover in yourself.
• Walk: Walking is the best way to absorb your new surroundings – we take in so much more when we’re on foot than if we’re in a car or on public transport. If something catches your eye, stop and explore – see where your interests take you and don’t set a strict schedule. A good tip is to always make sure that your phone is fully charged before you set off, so if you get a little lost you can always find your way back with ease.
• Individual exploration is important: For families in new cities, most people focus on exploring together – and that often means focusing on kid-friendly activities and interests. While these are very important, it’s also important to explore your new city as an individual and get to know your community through your own eyes.
• Join community groups: Check out your local neighborhood groups and Facebook groups to start making connections and find out how to join activities that appeal to you. This way, you can create some continuity from your old life into your new one as well as connect with local people who share your interests. These groups are also a great resource for finding reputable service providers, knowing when community events are on, and getting updates on any local news.
• Say “yes”: Moving to a new city can be intimidating and most of us have to fight our urge to say “no” to new things and just stay home in our comfort zone. However, to really become a part of your new city and start living the life you want, the best advice is to say “yes” as often as possible. If a coworker asks you to happy hour, a neighbor asks you to a BBQ or a community member needs volunteers or is advertising a local event – go for it!
• Track down local connections: Do you have a friend in your new city who you haven’t spoken to in a while? Maybe it’s even a friend of a friend? Search through your social connections and get in touch. They can help you find your feet, introduce you to their social circle, give you honest information about the city and help develop that sense of belonging that helps smooth the settling in process.
• Give yourself time: The reality is that most people only feel truly at home in a city after a year or more of living there. They’ve experienced all the seasons, the holidays, made a few friends and found a few places and activities they truly love – so don’t expect to settle in on day one. Give yourself time to acclimate, to feel like a tourist and to experience being new to an area – and expect to have a few ups and downs even months after your move.

Settling in is a long process but the rewards of giving yourself time to get there at your own pace are worth it. We wish you all the best with your new home, city and community – welcome!