Written by: Tezeta Roro

Settling in a new area can be exciting and challenging at the same time. Part of feeling comfortable and belonging is assembling your tribe. A tribe of new friends, caretakers, medical professionals, personal care professionals and more. Lean on your new town's neighborhood groups and pages to get excellent recommendations. Whether you are looking for physicians or a spa with class, the locals know what you are looking for. There are many large and niche groups on platforms such as Facebook groups (local town groups, Buy Nothing groups, mom/parent groups, babysitting, interest bases such as plants &  running groups)  are great ways to connect with other locals and seek resources. If you are not on social media, you may find similar groups on Nextdoor as well. Nextdoor is an app used by communities to acquire credible information, offer and receive help, get things done, and develop engagements with others in their neighborhood.

Staying in the know

Want to know what is happening in your town? Events, road closures, activities, etc.

-Be sure to sign up for your town's email notifications which can be found on the town's website
-Sign up for local online newsletters

Community newsletters will help you feel good and belong in the community you live in. Local online newsletters help you learn about local news, trends and updates in the town. This will help you engage with the local community  in a meaningful way.

-Follow town, school district, library, chamber of commerce social media pages

These pages are great resources for you to get to know the community more intimately. They will help you gain a holistic grasp of your new community!

-If you see a void, CREATE it! (hobby groups, initiatives, etc)

Make the first move! This might sound scary but taking an initiative if you feel like there’s something you can contribute to and share with people feels fulfilling and this is a great way to introduce yourself to the town! Maybe you are a runner and don't see a running group. Perhaps you have a green thumb and want to connect with others who enjoy gardening. Start a group on social media or create an event to meet and greet. You will find that others have a similar interest and it takes one to be intentional to gather a group.

-Join the PTA

If you are a parent, joining the PTA is a great first step. Parenthood is hard as it is. You dont have to do it alone. You can begin to create your village through the PTA. It can help you meet families who are in your immediate neighborhood. You will be glad you did when you are stuck in traffic and need help picking up your child from the bus/school. If you are moving away from your support system, it can help you find families you can add as your emergency contact. It is also a great way to contribute to your child/ren’s education experience and will help you be a more engaged parent.

-Civic Engagement 

It is also a great idea to check out your town's town council, planning and zoning meetings and be an engaged resident.

Here is a great way to meet new friends

So you are adjusting to your new home and are eager to meet new friends. Did you know that volunteering is the best way to connect with humans on a deeper level? What is better than meeting over a common interest? Look into local animal shelters, youth sports leagues, food pantries and local art venues to see how you may contribute while making friends.

-Attend events

Event platforms such as Facebook, Meetup and Eventbrite can help you find local events that interest you. Since you already share common interests with the other attendees, these places are a great way to make acquaintances. Say "Yes" to as many invitations as you can. Join professional networks such as Ellevate Network and attend local events that can help you grow personally and professionally.

-Share a piece of your hometown

New friends will get to know you better by sharing a piece of your hometown. You can do this in several ways like sharing stories, best practices and even cooking local recipes/delicacies of your hometown!

-Walking around the neighborhood

Not only is taking a stroll beneficial to your health. Additionally, it's a great method to locate amenities, parks, restaurants, shops, and coffee shops close to your new residence. It's simpler to gain a sense of the area when you take a stroll through your neighborhood. Walking increases your chances to talk to locals around your hometown and know how life is living in the community.

-Leverage Organizations/Affiliations

If you are a Toastmaster, look for a local club. If you belong to a sorority, look to connect with local members.

Allow yourself time to adjust

The period of adjustment differs for each person. While for some it may take only a few month to settle and feel at home, for others it may take more time. It’s okay to get a little lost as you explore your way through your new town. We are confident that with all of the great and practical tips we have shared with you in this blog, you will find your village and feel right at home in no time. Find what makes you happy, be engaged in your community, and have a positive outlook. You got this!