Moving to a new area may elicit incredible feelings, such as excitement, nervousness, and even sadness. Whether you’re relocating for better schools, starting a family, or a career opportunity, moving to a new neighborhood can be stressful.
After all of your hard work in finding and moving to your new space, you are most likely ready to settle down into your new home and your new neighborhood! Here are some things you can do to help the house and area feel like home.
Settling Into Your New Neighborhood
So you took the leap and are living in your new community or neighborhood; from us here at Summit Way Realty, we’d like to say congratulations! So what’s next? In your first week, there are always so many things on the to-do list. Below are some things to do to help you get settled.
Organize your bills
You most likely got the necessities, including water, electricity, and gas, set up before your first day of being in your new home. However, you may need to schedule appointments for additional services, such as internet and trash service, as soon as you move in. Other services, such as lawn care, are best set up after you settle in so you can find the best provider in your area.
Look for Resources in Your Area
You probably have everything you need, but in the first week, it may be in one of the many boxes waiting for you to unpack. The first week in your house is the perfect time to check out the local coffee shop, grocery store, hardware store, and post office.
Look for your Neighborhood on the Internet
Searching for your neighborhood on the internet can provide you with information on the happenings in your community. Also, be sure to check for your area on the Nextdoor app, community groups, Facebook, and neighborhood website. These are simple ways to get a sense of interactions in your community.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Meeting your neighbors will provide you with some peace of mind while also being a fantastic way to learn about the local cuisine, shops, parks, and much more. Getting to know your neighbors straight away also provides an opportunity for your kids to meet children in the area and begin establishing friends.
Learn the Rules
If buying a fixer-upper is the route you chose to take, your new home may need a few home improvement projects. But, before you start, be sure they don’t violate the regulations of your city or homeowners’ association (HOA) if your community has one. For example, most HOA’s have rules regarding the paint color, roof shingle color, and even the type of fencing or landscaping allowed.
Exploring your New Neighborhood
After the first month in a new neighborhood, you’re probably wondering what your community has to offer. With the unpacking almost complete and your house set up, it’s time to explore.
Eat at Local Restaurants and Shop Local
The first month in your new home can be hectic. After all, you have probably been focusing most of your energy on getting settled in, filling the pantry with a few essentials to get you by, and getting the kid’s school schedule and after-school activities set up. So, now is the perfect time to venture out and explore local grocers, coffee houses, and restaurants.
Extend Invitations in Your New Neighborhood
Making friends in a new community may feel overwhelming with everything you have going on; however, establishing friends in a new neighborhood will make your house feel like a home. People in Missouri frequently give warm greetings, and if you do not reciprocate those greetings, it may feel unfriendly or standoffish.
Pursue Your Hobbies and Philanthropy
Church groups and local charities are constantly on the lookout for new members and volunteers. Joining a local group like rotary and finding a new church for your family are fantastic opportunities to meet friends and give back to your community.
Also, check out the local recreation center for classes that fulfill a hobby or health activity. Most recreation centers have classes for adults and children and are an excellent opportunity for meeting other people who share your interests.
Participate
When you decide to offer your help to a neighbor, whether a home project or even trimming the hedges, you have an excellent opportunity to become more engaged in your new neighborhood. Lending a helping hand can be the perfect way to make friends.
Get to Know Your HOA’s President
When you move to a new neighborhood with an HOA, getting to know the HOA president can be a fantastic resource for neighborhood information.
Being a Good Citizen in Your New Neighborhood
After the first month and in the upcoming year, it’s a great time to reach out and make the most of your neighborhood and the surrounding communities.
Make the Most of Your City
When you searched new neighborhoods near me, you most likely picked your neighborhood because of its charm, closeness to employment, or other benefits. However, now is the time to look into other communities in the area for hidden treasures.
- Go to the movies or local theater!
- Visit a local museum or attend concerts.
- Make use of your city’s beautiful parks!
Each month, explore a new neighborhood. Getting to know your city and what it has to offer will help you connect with others and find your favorite spots to visit.
Form or Join a Group
Summit Way Realty recommends attempting to remain in touch with your neighbors, even if you don’t immediately click. During your first year in a community, you will notice that some of your neighbors and you will connect and become friends. They are a close source of information and help. Join or launch a book club, dinner club, or other sorts of regular get-togethers at a time that works for everyone to remain in touch. It’s a low-pressure approach to connect with others around you on a deeper level.
Be a holiday host
Choose a holiday and organize an event in your house. Inviting neighbors or acquaintances from unrelated organizations is a good idea. Consider it your own personal blender. Who knows? Maybe you will persuade some more pals to relocate to your area, making next year’s festivities even better.
Participate at HOA meetings
Attend as many HOA meetings as you can to stay up to date on what’s going on in your area. Consider becoming a member in a more formal position for your HOA, allowing you to participate in future planning and give insights regarding neighborhood developments.
Set Your Goals for the Coming Year
Consider your first year in your new neighborhood and set goals for the coming year. For example, do you want to get more engaged, possibly as a leader in your HOA? Have you observed any traffic or congestion concerns that you and your neighbors could work together to resolve? Perhaps you’d want to organize a 5K run in your neighborhood to benefit a local organization or school. Consider starting a neighborhood beautification project. Whatever option you take, you will be on a path to increasing your engagement in your community.
Last Thoughts on Making the Most Out of Your New Neighborhood
Summit Way Realty hopes the above tips, advice, and suggestions will help make your new neighborhood feel like home. Moving to a new place can feel overwhelming and intimidating. But, by putting yourself out there and exploring what is around you, you will be shocked at how quickly a house and neighborhood can feel like home. Summit Way Realty is the real estate team you can trust. So, if you’re reading this article, wanting to relocate but still haven’t found the right space, give us a call today! We are deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. So, contact Summit Way Realty to find the perfect new neighborhood and dream home for you and your family.
