5 Things to do to Get Comfortable in a New Neighborhood

Moving to a new place, whether within your state or out of state, can provoke a host of different emotions. Moving can be exhausting and stressful. Then, you may feel excited about new opportunities. You may feel daunted by the prospect of learning to get around in new neighborhoods, make connections in new communities. Often, people feel a mixture of both. And though it can take a while for you to get comfortable in your new home and environment, these tips will help you do so more quickly.

Make yourself at home in your home

Before you start venturing forth to explore or meet people, be sure you’ve taken a little time to create a home space that feels like it is truly your own. Even though you might not have everything unpacked and organized yet, choose several spaces where you can relax in your favorite furniture. If you’ve moved with your family, do some of the things you enjoy in your free time, whether watching a favorite TV show or playing a fun game. Put on the music you enjoy. Sip a warm beverage from your favorite mug. Claim your home space.

Explore your neighborhood

Once you are more familiar with the streets and amenities in your immediate area, you will feel less out of place. Also, it’s important to know where basic goods and services can be found, so locate some grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and other shopping areas. You might want to check out some restaurants or coffee shops. Figure out where the nearest library is. If it’s possible to explore on foot, this is another great way to feel more at home.

Get to know new people but keep those older connections strong too

This can take time, and you may at first feel yourself simply missing old friends. It’s important to stay in contact with friends and loved ones, especially if you need support while you’re getting settled. Take this opportunity to check up on past friends that may be in your new area. But also take advantage of opportunities to meet new people in your neighborhood or at your work. Look for local events where you could take your family and make new connections. You could also get your kids involved in community activities like the camps and youth groups.

Take care of all the bureaucratic details

It’s not as much fun as checking out new coffee shops, but it’s necessary. You should already have taken care of address changes with the postal service and important agencies like the IRS. But now that you’ve moved, you will also need to do things like have health information sent to a new primary care provider. If you have children, you’ll want to get them signed up in a new school. And if you have moved into a new state, you will need to get your driver’s license and automobile registration changed, so locate a DMV and get that done before the deadline.

Budget for your new home

Moving to a new area usually comes with a change in living expenses. Sometimes this means you’ll have more financial padding – sometimes less. The important thing is to be aware of how your budget might need to change. For instance, what are the local and property taxes like, in your new area? How might the cost of utilities affect you? Also, figure out what kind of zoning laws are in place so if you decide to make changes like build on your property or start a home business, you’ll be aware of what hoops you’ll need to jump through.

It may mean stepping a little out of your comfort zone, but the effort of getting to know your new neighborhood will be worth it. It will help you to feel more at home, and also make your life easier, once you know your way around.

This article is brought to you by Suzi Farajiani Real Estate; Suzi grew up in a family of real estate developers. She specializes in residential buying and selling with an emphasis on marketing properties as well as consulting for investing purposes. For more information, contact her today!

Article Submission by: Paul Denikin