Photo by Daniel Frank from Pexels
When you move home, you are doing more than moving to a new house. You are leaving behind family, friends, and your support network. It’s an exciting time, but equally, it can feel intimidating. Once you have unpacked boxes and located the shopping mall, you will be keen to settle into your new community.
Here are seven tips for making new friends and connections to be part of your new community.
1. Introduce yourself to neighbors
If you haven’t already been welcomed into your neighborhood, go, and say hi. People will be intrigued to get to know who their new neighbors are but may be stalling until things have calmed down for you. They’ll be able to tell you all the best local haunts and places to hang out.
2. Go to a local gym for classes
Joining a gym and taking a class is a great way to meet new people. Not only will it help you stay in shape, but gyms are social environments too. The key is to turn up to the same classes each week, so you get to see the same people.
3. Join a professional networking group
A networking group is an easy place to make new connections. Everyone is there with the sole purpose of meeting new people. If you are looking for employment, you will be making valuable connections that may just benefit you in the long term. Joining a professional networking group is an effective way to meet likeminded people.
4. Take your dog to the local park
One of the greatest perks of having a dog is that you are never lonely. You will already have experienced how people cannot resist starting a conversation about their dogs, so head to the local park to meet people. Dog owners typically walk their dogs as part of their daily routine, so you will quickly get to see the same people at the same time. Remember to make sure your dog is vaccinated following state regulations. For example, pet vaccines in Overland Park, Kansas, are different from Arkansas.
5. Join the PTA
If you have children, you will benefit from being a part of the school community. Joining the PTA is a catalyst for meeting other parents in the neighborhood and an opportunity to take part in community events. Working with other parents in the PTA is a great way to forge new friendships.
6. Volunteer
There are always charities who are desperate for new volunteers to help with their work. Whether it’s for fundraising, or whether you have specific skills, charitable work is both rewarding and a way to meet new people.
7. Go digital
If there is one thing that Facebook does very well, it’s connecting communities. No matter what your interests are, there will be a local group that you can join. Running clubs, book clubs, and sports fan clubs will all be present online. Just be yourself, post regularly, and you will soon be part of the community.
Moving to a new state can be isolating; however, if you are proactive and give it time, you will be able to establish yourself in your new community. It’s a great opportunity and an exciting time to meet new people and extend your friendship circle. Good luck!
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