Congratulations! You’ve mustered up the courage to make that cross-country move to a new city for that job you’ve always dreamed of, to be closer to family, or just a brand new start. Whatever the case may be, with the closing documents signed and the keys in your hand, you couldn’t be more excited. Then it hits you – I’m in a new city. I don’t know anyone. Nothing is familiar. I don’t know where anything is. The excitement suddenly turns to fear.
Uprooting your life to a new city can be a refreshing, exciting change, but it can also come with it’s own list of challenges. Fear not, as we’re here to provide you with some tips and tools to help you acclimate to your new surroundings. So take a deep breath, heed our advice below, and then step outside and start enjoying your new city!
Locate the Essential Stores Near You
Scope out your neighborhood, either by foot or car, and establish the closest grocery stores, pharmacies, coffee shops, Target (because who doesn’t love Target), and other places you plan on frequenting routinely. Chances are you’ll need to run out to at least one of these within your first few days of moving in, so you might as well establish your go-tos. Plus, it’s a great way to get to know your new city in the process!
Make New Friends
Moving to a foreign place where you don’t know anyone can be a really scary thing. Meeting new people can be a huge game changer in making you feel less alone and also provides someone who knows the area to show you around! Attend a new church you’ve been considering and strike up a conversation with another family. Attend that workout class you saw advertised that looks like fun. Take your kids and dog to the park nearby your house, and mingle with other moms or dads. Simply reaching out to others while doing the activities you already do can help make your new city feel less lonely and more like your new home.
Explore Your City
Often, during and after a move, we get so caught up in the chaos of all that needs to be done that we don’t actually take the time to stop and enjoy our new surroundings. Take a day to treat your city as if you were on vacation. If you’re in a walkable area, take some time to just wander around your neighborhood, with no agenda, and see what you come across. If you can’t walk, go for a drive (with no GPS!) and take in the surroundings. It’s amazing how much more we take in, when we’re not on a set mission to get somewhere.
Find Out About Upcoming Events in Your City
Check out free platforms like Eventbrite to learn about various upcoming events in your area. Browse events on Facebook – you can even filter by categories of music, crafts, sports, comedy, and more, if you have something in mind you want to do! Subscribe to your local community event calendar to stay in the know of exciting activities and events taking place near you!
Learn Your Transportation Options
Just moved to New York City? Chances are you’ll need to learn the best subway routes to get around. Bought a house out in the suburbs? You’ll most likely want to learn the highway system around you. An avid cyclist who plans on biking to work? Check out the safest and most direct biking lanes around town. Whatever type of area you live in, you’ll want to learn the best way to get around, in addition to the public transportation options available to you, such as subway systems, bus transit lines, bikesharing programs and ridesharing services. Also, a tip: if you’re starting a new job, test out your new commute before your first day to see exactly how long it takes you. Being late on your first day is never a good thing!
Settling into a new city can be overwhelming, so above all, give yourself time to acclimate. It won’t happen overnight, but, as you slowly become more comfortable with your surroundings, this new place will start to feel like home.
