7 Things Everyone Should Do in a New Neighborhood
Surveys say the average American moves 11 times during their lifetime. That means that roughly 11 new neighborhood situations will pop up. If you’re a social butterfly or simply someone who wants to be aware of the people in your surroundings, here are some tips for getting to know a few people in your newest setting:g:
In This Article
Get a City Brochure
Prior to moving day, check your city’s website and download or request a visitor’s brochure. That’ll help you find the places you want to know about — shopping centers, churches, movie theaters, farmer’s markets, parks, home improvement stores, etc. All those places are great for meeting people. Even better? Stop into the city’s Convention Visitors Bureau to pick them up yourself. It’s a great way to scope out the area and meet some friendly faces, and if you’re lucky, they may host events of their own. For example, visitors can catch the WDVX Blue Plate Special, a live performance radio show, four days a week at the Knoxville Visitors Center.
Join Something
If your neighborhood has a homeowner’s association, consider joining it. If you have school-age kids, join the PTA. See if your area has a local Rotary International chapter and get involved. Plus, there are tons of people, programs and organizations that can help you get connected to your new community.
And here’s a good general rule of thumb: You’re new in town, so don’t be one of those people who compares where you live now to where you formerly lived.
Have a Yard Sale
A good plan for meeting your new neighbors is to hold a yard sale. Conversations are bound to start up, and once the talking has begun and things are getting more comfortable, ask your neighbor about any quirks in the neighborhood. An added bonus? You can get rid of some stuff that you don’t really need after a move.
Take After-Dinner Walks
Not only is it good exercise, but taking a walk after dinner will undoubtedly have you meeting some of the neighbors, and most will stop what they’re doing for a quick chat. Barney Fife said, “Even the busiest person has five minutes to shoot the breeze,” so compliment a neighbor on their house, car, garden, etc. Everyone likes a compliment.
Plant a Garden
If that’s what you’re into, plant a garden. If a fellow neighbor also has a green thumb, there’s your conversation starter. Even if nobody else has a garden, offer your immediate neighbors some fresh-picked tomatoes or cucumbers once the harvest arrives. Especially tomatoes — you get tons of them every summer, even from one plant.
Hang Around Your Front Yard
Even if it’s just pulling weeds from the front garden or pulling dandelions from the lawn, or even sitting on your front porch reading a book, spend some time in your front yard so neighbors can see you and can stop over for a quick gabfest. Or just sit on your front porch in the morning and enjoy a cup of coffee. The neighborhood walkers are sure to wave, yelling something like, “Nice weather, huh?” or “How ’bout them [insert local team here].”
Be an Explorer
Get out and discover not only your own neighborhood but also the subdivisions and streets that surround you. You might stumble upon an interesting antique shop, a great hardware store, a unique restaurant, a popular coffee café or a secluded nature spot. Happy hunting.
