Think about this scenario. You’ve just arrived at your new home after months (or years) of decision-making. You finished unpacking and begun settling in, preparations have been made for the future – schools for kids, restaurant with deliveries, local service numbers, etc., But what if you can’t get along with your neighbors?
Yes, this can happen even though you’ve already scouted the neighborhood before – experiencing the real thing is the only way to fully understand and begin transitioning to the new community.
But I’m still deciding on a community to settle in. If you’re yet to choose a community to transition your family in, there are a couple of things to consider: safety, police and fire resources, medical care, schools, and other necessary facilities are some of them. All of these can be found in select communities or projects like the house and land packages in Melbourne, which is a perfect location if you already reside in Australia.
How long you can settle into a new community depends on your circumstances. Is it near where you work at? Does it have all the places you used to enjoy (malls, stores, parks, etc.) Do you have relatives in the area? These factors will give a comforting sense of familiarity, even though you’ve just arrived.
Admittedly, relocating can be a stressful process. More than the arrangements, you need to make new connections to create a feeling of home and community that only experience and time can deliver. A house becomes a home when you build relationships with neighbors, friends, teachers, and small business owners.
Here are some tips you can follow to adjust and get along quickly with your new community.
- Buy a map and start exploring. Seriously, you need to understand the lay of the land, especially if you’re moving for good. You can just get on a bus and let yourself be driven around. Seeing your new place for the first time is fun and gives you a topic for discussion when meeting a neighbor.
- Go beyond your basic comfort level. Persuade yourself each week to do something you wouldn’t normally do. This can be as simple as deciding to walk your dog one morning in a park crowded with pet owners instead of lonely streets.
- Join a club. Chess, dancing, tennis, how about rock climbing? Find affinity groups in the neighborhood. You’ll meet people with common interests instantly.
- Volunteer. Volunteering is one of the best ways to create meaningful new ties. Find opportunities by going to the local community center or gardens, churches, schools, online, or even your job.
- Call someone new. If a relative or friend knows someone in the new neighborhood, try asking for their number/s and call them. Take your new neighbor to a coffee and ask them to tell you about the community.
- Do something new. Go for activities you’ve always wanted to do: cooking, gardening, and teaching classes are a simple way to find friends with common interests. Try it out!
There you have it! Share with us your tales of neighborliness below.
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