How to Get Acquainted with Your New Neighborhood

You’ve unpacked and organized your new kitchen, stacked the towels neatly in the linen closet, and found places for your favorite art pieces. Your new house is starting to feel like home. Now—how do you start to feel a sense of belonging in your new neighborhood?

Moving to a new area can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to establishing yourself in a different, perhaps unfamiliar community. Don’t feel like you have to jump into the deep end all at once; start by taking small steps to become acquainted with the vicinity and the neighbors around you.

Smile!

As simple as this sounds, smiling communicates to others that you are approachable and friendly. Your new neighbors are much more likely to come over and introduce themselves if you smile and give them an amiable wave from a distance. Smile at passersby on a walk or at the store. You may be surprised by how much positivity can be generated by such a simple gesture.

Inquire

Sooner or later you’re going to need a haircut, a manicure, an eye exam, or some other routine service. Rather than taking a stab in the dark at guessing who to choose for a new provider, ask people around you. Ask the neighbor who wears glasses for an optometrist recommendation, and be on the lookout for someone at the grocery store with a stylish haircut. Don’t be shy! It’s a great conversation starter, and most people will be flattered that you noticed them and want their opinion.

Accept

When neighbors and new friends invite you over for dinner or out for a walk, say yes! Accepting kind invitations as they are extended shows your interest in making new friends and provides great opportunities to establish rapport. Don’t be afraid to extend an invite or two yourself, once you feel settled.

Enroll

One sure method of meeting people is to join a gym, sign up for a community center class, or attend a local church congregation. In these circumstances you’re already assured to be near people with whom you share at least one common interest and more likely than not they live in your area, too. If you’re building a new home in a different neighborhood from which you currently live, consider enrolling your children in sports programs in the new area (even before moving) so that they can get to know the kids with whom they will likely attend school. You’ll have a chance to get to know their parents, as well.

Notice

Look for community-sponsored events such as festivals, theater, and markets. Many such events are offered at little or no cost, and most provide a sense of community culture—often celebrating local folklore or history.

Serve

Clergyman Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others.” Volunteer opportunities abound in every community, whether grading papers at an elementary school, serving dinner in a soup kitchen, or listening to memories at a retirement home. Serving others costs nothing but time, and affords opportunities to make new friends from many walks of life. 

When you’re ready to make the move to a new neighborhood, call Sheffield Homes. We’ve been building homes in the Denver metro area and in northern Colorado for more the 40 years, and we’d love to work with you to design and build your forever home. Sheffield Homes:  Colorado roots, customer-driven. 303-420-0056