Home is not always about the structure you live in—the area surrounding that structure can be just as important. When moving to a new community or city, getting to know the area can do a lot to help you feel more at home. Here are a few pointers to help you get more familiar with a new area as a new resident.
Visit the Local Visitor’s Center
Once you have moved and have a few minutes to spare, look up the local visitor center and plan a visit. These organizations can serve those beyond people who are just passing through the town. Also, the centers’ workers are usually well-versed in everything the community offers. They can tell you which places are the best to grab lunch or where you to go for help with specific issues.
Check Out Local Events or Festivals
You can learn a lot about a community by checking out the events and festivals the area hosts. For example, suppose a community hosts a lot of events rooted in environmentally conscious ideas. In that case, you can speculate the city is interested in green living and taking care of the planet. Likewise, festivals often get built around ideas pertinent to the area, such as an apple festival in an area known for apple production or a blues festival due to the city’s blues music history. Use this list from Wikipedia on U.S. festivals to get your search started.
Join Community Groups on Social Media
Social media is great for keeping in touch with friends and family you may have moved away from, but social media can also be an excellent way to get to know your new community. Look for groups on Facebook or other platforms targeted at people in your area. For example, you may find a local events page by searching for “[City Name] Events.” Joining these groups can give you insight into both the area and the people in the area.
Pick Up a Local Newspaper
A local newspaper can offer lots of information you may find interesting as a new community member. A few examples of local publication topics might include:
- Community crime happenings
- Local health and wellness concerns
- Prominent events in the area, such as festivals, sports events, or gatherings
- Business-related topics, such as good places to eat or visit
- Commentaries from local community members about area happenings
Usually, local newspapers will be easy enough to find at local supermarkets or gas stations.
Head to the Local Library
Local libraries can be an excellent resource for getting to know a bit about a new community. Libraries often serve as a hub for collecting community events and even organizing certain events. You can check to see if your new location has a library by visiting Public Libraries of the United States. Make a point to stop in for a visit, check out bulletins posted at the library, grab a library card or sign up for a few events. As an adage, the library can be an excellent place to check out books that offer insight and information about the area.
Settle into Your New Community with the Help of Professional Movers
With a bit of exploring and investigation, you can feel much more like you know the area where you live. To make your transition from one town or community to the next easier, be sure to enlist the assistance of professional movers. Reach out to us to get a free moving quote today to get you started.