Moving to a New City: Your Essential Guide to Settling in and Exploring

Settling in after moving to a new city can be an exciting time. Once you shake off the stress of homebuying, check off every box from your moving checklist, and perform essential tasks like rekeying your locks, it's time to enjoy all the things that drew you to your new hometown in the first place. You may know how to explore a city you are considering moving to, but when you don't have many friends or connections in the area, how do you discover more?

Even if you're not a vibrant extrovert, there are plenty of resources and activities that can help you familiarize yourself with a new city and make new acquaintances. Don't wait for new adventures to find you after relocating — try these tips and start living life in your new locale to its fullest.

Related: Your Essential New Home Homeowner Checklist

Traditional Ways to Explore Your New Hometown

While community dynamics may have changed a bit in the last 70 years, some ways of integrating yourself after moving to a new town still work well. Here are some tried and true methods for discovering new spots and meeting new people who can help you adjust to your new hometown:

1. Introduce yourself to your neighbors: Assuming they haven't already shown up on your doorstep with new neighbor goodies, introducing yourself to your neighbors is a great first step after relocating. Not only can they recommend good restaurants, tips for your commute, and information about school districts, but they can also provide advice about the neighborhood itself. You can learn more about where to place your cans for garbage pickup or about common plumbing issues people in the area experience. If you're so inclined, you could even join a neighborhood organization or social media site to find out more.
2. Join a club or sports league: Meeting new people who can give you a download of things to do in a new town is generally much easier when you have something in common. Why not utilize skills you already have and hobbies you already enjoy to connect with new people? Local recreation and community centers, city halls, and places like the YMCA can help you connect with people who share the same passions and may be willing to share some local ones that you're unaware of.
   
3. Take your kids to the library or park, or your dog to the dog park: Children can be better at socializing than adults but still need a place to meet kids their own age. Your local library and parks are great places for kids to make friends on their own terms. They're also great places for you to meet other parents with similar lifestyles and routines who can recommend fun places for both kids and adults. Same with dogs. Take a walk to the dog park and you’ll undoubtedly meet other dog owners and strike up conversations. 
   
   Related: Check out our survival tips for new parents
   
   
4. Go for a bike ride: Even if you made visits and did your research before moving to a new city, you can still miss plenty. Bike rides can help you find popular destinations and hidden gems in your new location. Exploring by car forces you to focus more on the road, and walking typically won't get you very far on your journey of discovery. Scouting by bike allows you to see things from a different perspective. Your new town may even have organized group bike outings where you can meet others with similar interests.

Exploring Your New Hometown with Technology

You probably don't need help finding things to do when you move to a new city using the internet. A simple Yelp search can provide dozens of businesses for you to visit. But with so many options, how do you know what fits your aesthetic and personality? Try the following resources for local fun after relocating:

1. Join an online group: Facebook Groups and Meetup allow people to connect based on similar hobbies and interests. These online forums not only allow you to meet new friends with similar interests but are also great for recommendations. They can suggest hiking trails based on your skill level, serene spots for bird watching, or craft stores for your crochet supplies. You may even get some improvement ideas for your new home.
2. Bookmark a local event calendar: Online event guides and calendars can be a great way to find out where things to do in a new town take place. Even if the events themselves don't interest you, they can help give you a sense of what types of activities happen at different locations. This can also help give you a better idea of the area.
3. Map out essential businesses: Using Yelp or the map on your phone, record the locations of essential businesses in a radius around your home. These can include grocery stores, hospitals, coffee shops, gas stations, and more. If you're not pleased with the prices or service at the locations nearest to you, find new ones a little farther away. In no time, you'll be familiar with all the options available in your surrounding area.
4. Use local apps: These days, there are mobile apps for just about every purpose, and many can help after moving to a new town. Download local news apps, neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, and specialized apps like Untappd to gain a better understanding of your city. Locals typically know best, so take advantage of their knowledge.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Events like theater productions, food truck meetups, street fairs, regional historical events, and local concerts are great places to learn about the past, present, and future of your new hometown. What's more, they help you become a part of your new community. The bond of community builds strength among people living in the same area and should be, to some degree, the goal of every new resident. Whether it's through acts of service, celebration, or improving your surroundings, contributing to your town's welfare is the ultimate way to become a part of it.

Researching businesses, venues, and other places in your new hometown can only take you so far. There will eventually come a time when you have to take a leap and visit places without knowing anyone there or much else about it. If you see a lively restaurant, walk in and check it out. If you notice nice clothes in a local boutique, browse and chat with the employees. Fortune favors the bold, and moving to a new city is one of the boldest moves a person can make, so get out there.

Get Connected with a Home Warranty

Homeowners know that systems and appliances tend to break at the worst times. Save yourself the hassle of finding a new repair person and get a real estate home warranty from First American. When your new home’s systems or appliances break down, we’ll send a prescreened, qualified technician to diagnose the problem, confirm coverage, and repair or replace your system or appliance. Plus, you’ll get access to exclusive member benefits to help with moving, new appliances, your home's to-do list, and more. Learn more and get a free quote today.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.