We recently purchased a new home, in a new and unfamiliar town, away from family and friends. It's exciting and terrifying. You are eager to explore your new town and what it has to offer you and your family, but at the same time, not knowing anyone can be lonely and nerve wrecking. Who will you call when you're in need of some fellow parent companionship? Who will celebrate birthdays with your kids? Who will you call in the event of an emergency or even just for a weekend babysitter?
It can seem daunting to try to find ways to get out into the community to meet new friends or even just acquaintances. But, after some trial and error I finally found my little slice of social life for my family and ways to feel apart of my community-even in the depths of a global pandemic. It took about 4 months for me, and that was through local lockdowns and severe morning sickness from pregnancy number 4.
Here's how we acclimated to life in a new town (despite the pandemic):
Find your favorite spots:
To feel like a local, one must live like a local. You have to go around to the local parks and playgrounds and find your favorite ones.....and your least faves. Get to know the parks by name, after all, most parents usually throw out general directions based around community parks.
"I live over by Woodward Park"
You'll need to find your favorite donut shop and sushi restaurant. Who has the best Mexican food in town? Once you discover your go-to spots, you'll become more comfortable and familiar with your new town.
Join a community group:
I needed to find a social outlet soon after moving here. I didn't know anyone in town. My nearest family was 30 mins away. My kids didn't know anyone and at the time school was still 100% distance learning, so we really needed to be proactive if we wanted to make new acquaintances.
I looked into local mom's groups and clubs for kids. Ultimately, we decided to go with cub scouts since my oldest son had been begging me to sign him up for it for the past year. I figured, well what better way to meet people and start getting stuff on our calendar?
| I noticed that most community mom clubs/mom groups are usually mothers with babies and toddlers. My kids were all school aged so it didn't seem like it was what I was looking for. |
They made new friends and had weekly commitments again that brought back some normalcy to their lives. It allowed me to talk with other adults and meet fellow parents nearby. Before I knew it, I had playdates set up for my boys and I was planning fun shenanigans and camping trips for them. As I type this, I just wished farewell to my oldest and my husband as they left for their first ever scout camping trip and I have the pleasure of finishing up table centerpieces for their Blue and Gold Banquet next weekend. Feeling like you have a role in a group definitely makes you feel more comfortable in your new town.
Get Connected Through Social Media:
Social media may not seem like the most favorable outlet right now, but there's no denying the fact that it can be super helpful in learning about community events and staying "in the know" when it comes to what's happening around town.
You'll want to find the mom's group for your town and join it ASAP. Here, you can ask questions related to local recommendations, find pay dates/groups, and most of them are also outlets to sell gently used baby and kid items. I find that in my mom's group you can find information ranging from sports opportunities to carpet cleaning recommendations, to personal opinions about school preferences and the like. Who knows? Maybe you'll find your new mom tribe on Facebook.
The next must follow page would be your local town's government page/parks and recreation. You'll get a feel for what the current local issues are as well as events going on in the community. Our parks and recreation division is really good about posting coloring contests and other activity sign-ups such as the mother-son dance. I would not know of these things if it weren't for following their Facebook page. When you have options for potential family activities to do, it doesn't feel so lonely and boring in a new town. You begin to feel like you have a part in your community.
Visit a local historic museum:
A fun way to learn more about your new community is to visit a history museum. Most towns have a historical park or museum that shares how the town came to be. This will allow you to get a better feel for your town's local culture and environment.
I learned that my town had amazing agricultural perks which made for many prosperous farming businesses. Also, that it is an outlet for major railway traffic, which makes a lot of sense now. When I first moved it I was so shocked with how long it took the train to pass by. It seemed like the train would never end. But knowing now that trains are an integral part of our town's history, I have more appreciation and patience when I get stuck at a railroad track.
I think you can fall more in love with where you live if you have an understanding for the history behind.
The most important thing is to get yourself out there and start getting involved with various community groups and attend events. Whether it be your church or a social club, you're bound to meet new friends and begin to feel at home in your new community in no time.
How have you dealt with adjusting to a new city? Let me know in the comments!
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