How to Make a New City Feel Like Home

Moving to a new city to follow your career, dreams, or ambitions is an exciting time, but it can also be a scary one. Adjusting to a place where you have no friends or family is difficult. Add to it that you don’t know much about the local community, and you could end up feeling lost before you ever feel like its home. You’re not alone. Plenty of individuals move to New York from out of town on a daily basis. Here are seven steps to making the city feel more like home.

Get Settled.
Before you try to take on the city, spend some time unpacking and making your new space feel like home. Start by un[acking the essentials you need from day one, then progress from there. Make lists as you go of items you need or would like to buy. These lists give you a reason to get out and spend time in your neighborhood later on.

Explore.
Once you feel like your new place is home, it is time to explore the local area. Start by walking through your neighborhood looking for stores, parks, coffee shops, restaurants, or bars that catch your eye. Over the course of a few weeks, make it a point to visit these places. Find a spot you enjoy and feel comfortable.

After you've explored the local neighborhood, expand to other local areas via public transit. In no time you'll be feeling like a local.

Look to Social Media for Help.
Social media makes it easier than ever to ask for local recommendations or connect with others that live in the area. Reach out and ask locals to show you around or offer places to check out. You can also use social media to check ratings and reviews for places in your area so you know what to expect before you visit.

Become a Regular at a Local Hot Spot.
Once you've found a place where you feel comfortable, visit it often so the employees and other regulars start to treat you like they've known you forever. Being a regular doesn't mean avoiding other places altogether, but it is a great way to feel like you belong somewhere when you feel lonely or not.

Say Yes to Invites.
As you expand your network, don't be afraid to say yes to invitations to coffee or drinks. The more you go out, the more comfortable you will be in talking to new people and making new friends.

Join Local Organizations.
A great way to make new friends is to join local clubs or organizations. Pick something you are passionate about and do some research online. With the bustling city you're sure to find walking clubs, gyms, reading clubs, etc.

Stay Connected.
Just because you are in a new city, doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to your old friends. Check in with family and friends often so you don't feel so distant from those you care about.

If you are thinking about moving or relocating to New York, contact the Hillel Realty Group today to discuss your options.