Discovering Your Community

Few things will help you acclimate to your new home faster than learning where things are and how to get around your new neighborhood. Where’s the nearest and best coffee shop, grocery store, pharmacy, and park? What’s the most convenient route to work, and when does rush hour begin? What is the public transportation schedule? Knowing these things provides a sense of comfort and control.

Invest in a map

Begin by buying a map of your neighborhood, then take it and your family for an excursion on foot, bike, mass transit, or by car. Learn the street layout and pattern (for example, alphabetical or numbered, and so on) and find landmarks you can use to find your way home. Time how long it takes to get to various destination points. Be sure every family member memorizes your new address and new home, office, and mobile phone numbers and knows numbers for emergency services such as police, fire, and ambulance.

Contact your town’s chamber of commerce

Most chambers of commerce compile helpful information about their communities, including historical data, emergency call numbers, and government statistics. They also include the names and contact information for clubs and organizations. Some clubs, such as historical associations and garden clubs, conduct tours for members and nonmembers alike. Joining one of these tours not only allows you to get a closer look at various neighborhoods, but also allows you to meet new people.

Take a tour

The best way to get the full story on the community is to talk with – or take a tour with – one of your neighbors. Your neighbor or someone else familiar with the area can point out driving shortcuts and routes to avoid during rush hour. If possible, join a carpool. You can hook up with carpool groups by posting a notice on the bulletin board at school or work or by placing an ad in the local newspaper.

Town-sponsored teams

If your kids are into sports, getting them involved with town-sponsored teams is a plus for everyone. The kids make friends among their teammates and you can make friends among their parents. The same bonding experience holds true for non-sport activities such as drama and music, among many others.

Welcome to your neighborhood

The common thread among these various methods of familiarizing yourself with your new neighborhood is getting out and asking questions. Talk to your neighbors, the mail carrier, the librarian, the hardware store owner. Most people are eager to help. You’ll find yourself feeling welcomed by your new neighborhood in no time.