Tips for Settling Down in a New City

By Heather R. Johnson

Moving to a new city is both exciting and stressful. You get to start fresh with a new home, new job, and new friends, but you also have a long list of essential chores, such as finding the nearest grocery store and enrolling your kids in their new school. Despite certain elements of excitement, some of the challenges you face — possibly with no support network — can feel daunting. Follow some simple tips to ease the transition and quickly feel at home in your new city.

Pursue Your Hobbies

Did you love to go salsa dancing every Wednesday night in your old city? Pick up where you left off and find a similar club or class in your new town. As an added benefit, taking a class is a low-pressure way to meet new people. Whether your chosen hobby is chess or watercolor painting, it’s possible to find opportunities to indulge in your passion. If you don’t have a favorite hobby, take a chance and try something new.

Join Activity Groups

Are you a runner, cyclist, or avid hiker? Find a club that meets for these activities as a group. It will give you the chance to explore the terrain while making new friends and staying healthy. Check RRCA.org and USA Cycling for lists of running and cycling clubs. Meetup.com helps users find hiking groups, social dancing groups, and many other types of organizations in different areas.

Network

You may already network to make business connections, so why not do the same to make new friends? Ask co-workers, family, and friends if they know anyone in your new city. If they do, maybe they could make an introduction. Check your social media accounts to see if you have any followers in your new city. If so, arrange a coffee date.

Find a Comfortable Place to Live

When you move to a new city, you probably won’t know which part of town is right for you. Don’t add to the stress of moving by scrambling to buy a home and new furniture as quickly as possible. Take time to learn the city and all its nuances before committing to a long-term lease or mortgage. Consider furniture rental until you decide on a permanent residence. Coming home to a beautifully furnished apartment as soon as you move helps you relax and enjoy the process of getting to know your new city.

CORT Furniture Rental offers quality furniture in a range of styles to suit your lifestyle and budget. Rent by the room or by the piece, for a month or for a year; you decide. Featuring everything from living room sets to housewares, expect delivery in as little as 48 hours, and the delivery team sets up everything — no heavy lifting required. Visit the website or one of its more than 150 showrooms across the country to take the stress out of your move.

Heather Johnson is a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her experience includes legal, technology, home and garden, small business, real estate, health/healthcare, energy, and general interest topics. She has written for consumer, trade, and custom publications, as well as for companies and individuals, for more than 15 years.