You bought a house! Congratulations! But, it’s in a new neighborhood that you are unfamiliar with. At first glance, it looks great there. How do you learn all the insider tips and tricks for your new neighborhood? Here is what to do next:

Meet your neighbors
Find your neighborhood associations by asking around or searching online. You might look for Facebook groups, NetDoor, Home Owners Associations, PTA groups, book clubs, or early childhood play groups. Visit group activities and get to know your new neighbors – they’ll be a wealth of information about everything you need to know.

Eat and shop like a local
Spend some time before you close and after you move in dining at the restaurants in your neighborhood. Shop at the local stores to support your neighborhood businesses. Figure out how you can incorporate regular patronage of neighborhood businesses into your family’s routine shopping and dining.

Find your nearest __.
Take a day to drive around your area, and find your closest grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, gas stations, and any other businesses that you might frequent in your daily life. Familiarize yourself with their locations and offerings. Transfer your prescriptions. Sign up for rewards programs.

Volunteer!
Introduce yourself to local volunteer groups like elementary schools, park clean-up groups, non-profits, and church groups. Lending a hand in your new neighborhood is a great way to make new friends and learn more about your area