Getting to Know Your New Neighborhood

You just scored the home of your dreams and the excitement comes with a bit of apprehension because it is located in a brand-new neighborhood. You love the location for reasons like school district, location to shops, parks, and nightlife, and overall aesthetic, but haven’t fully gotten to know your locale yet. Don’t stress it! Once you’re settled into your new home take time to explore your surroundings and make the most out of your new neighborhood location. 

Walk your block

One of the easiest ways to learn your neighborhood is on foot. Walk down your street and take in all the sights and sounds around you. Take note of things that are in walking distance for future visits, such as a park, coffee shop, farmer’s market or outdoor fitness class. Plan to take a walk with your family around the neighborhood a few times a week so that everyone becomes comfortable and familiar with the area. This is especially helpful for kids if they plan to walk to school. The Northshore of Massachusetts has so many great neighborhoods, especially those by the water! Some of my favorites include:

• Lothrop Street, Beverly
• Pickering Wharf, Salem
• Bearskin Neck, Rockport
• Harborwalk, Gloucester, MA

Take a stroll downtown

If your new community has a designated downtown area, don’t hesitate to spend time down there and get to know the best of the local scene. Explore the area’s favorite hotspots and indulge in the things that are most fitting for your family. Before you head out, consider staking out the most raved about locations online and make a list of your must-visit spots. Don’t forget to explore the historic sites, murals or other artistic renderings that are locally famous. After a few visits there are sure to be a couple spots on your own favorites list. The more you visit, the more people you will meet, even in times of social distancing. Some of my favorite downtown areas are in:

• Salem, MA (check out Ledger!)
• Beverly, MA (Copper Dog Books is great!)
• Rockport, MA
• Danvers, MA
• Marblehead, MA (Grab a delish dinner at The Landing!)
• Manchester-by-the-sea, MA (I love Allie’s Beach Street Cafe!)

Get to know your neighbors

New neighbors can be a positive lifeline in a new community. Don’t shy away from getting to know who lives near you. You may discover you have things in common or kids of similar age. Considering they’ve been in the neighborhood longer than you have, they can provide some valuable insight on what to expect throughout the year. Oftentimes, neighbors grow into lifelong friends. Start a chat over an outdoor chore or stop over for a quick “hello,” when you feel ready and settled. If you are looking for something more formal, consider hosting a housewarming party for the neighbors on your block to show off your new digs and share fun and fresh conversations. This can be done virtually, or socially distanced, for safety precautions during COVID-19, so don’t hesitate organizing if that is more your style. 

Join a local group

Whether you decide on a fitness class at a neighborhood community center or volunteer at a local chapter of your desired charity, you’re sure to meet neighbors who can provide some wonderful details about the beauty in your community. Get your children involved in local events, attend community sports games and invest time in things that connect you more to your neighbors as a whole. 

Moving to a new neighborhood is nothing short of hard, but you can make the best of it by spending time with your neighbors and exploring all that your community has to offer you. If you are in search of the perfect home in a new neighborhood, let us help you find it. We would love to be a part of your 2021 new neighborhood story.