Getting to Know Your New Neighborhood
You’ve just closed on the home of your dreams, and after moving in, you want to get to know your neighborhood. There are a lot of reasons you chose the location of your new home, like the incredible school district and short commute to work, but you haven’t had the chance to explore. Here are my suggestions for getting acquainted with your new community!
Get outside
Walking around your block is a great way to experience your new neighborhood. Take this as an opportunity to turn down a street you’ve never been on before, explore local architecture, and make a mental note of places that pique your interest. You can do this more than once and it’s a great activity for the whole family. Plan trips around the neighborhood so that everyone can become familiar with the area.
On the Northshore, there are some great walking neighborhoods, especially near the water. A few of my favorites include –
- Lothrop Street, Beverly
- Pickering Wharf, Salem
- Bearskin Neck, Rockport
- Harborwalk, Gloucester, MA
Stroll downtown
Depending on the neighborhood, your designated downtown may look different. In a town like Salem, the businesses are densely populated, while in Marblehead there are two downtown areas. Before you head out, consider doing some online research and making a list of must-visit spots.
This is your opportunity to get to know local businesses and hotspots.
Explore historic sites, art murals, and outdoor spaces like parks. Be a tourist for the day and really check out the places you might normally overlook. New England is rich in history, and you might learn something new about your town.
Here are some neighborhoods with my favorite downtown areas –
- Salem, MA – The new Destination Salem app is available for iOS and Android.
- Beverly, MA – Explore local trails & view maps online.
- Rockport, MA – The city has its own digital walking map.
- Marblehead, MA – Look at a collection of outdoor spaces, walking trails, and town jewels.
Attend events & join groups
Many local communities have their own websites, online calendars, and other digital resources that can be accessed with a quick Google search. Free events hosted by your town are a great way to meet people that live in the area and foster a sense of community. Events like local farmers’ markets, block parties, and parades can be enjoyed by family members of all ages. Local spaces like public libraries often host events for children & teens.
The Northshore Moms is a local network with great resources for anyone in the area – find event calendars, read interviews with local moms, get coupons, and more.
Here are examples of community groups to join –
- Community theater
- Local government & town meetings
- Volunteering with local organizations i.e. Food pantries, animal shelters
- Public library
Joining a new community should be fun! It’s a time for fresh starts, new friends, and creating memories. Don’t let the excitement of moving prevent you from exploring everything your town has to offer. Whether you’ve been considering a move, or are just curious about moving, contact me today.