Relocating to a big city like Washington DC can be both exciting and hectic. If you’re like most people, one of your biggest worries is who your new neighbors will be and whether they will be friendly to you. If this sounds like your current predicament, be calm as we’re about to show you seven neighborly tips to help you settle in nicely and make many new friends while at it.
Say hello with a smile
It doesn’t hurt to be friendly to people even when you do not know them. This rule is particularly important when you’ve just moved to a new place and are planning to make new friends quickly. Purpose to greet everyone you come across at your new place and don’t forget to smile. It is these warm and genuine greetings that form the foundation for lasting relationships with your new neighbors.
Introduce yourself
Sometimes introducing yourself to your neighbors is the most effective way to get accepted into the new community. Sure, you don’t have to knock on everyone’s door telling them about yourself. However, try to use every available opportunity to interact with your neighbors and share a bit about yourself. For example, if you notice someone sticking their head out of the door as you’re passing by their apartment, don’t be shy to introduce yourself to them. Alternatively, you could use excuses like the probable inconveniences you caused them during the moving in process, to strike up conversations.
Get involved
Another effective way to meet and interact with your new neighbors is to join them in a communal activity or course. Do they have a housing association board meeting? Are there shared facilities like a food coop? Start here and make it known that you’re willing to be part of the community. This way, you will not only be immersing yourself in your new environment but also connecting and making valuable friendships.
Ask questions
Want to connect quickly with strangers and not appear like a bother to them? The trick to starting great conversations is to ask general questions that do not intrude on the privacy of whoever you’re talking to. To be on the safe side, ask questions on broad topics that you and your new neighbor are likely to share common interests in. For example, you could ask them about their favorite restaurants, entertainment spots for their kids, shopping malls, etc. Listen actively and take a genuine interest in what they say. Most will be pleased to share the information especially if they feel that you’ve taken an interest in them.
Leverage your networks
When moving out, chances are that there’s someone (or several people) you know or have connections with who reside in your new area. This could be an old friend, a former schoolmate, or someone you went to the same church together. The good thing is that social media is making things a lot easier now and with a few taps of a button, you can easily locate these people. For example, if you’re part of college alumni associations or church groups on Facebook or other social platforms, try asking if there’s anyone who lives nearby and connect with them.
Spend more time outside
Let’s face it; you’re not going to make new friends if all you do is stay indoors. You need to go out where chances of meeting and connecting with your new neighbors are higher. For starters, you can take a lazy walk around the neighborhood. Alternatively, you could identify and visit a few popular places where people gather regularly like sports grounds and local entertainment joints. If you stay in an apartment in a building with a communal lounge, gym or pool area, that will help get you around others too – without you having to stray far from home at all. The more people you come across, the higher your chances of striking new conversations that lead to friendships.
Host a welcome party
This is a bold move and one that needs a bit more planning if it is to succeed. The idea is to throw a housewarming party and invite your new neighbors to attend. And no, you don’t have to spend a fortune on this or make it grandeur. For example, you could just invite a few people for drinks over the weekend or even coffee if you want to avoid alienating the non-drinkers and children. While you are at it, be sure to keep things in control especially if there’s any alcohol served, lest your party turns out to be a nuisance.
Do you have any other tricks that have worked for you when looking to connect and make meaningful friendships with new neighbors after a relocation? We’d love to hear your feedback.
It can make a difference if you are just friendly. However, you can also be unlucky and have a neighbor who is not welcoming.
I think you’re right. Just being friendly, saying hello or waving, can go a long way toward making friends in a new neighborhood.