Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting but having a community to support you makes all the difference. You have the opportunity to explore a new place, meet new people, and start a new chapter in your life. But you also have to deal with the challenges of adjusting to a different culture, and leaving behind your friends and family. If you read my previous post you know that I moved from North Carolina to California to fulfill a promise to myself. In this blog post, I want to share with you how I built my community after moving to a new city by myself. I hope that my story can inspire you to do the same if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.
So, How did I find places I was interested in?
Before I moved, I did quite a bit of research on the local places that I was interested in checking out once I arrived. I used social media to look at tags for local busineses in the neighborhood, and see the type of people that liked, followed, or tagged the locations. I wanted to find places that matched my interests and personality, and where I could potentially meet people that I would get along with.
I made a list of places that I wanted to check out, such as a book bar, a pole dancing studio, a restaurant that had the best breakfast, and of course a coffee shop. I also looked for events and activities that were happening in my new community, such as open mic nights or holiday parties. I bookmarked these places and events on my phone, so I could easily find them when I arrived.
After I moved, I started checking out the places and events that I had saved. I tried to go to different places every week, to get a feel of the vibe and the crowd. I also tried to go at different times of the day, to see when it was more busy or quiet. I soon discovered that I liked some places more than others, and I started to frequent them more often. I became a regular at places like the book bar, where I could enjoy a good read and a glass of wine in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. I also joined a pole dancing studio, where I learned a new skill, a new way of expressing myself, and so many amazing and empowering women that quickly became my friends. And I became a fan of a restaurant that had the best breakfast and coffee, where I could start my day with a delicious and energizing meal.
By becoming a regular at a few places, I started to notice and recognize the other regulars as well. I realized that we had at least one thing in common: our interest in the place. This gave me an easy conversation starter, and I began to chat with them casually. I would comment on how good a drink was, or how great a performer was during an open mic night. I would also compliment them on their outfit, their hair, or smile. I found that most people were friendly and open to talk.
Over time, I started to build friendships and connections. We would hang out more often, invite each other to other events and activities, and introduce each other to our other friends. We would also support each other, celebrate each other, and help each other out. We became more than just acquaintances, we became a community.
Having a community in my new city changed my life for the better. It made me feel more at home, more comfortable, and more confident. It also made me happier, more fulfilled, and more inspired. I learned a lot from my friends, and I grew as a person.
My community also helped me cope with the challenges and difficulties that I faced in my new city. They gave me advice, encouragement, and comfort when I needed it.
My Advice to You
If you are thinking of moving to a new city by yourself, or if you already have, I hope that my story can help you in some way. Here are some of the lessons that I learned from my experience:
- Do your research before you move. Find local places that match your interests and personality, and where you can potentially meet like-minded people. Bookmark them on your phone, and check them out when you arrive.
- Try different places and community based events, and see what you like and don’t like. Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment alone. You might discover something new and exciting.
- Become a regular at a few places that you enjoy. This will increase your chances of meeting and recognizing other regulars, and give you an easy conversation starter.
- Chat with people casually, and be friendly or even complimentary. Most people are open to talk, so you never know who you might meet or connect with.
- Build friendships and connections with the people that you vibe with. Hang out more often, invite each other to other events and activities, and introduce each other to your other friends. Support, celebrate, and help each other out.
- Appreciate and cherish your community. They will make your life better, happier, and more fulfilling. They will also help you cope with the challenges and difficulties that you might face.