1. Volunteer with a Local Organization

Volunteering your time is a powerful way to give back to society and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Better yet, it’s a way to meet others in your new community who share the same passions and interests as you. And because it generally doesn’t cost you anything to volunteer (other than your time), it’s an activity everyone can take part in. From assisting at local shelters and food banks to taking calls during fundraising efforts, volunteering is a highly productive way to nurture a sense of belonging within your new town while making a real difference. Plus it can expose you to diverse perspectives and experiences.

2. Shop Local

Supporting local businesses is an important aspect of community involvement because it’s an active way to do your part in keeping the local economy alive and well. Plus, shopping at smaller retailers gives you the chance to meet and get to know locals who have a vested interest in the strength of the area. Mom-and-pop shops are the heart of any community, and supporting these mainstays will help to ingrain you in your new hometown. We all have to shop, right? By intentionally choosing to buy local, we contribute directly to the success and prosperity of our new community. And who doesn’t want to create go-to locales that end up feeling like a second home? We can hear it now: “Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name…”

3. Attend Community Events

Local events are some of the best opportunities for socializing and creating bonds between residents. Venturing out to local events will help newcomers foster a sense of pride in where they’ve decided to lay down their roots. After all, your new community is made up of people, not just places, and it’s through getting to know others that you truly understand how unique and wonderful of a place you chose. From local festivals, sporting events, and neighborhood gatherings, participating in activities is sure to lead to lasting friendships.

4. Explore Civic Involvement

Civic activities include things like attending town hall meetings, joining community boards, and participating in advocacy campaigns. Whether you have a particular passion in one of these areas or you want to be informed about the changemaking in your new community, civic events are a great avenue. New residents should feel empowered to make positive changes at the local level in their community, and this is the route to take.

5. Refer to BeLocal

A shameless plug? Maybe. But welcoming new residents to their new hometown is exactly what we do. So grab your issue of BeLocal – or check it out digitally – and learn about local establishments, nonprofits, businesses, etc., that you can get involved with today. Every BeLocal magazine is made for and about the community it serves, making it the ideal platform for new movers wanting to get involved.

What are you waiting for? There’s no better time than the present to get to know others in your new community. Whether by volunteering, supporting local businesses, participating in community events, engaging in civic activities, or referring to your BeLocal magazine, you’ll be sure to make new friends and a lasting positive impact on the place you now call home.

Header photo by Jakob Rosen Photography