Embrace being the new kids on the block
When you buy a new home in an established neighbourhood, it can take time for you and your family to settle in. Most newly built developments move new owners/residents in at the same time, which is a great opportunity to get to know your immediate neighbours; however, when you are moving into a small, new development that is part of a wider and long established community, it can be tempting to stay within the comfort zone of the new residents only. This is understandable – making friends as adults is much more difficult than as children – but it is incredibly important to introduce yourself to the wider community. In fact, more established areas are overwhelmingly welcoming to new residents. This tip is to follow the lead of children, that is, assume everyone wants to be your friend!
Here are a few tips to help you settle into your new neighbourhood:
- Introduce yourself: Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? In most cases you will meet new neighbours in passing, perhaps walking between the car and the house or when outside chasing errant children, pets or spouses. Always use the opportunity and make an effort to introduce yourself and your family. Be sure to ask questions and show an interest in learning about the area. Your new neighbours may be able to give you some tips and advice. For people who are particularly shy, engaging in some outdoor gardening or maintenance is an easy way to get to meet the neighbours.
- Expect company: This is quite a novel concept to many people who might have been living in rented accommodation for years and only having visitors ‘by appointment’ or by prior arrangement. Neighbours are different, usually they arrive unexpectedly, say no to the first offer of coffee, chat in the doorway for 20 minutes before coming in for that eventual coffee! The trick is to be prepared for this impromptu visit – keep a supply of tea/coffee/milk/sugar/biscuits etc.
- Ask about residents’ meetings: This is not always a pleasant task and no one appreciates a neighbourhood tyrant so show an interest, attend the meeting but resist the temptation to criticise or push for changes until you have a better understanding of neighbourhood dynamics (and every neighbourhood has them!). Ease yourself in gently by attending meetings as a spectator and use this as an opportunity to get to know people you live amongst.
- Get involved in community events: There are so many things to do in the wider community and while it may not settle you into your new neighbourhood it will give you an opportunity to get to know the town residents. Go to the bake sales, volunteer at events and if you have kiddies get them into clubs or groups as soon as possible so they can get integrated into their new community.
- Host a get-together: This might seem stressful, however, it is a great way to get to know neighbours within an apartment complex or in developments where most people are working long hours and the opportunities for meeting in the front gardens simply do not exist. You can drop an invite into your neighbours, introducing yourself and inviting them for drinks or coffee on a designated evening. Be sure to include your phone number or email address so that people can respond. Generally even the people who are unable to attend – and indeed those who choose not to attend – will make contact to thank you for the invite.
This might sound like a very old-school approach but it is one that works. Moving into your new home is about so much more than the bricks and mortar (even in Victoria Homes’ stunningly-designed homes!), being part of a community is what makes your new apartment or house a home.
To discuss this and other housing matters in Dublin, please contact me directly on +353 (0) 87 937 0896, Derek@VictoriaHomes.ie or check out all of our current developments at www.victoriahomes.ie/
- Posted by newsupdates
- On September 7, 2018
- 0 Comment