Learn from our property management experts!
One aspect of moving that can cause anxiety for some people is entering a new apartment neighborhood and having to be welcomed again. For most people who have lived in an apartment for a while, they are friends with the next door neighbors, have kids who are friends with the neighbor’s kids, and may even have a routine of activities together. But with moving, all that changes. Using these 5 tips, you can easily get acquainted with your new apartment’s neighborhood and make new friends.
You’ve probably heard that to make a friend, you first have to be a friend. So smile when you see your neighbors. If at all possible, try to be the first to say hello. Introduce yourself to at least your immediate next door neighbors. Starting out, a simple smile and wave will suffice for the neighbors farther away. You can meet them later at apartment complex gatherings and parties – or even at the pool. If you have a dog and your apartment complex has a dog park, that is a great way to meet people, too.
Once you are all settled into your new apartment, you can start planning a gathering to meet your neighbors. If you don’t want to throw a full-blown party, at least host a small gathering to serve as a meet and greet for you and your new neighbors. Apartments, by nature, force people into close contact. Don’t let the people you walk by on the stairwell every day remain strangers! You may need their help at some point, and it’s always better to know someone who lives in the same place you do.
If you don’t wish to extend your own invitation, you may be offered one by a neighbor. Make sure you accept any invitation one of your neighbors offers you. Unless you can tell they are definitely not the type of person you want to be around, don’t let nerves get in the way of accepting an invitation. And if you actually can’t go, offer to reschedule so they know you aren’t making up a story to get out of it. If you don’t say yes to initial invitations, you may not get another offer later on and your neighbors will remain strangers.
Another way to get to know your neighbors is to get involved in the community. Whether that means volunteering or just participating in community events, it’s a wonderful way to get to know others who have similar passions and interests. Your apartment complex may even put on events for the community that you can attend or help out with!
Once you’ve met everyone in your complex, you can begin to acquaint yourself with the locals. Especially in the Murfreesboro and Smyrna areas, there are plenty of must-see places for shopping, dining and entertainment that you should visit. Find out what’s popular in your area for evening and weekend activities. You just might find some new friends out there. Becoming part of a new neighborhood can take some work, but just give it some time and have fun with it. Middle Tennessee has some wonderful apartment neighborhoods where good people live. If you’re starting the search for a new area to live, give us a call! We can help you find your perfect apartment in your neighborhood of choice – to get you right where you want to be!