Moving into a new home can be exciting but it’s often stressful at the same time. First, you probably spent a lot of time searching through the many Calgary homes for sale, endured piles of paperwork, more ups and downs than a roller coaster, and spent a significant amount of money, not to mention all the packing and unpacking.

Now that you’ve started to settle in, you’ll want to make the most of your new neighborhood, too. Making it a point to actively engage in the community as soon as possible will help you feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

Meet Your Neighbors
A survey by Ownerly conducted just before COVID-19 hit the U.S. revealed that there’s a lot of work that needs to be done when it comes to getting to know the people who live near you. Slightly over one in four of the respondents under 40 years old said they didn’t know any of their neighbors by name.

While the older you are the more likely you are to know them, no matter what your age one of the first things you should do is introduce yourself to residents in your community. Smile and say “hello” when you see them outside, or even knock on the door, perhaps bringing a gift like a potted plant or some baked goods, bringing the opportunity to develop a rapport over time. Not only is it a good way to make potential new friends and feel more established, but when neighbors know each other it decreases the risk of crime. Read more