Moving to a new community can be a bit overwhelming, whether the move is just across town or on the other side of the country. Luckily, you’ve done your research and chosen a luxury home community that suits you, your family, and your lifestyle, so all you have left to do is make the necessary connections to create a feeling of home. Sounds easy, right? If you’re at a loss or can just use some quick tips to get you started, here are some helpful hints to cultivating relationships and finding a niche in your new neighborhood.
Start in Your Home
The first step to getting comfortable in your new home is familiarizing yourself with it. London Bay Homes provides an extensive New Home Orientation with each closing to thoroughly explain every aspect of your new home. Learn the location and operation of key systems and components, go over any warranties or home watch services provided, and keep a backup supply of paint colors, carpets/flooring, and any other key elements of your finishes just in case anything gets bumped or damaged in the future. Also make sure you receive the user manuals that come with every appliance and system included in your home for reference.
The next step is adding your personal touch to the design of the home. If you’ve purchased one of London Bay Homes’ Move-In-Ready models or furnished your new custom estate home with the help of Romanza Interior Design, you are probably excited to see all of the finishes and furnishings selected. Keep that momentum going by adding a few personal items and a level of comfort to your new home and making it your own. If you’ve opted for an unfurnished home, we recommend that you start in your bedroom when unpacking and getting settled. Our bedroom is our safe haven and when you have all of your things in place, it will automatically make you feel as though you have arrived home.
Finally, let’s make your new home official by submitting change of address forms to the post office, utility companies, credit card companies, DMV, auto insurance company, and others. You can also consider having a housewarming party to invite your family and friends to check out your new place. The more you spread the word, the more “real” your new home becomes.
Step Outside
Now that you’re comfortable in your new home, it’s time to leave it behind for just a little while. The closest place to meet new people once you have moved to a new community is to walk over to your neighbors’ house to introduce yourself. This may seem intimidating at first, but your neighbors can become your closest friends and they are probably just as excited to see who lives next door as you are. If the thought of knocking on your neighbors’ doors uninvited is too much, consider walking your dog or just simply taking a walk to see who you meet along the way. Your puppy may find a new friend, making for a great and easy conversation starter or you may find a walking buddy for those days when the Florida sunshine is too tempting to stay indoors.
Another great way to meet your neighbors is to head over to the clubhouse to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. Some communities offer communal dining to increase resident camaraderie or a casual bar area that makes meeting new people a breeze. London Bay Homes builds in many award-winning new home communities in Southwest Florida and each offers an ideal way to dine and meet new friends. The Founders Club in Sarasota, FL has been called one of the warmest and friendliest communities and members often embrace new residents to make them feel comfortable and welcome. This ideal setting for community camaraderie is enhanced by the luxurious dining experience offered at the Club. Mediterra in Naples, FL also features ideal dining experiences to cultivate relationships. Members enjoy casual and fine dining prepared by an award-winning staff and friends and neighbors often gather to enjoy a sunset on the recently expanded patio.
Another great way to meet friends in your new home community is to take advantage of the community’s luxury amenities. Hopefully, your neighborhood research provided you with a long list of amenities to fit your lifestyle and now that you have moved into your new neighborhood, it’s time to get started. Many of the luxury communities in Southwest Florida offer a full social calendar of events, from wine tastings and book clubs to fitness classes and golf tournaments. Take advantage of every social scenario and meet people with your same hobbies and interests.
The most important thing to remember when transitioning to a new community or neighborhood is that it is going to take some time before you are completely comfortable in your new surroundings. As long as you continue to take steps towards familiarizing yourself with the different people and places, you’ll be on your way towards becoming a veteran of your community and helping others transition to their new home.
Still looking for the perfect luxury home community for you? London Bay Homes has come up with the perfect process towards finding your ideal new home community in Southwest Florida and you can start by checking out the award-winning communities in which we build and setting up your private tour.
