Moving to a new town can be overwhelming. We are creatures of habit and moving to a new home in a new town puts us totally out of our comfort zone overnight. Being uprooted from our communities and day to day routines can leave us feeling a little lost. If you plan to or recently have moved to a new town keep reading for some tips on how to feel at home in your new community. Introduce yourself. A great way to do this is by hosting a housewarming party and inviting new neighbors to attend alongside your family and friends. For the shy, taking a walk around the neighborhood and introducing yourself, if you happen to run into a neighbor, may feel like a more natural way to make your introductions. Explore the area. Whether it’s by car, bike, or foot get out there and discover your new neighborhood and town. Discover hidden gems and familiarize yourself with different routes you can use to get around. Shop local. Stop into the local restaurants and shops in your area. Becoming a regular at a spot to your particular liking can be a great way to become a part of the local community and even put you in a position to make some local friends. Play tourist. Get to know your new town by becoming familiar with the sites and places of note it is famous for. Check out the visitor center, community center and/or town hall for information on the attractions that make your town unique. Meetup. Hop online and browse the site Meetup.com for any groups in your local area that are interested in the same hobbies and/or activities as you. This is a great way to find your niche in your new community. If you are shy it is a great way to make friends in the area since you will have something in common with group members right off the bat. Go off the beaten path. Research where the local trails are in your area and pick a day to explore one. Being in nature is a great stress reliever, which is perfect after a big move. A lot of areas offer group walks along their trails which are a great way to meet other community members. Volunteer. Another great way to meet others in the community is by volunteering for local organizations. Not only will you be helping those in need within the community but you will be working side by side with others who enjoy helping as well. Read local. Pick up the local paper or join some of your area’s related Facebook pages to find out about events happening in your new town. Attending ones that pertain to your interests or even some that push your comfort zone will get you out and socializing with your fellow townspeople. While immersing yourself in the community of your new town can leave you feeling a little bit like the new kid in class, it doesn’t have to be quite so painful. With a little bravery and willingness to get out of the house, you will be sure to feel at home in your new community in no time.