Moving to a new city is so many things. It is challenging, thrilling, sometimes lonely, a new adventure… cue the roller coaster of feelings.
I remember when I moved to Fort Myers, FL from Saratoga Springs, NY – myself, my dog, and a carload of stuff.
What will I do for fun? How will I meet people? Who will do my hair? What vet is best to care for my fur baby? Should I just fly home for my doctor’s or dentist’s appointments?
All valid newbie questions when you’re living in a strange place.
Settling into your new city is a combination of exciting discovery and a desire for the familiar. Your initial days are a whirlwind of exploring your new neighborhood and discovering local quirks. There’s an undeniable thrill in finding hidden gems, such as a cozy café that is tucked away on a side street. My cozy gem here was a French café, with the best almond croissants.
But finding your go-to coffee spot, navigating the local grocery store, and building a network of friendly faces takes time and effort – which is where you can enlist the help of some amazing apps.
We have compiled a list of the most essential ones, the best ones to help guide you on your “new city, new me” journey.
6 Essential Apps to Help You Settle Into Your New Neighborhood
1. Welcome Wagon App
Remember the days when a neighbor would stop by with a basket of goodies to welcome you to your new neighborhood?
Welcome Wagon’s app recreates a traditional “welcome to town” experience in a digital way. Instead of a basket of goodies, the app connects new residents with local coupons and brochures through targeted offers and recommendations.
Users can discover nearby restaurants, find trusted professionals like doctors and dentists, and explore community events, all within a user-friendly interface.
When you need to quickly acclimate to your new surroundings and discover what your community has to offer, the WW App has your back.
2. Google Maps
Unfamiliar streets in a brand-new city can be overwhelming. The Google Maps app can help you find your way and familiarize yourself with your commutes. You search for “Grocery stores near me” and you’re en route to the nearest grocery store. Helping you find the places you need to go is why Google Maps is a must have app for new movers in those crucial first days.
Beyond basic directions, Google Maps offers real-time traffic updates, helping you avoid rush hour as you explore your new surroundings.
To ensure that you’re finding the real local gems, reviews, and photos allow you to preview the business before venturing out your (new) front door. Let the good vibes guide you.
3. Next Door
A new neighborhood is made up of new places, and the best way to know which places to go to is by asking the people who have lived there.
Nextdoor is an app that connects you with your fellow residents, bringing your new community to you.
If you’re looking for recommendations for a reliable plumber, a trustworthy babysitter, or the best dog park to play fetch – Nextdoor provides a platform for asking your new neighbors directly and receiving firsthand advice.
It’s also a hub for sharing important community information. Find out about neighborhood events (a perfect place to get to know the people in your new community), crime alerts, lost pet notices and local business recommendations.
4. Uber Eats
I remember being surrounded by boxes, looking into my empty and unfamiliar kitchen, after living off car snacks for the duration of the 28-hour drive to my new home.
Hello, Uber Eats app!
The perfect lifesaving app for new residents, it offers the immediate convenience of restaurant delivery. Think of it as a convenient way to taste the local culinary scene, without ever having to leave your home (or change from your “new mover uniform” aka your old college t-shirt). No need for an inconvenient trip to the grocery store or digging out your cast iron. Enjoy yummy, hot food at your service, giving you time to unwind and settle in.
Uber Eats gives you a chance to sample different cuisines, discover hidden gems, and quickly get a sense of your new neighborhood’s culinary scene.
While relying solely on takeout isn’t exactly ideal for the long term, it provides a much-needed break during the chaotic moving process.
5. Meetup
Moving to a new city can make you feel isolated, lonely and homesick.
Meetup provides a platform to discover local groups based on hobbies, professional fields, or even shared life stages.
Find other locals who are passionate about the same things you are. There are hundreds of meet-up groups for people into hiking, photography, board games, sports, entrepreneurship, and more.
When you’re building a social network from scratch, using an app like Meetup is a godsend since it t allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and explore the city through shared activities.
Beyond just making friends, Meetup can help new residents discover local hangouts in their area, learn about community events, and feel more at home in their new community.
6. Eventbrite
When you’re the new kid in town, eager to dive into the culture of your new city, Eventbrite serves as a digital portal to your local experiences.
Whatever it is that you like to do, it offers a diverse calendar of events that cater to all sorts of interests. You can attend a workshop or class, pop over to the farmers market, attend a community gathering, or use it for networking opportunities. If you’re a music lover, use it to find concerts in your favorite genre, or festivals.
Eventbrite is the perfect app for new residents who like to live life in motion. Through it you can quickly get a feel for your new city’s vibe, connect with neighbors, and start to feel like your calendar is filled with exciting possibilities!
Connecting New Movers with Local Businesses
When you’re in a new city trying to memorize street names, where to turn left, and the best places to grab a morning coffee or a pizza – finding a routine can seem like a distant dream.
We suggest having these apps in your back pocket to help you adjust to your new neighborhood. And don’t forget to find great deals in your neighborhood with the Welcome Wagon app!
