Settling In: Exploring Your New Neighborhood and Community
Successfully moving involves more than just unpacking boxes; it's about making your new surroundings feel like home and building connections within your new community. Taking the time to explore, learn, and engage is key to feeling settled and comfortable after your international move.
Getting Your Bearings:
Start by familiarizing yourself with the immediate area:
- Locate Essentials: Find the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, banks/ATMs, post office, and hardware store. Knowing where these are makes daily life much easier.
- Walk/Drive Around: Explore your immediate neighborhood on foot and drive around nearby areas. Note parks, playgrounds, cafes, restaurants, shops, and other points of interest. Get a feel for the neighborhood's layout and atmosphere.
- Learn Local Transportation: Figure out the main roads and highways. If applicable, research public transit options – bus routes, train lines, schedules, and fare systems (e.g., NJ Transit serves the Cresskill area). Check typical commute times to work or other frequent destinations using tools like Google Maps.
- Find Local Services: Start researching or asking for recommendations for essential services like doctors, dentists, veterinarians (if you have pets), auto mechanics, childcare providers, hairdressers, etc. (See Finding a Doctor guide).
Connecting with the Community:
Building connections helps combat loneliness and makes a new place feel welcoming:
- Meet Your Neighbors: Don't be shy! A simple "hello" when you see neighbors outside can open doors. Introduce yourself briefly. Be open to casual conversations.
- Visit the Local Library: Libraries are fantastic community hubs. They offer much more than books – event calendars, local information, free Wi-Fi, computer access, children's programs, language learning resources (like ESL classes), and sometimes even museum passes.
- Cresskill Resource: Check out the Cresskill Public Library at 53 Union Avenue. They offer books in English, Korean, and Hebrew, movies, events, WiFi, and ESL classes according to Bergen ResourceNet.
- Check Community Centers & Recreation Departments: Look for local community centers or the town's recreation department for classes (fitness, arts), sports leagues (for adults or children), community events, and clubs.
- Cresskill Resource: The Cresskill Community Center is located at 100 Third Street (contact 201-816-8066 for appointments/use permits). The Cresskill Recreation Department (201-816-8065) manages activities and sports programs, often using online registration.
- Join Local Online Groups: Platforms like Facebook often have town-specific or neighborhood groups (search "Cresskill NJ Community," etc.). Nextdoor is another app connecting neighbors. These can be great for asking questions, getting recommendations, and learning about local happenings (use with discretion).
- Support Local Businesses: Patronize local coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries, and stores. It's a good way to learn the area, discover hidden gems, and meet local people.
- Attend Local Events: Look for farmers' markets, town festivals, concerts in the park, school events (even if you don't have kids yet, it shows community spirit), or town council meetings to understand local issues. Check the Cresskill Borough website for calendars or announcements.
- Volunteer: If your time permits, volunteering for a local cause you care about (animal shelter, school, food pantry, environmental group) is an excellent way to meet like-minded people and make a positive contribution to your new community.
- Connect Through Kids: If you have children, school activities, sports teams, playgrounds, and library story times are natural ways to meet other parents. (See Moving with Kids guide).
Making Your House a Home:
Feeling comfortable in your personal space is vital:
- Unpack Strategically: Prioritize unpacking essential areas like the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms first. Don't feel pressured to unpack everything immediately.
- Personalize Your Space: Hang pictures, display familiar objects, arrange furniture comfortably, add plants or decor that reflects your taste. Small touches make a big difference in making a rented or purchased space feel like *yours*.
- Establish Routines: Try to get back into regular routines for meals, work/study, exercise, and sleep as soon as possible. Routines provide structure and a sense of normalcy during a period of change.
- Learn Your Way Around: Practice driving or walking different routes. Identify landmarks to help you navigate without relying solely on GPS.
- Host a Housewarming (Optional): Once you feel somewhat settled, consider inviting a few neighbors, colleagues, or new contacts over for a casual gathering. It's a nice way to reciprocate welcomes and strengthen connections.
Official Welcome Resources: Check your new town's or city's official website (like CresskillBoro.com) or the state's newcomer resources (like the NJ Office of New Americans) for welcome packets, guides, or online resources specifically for new residents.
Be Patient: Feeling fully "settled" takes time – often months or even a year or more. Don't pressure yourself to know everything, be everywhere, or make dozens of friends immediately. Allow yourself grace and time to adjust at your own pace.
