The boxes are (almost) unpacked, you’ve memorized your new address, and now it’s time to make yourself at home. Meeting new people and finding activities you enjoy are key steps in truly feeling at home in a community. Here are a few ideas to get you started in making new friends and plugging into your new hometown.
1. Shop local. Support local businesses, farmers markets, and street festivals to discover what your new home has to offer. Chat with the shopkeepers about the area and make new friends while you’re at it! You never know who you might meet in the aisles either – for example, a fellow bookworm at the local bookstore.
2. Explore area parks, walking trails, and historic sites. There are several local walking and hiking groups for trail enthusiasts of all levels. Area hikes are often sponsored by the local parks and recreation department, the Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, and Tennessee State Parks.
3. Get a library card. Local libraries have a plethora of learning programs, book clubs, plant swaps, and activities for children, teens, and adults alike. And all of these resources can be taken advantage of for free! Learn how to get a library card at wcpltn.org (Williamson County) or www.mcpltn.org (Maury County) or rclstn.org (Rutherford County).
4. Join a church or place of worship. Finding a church home is a great way to connect with a variety of generations and make new friends. There is an abundance of church communitites serving local people wh need assistance. Churches also host social functions where you can connect with other church-goers.
5. Get involved with your city. Civic engagement isn’t just for high school. You too can volunteer to be on a city committee or help with a local street festival to get acquainted with your neighbors and throw yourself fully into your new community. Area United Way agencies have several organizations they support who may be looking for volunteers.
6. Check out the local Parks and Recreation department. The city and county parks and recreation programs have regular social opportunities such as movies in the park, seasonal festivals, sports leagues, art and dance classes, guided hikes, and local theatre and music productions.
7. Explore the area’s quaint downtowns on the first Friday evening of every month when downtown Franklin hosts the Franklin Art Crawl. Columbia’s historic downtown square comes alive during Columbia’s First Friday, April – December, where you can explore shops and enjoy live music. During the spring, summer, and fall months, downtown Murfreesboro hosts Friday Night Live around the courthouse square
8. Join a local civic club or gardening, hiking or art club to meet people with similar interests.
Williamson County • Rutherford County • Maury County • Wilson County
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