You’ve decided that you’d like to move out and although the allure of the country house and the bigger garden is what you really want for your family, there is a little voice inside that is telling you that if move to the countryside your social life is doomed!
How do we know this? Well, we have both been there having made the move out from London ourselves and this is a concern that comes up all the time with our clients.
We are happy to reassure you that not only have we made wonderful friends down here but that you’ll find that because so many people living down here have made the same journey themselves, newcomers are generally welcomed into the local gang with open arms. It may take six months to feel really settled, there are many ways to meet people.
Here are our top tips for making new friends:
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Before you’ve moved down, maybe when the offer is accepted on your new lovely home, join as many local groups online as you can. There are so many groups on Facebook for example, and you can get a feel for what and where fellow parents are doing or going, so that names of places start to get a bit more familiar.
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If you have young children, go down and tour around the nurseries and ask the helpers where the best local toddler groups are. I was surprised to find out that the best ones are not advertised, it is all word of mouth.
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If your children are school age, you’ll find that the school will provide a great way to meet fellow parents, especially if you have time to volunteer or get involved with the PTA in some capacity.
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To increase the likelihood of meeting your new BFF, sign up to the local leisure centre/ private gym and take up some classes. Your child will also probably sign up to some out of school activities as well, whether it be swimming, football or drama. This is another great opportunity to meet other parents with children of the same age.
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If sport isn’t your bag, then the local pub will at least get you out and about for a drink or Sunday lunch and in the heart of the community, so that local faces become more familiar.
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Talking of the heart of the community, the local church, is also often a great way to get to know your neighbours of all ages. There is no need to go every week, but you’ll find that the key dates in the diaries can be very popular with families, particularly at Easter and Christmas, when the whole village will come together to celebrate.
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Villages often have set annual events where everyone mucks in, be it the May Fair, Summer Fair, Christmas Fair, or Bonfire celebrations. Taking time to volunteer in some capacity – it not only helps you get to know fellow villagers but will also help you and your family feel part of the local community.
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If none of the above appeal, then how about getting a pet? Get a dog, and you have an instant new community. Not only do they force you out and about in order to exercise them but you’ll always find someone up for a dog walk and chat, especially if you live in a beautiful part of the work like we do here in Surrey – and of course having a dog means you’ll never been lonely anyway!
Good luck!
