Moving to a new city? 3 tips to make settling in easier

​In the last several months, I’ve been inspired to reconsider what my work could look like in a post pandemic environment. There are options to work remotely and with that option there are opportunities! Maybe you’re thinking about moving to be closer to family or to a more remote location and want to keep your job or maybe you want to travel and work at the same time! 

My inuksuk in Halifax Nova Scotia

I’ve moved to several cities across Canada for different reasons over the last 15 years. I found myself moving to British Columbia back in 2009 with a sense of adventure having never lived on the west coast of Canada (I am an Ontario lady). I also found myself moving to Alberta in 2018 for a job. Although both moves had very different objectives and I felt differently about both of them, I ended up pursuing similar ways to feel connected. Even in a COVID-touched world where masks might be the new norm for some time, there will be opportunities to explore and connect with others. If you find yourself moving to a new city to take advantage of an opportunity, here are a few tips I’ve learned and practice to feel more at home.

Digging Ground Water Monitoring Wells in Wainwright Alberta (drilling rig)

1. Walk or jog/run around your new city as soon as you can

I have found walking or jogging is slower than driving (and healthier than sitting in a car). When I’m moving slower, I’m able to take in more of my surroundings and get a good sense of the area. After my move to Barrie Ontario from Victoria British Columbia in 2015, I was surprised at all the hidden trails, beautiful waterfront, cool shops that I found when jogging around that I would likely not have seen if I hadn’t been on foot. I would go out and enjoy those same trails again when I needed to connect with nature and relax. I would feel connected to people in the community when I knew the places locals were referring to in conversation and I would feel good sharing my first hand experience.  

Out exploring with Joey on the trails outside of town

​​2. Ask yourself what you love to do and look for groups that do those things

In my case, I like running, biking, yoga, and reading. Before my more recent move to Wainwright Alberta in 2018, I found a local running club online and asked to join. Subsequently when talking with my new Wainwright colleagues at work, they mentioned one of our clients led the local running club and did long distance triathlons. I had completed some shorter distance triathlons so when I met our client, I asked about their experience with triathlon; we were able to share our own stories of the sport. My client connection made attending the first running club group run easier. I ended up meeting lots of active people with the club including a doctor, who happened to be taking on more clients! Win win! I was loving the connection with people with similar interests and I found my much needed family doctor pretty quickly! 

Bison in Wainwright Alberta Canada

3. Volunteer to lead something

​I’ve found being in a leading position gives me a good reason to talk to lots of people and show them I’m interested in getting involved and being part of their community. When I moved to Alberta, the leader of the running club mentioned in conversation that they were looking for help organizing their running races. I was aware that if I volunteered, I’d make a wonderful impression as well as possibly new friends. Also, I could tell that our client was a little hesitant about me during our first conversation. I had moved from a larger city to a smaller town for work so I was considered a true outsider. I knew I needed to provide something of value to the town outside of work in order to prove I genuinely wanted to be there. So, I volunteered to be the director of one of the club’s running races. I had lots of help (and contacts) from the previous volunteers. The race was a success in a few ways; not only did the race turn out lots of people, I felt excited about using my leadership position as a platform to encourage those at the race to check out the newly opened yoga studio. My new client was happy with the race and our partnership at work turned into a collaborative one. 

Bison Run Race Bowl won by my Sweetie

Nothing like that wonderful feeling of belonging

After my move back to Barrie in 2020, I remember going for a run in Simcoe forest. While I was running I distinctly remember a very comforting feeling come over me. I felt like I belonged. I’ve run in so many places, but this feeling was different. I’ll never forget that feeling of belonging. If a move is in your future or if you’ve already moved and want to feel more settled in your new city or town, I encourage you to go for a jog and explore, join a group and take on a manageable leading role. I guarantee you’ll feel more settled and connected to your new surroundings.   

Cher has lived in Scarborough ON, Kingston ON, Halifax NS, Victoria BC, Wainwright AB and Barrie ON

I want to thank Lyndsay Barrett for helping with the editing of this post.