Moving from one distinct region to another is an amazing experience that everyone should do at least once in their lives. But, if you’ve never ventured outside of your hometown, there can be a pretty huge culture shock after moving somewhere new.
When I was 11 years old, my family packed up our moving truck and drove from Arizona to West Virginia, and my life was turned upside down. It was like moving to a different world. The West Virginia accent was so different from my West Coast accent that I could barely understand anyone. Moving from a large city to a very rural location was an adjustment. Everyone seemed to know each other, and we were the outsiders. On top of that, middle school is basically a less fun version of “Mean Girls,” so I was not a happy camper.
There were four more moves to different states in my future. Thankfully, I can look back on these stressful times and laugh knowing that I learned some valuable lessons about adjusting to the culture shock after moving.
Go exploring.
When you move to a new state, the first thing you should do is explore your new area. Check out the local restaurants and avoid chains when you can to really get a feel for your new home. Explore nearby parks, museums, concert venues and natural attractions. Find out what makes this new area special.
Join a group or team.
Making new friends is the quickest way to adjust to living in a new area. If your life consists of commuting to and from work or school, you’ll want to join a group. Running groups, hobby clubs or volunteering are great ways to meet new people. Another option is to sign up for a recreational sport like kickball, softball or volleyball.
Appreciate the differences.
After exploring and making new friends, you’ll still be tempted to compare your new home to your old one. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just make sure you remember that every place is different and has its own charm. You may miss the hustle and noise of a big city, but living in the country has its perks too. You can see the stars better. The slower pace is less stressful, and people take the time to get to know each other. Or, if you’ve moved from the country to the city, take a moment to appreciate how you can have food delivered at 4 a.m., and you’ll never have to walk far for a fresh cup of coffee.
How did you adjust to living in a new area? What differences did you notice moving from one region to another? Share your thoughts and tips below!
