How to Fit Into City Life when Moving from a Small Town
Build a culture list., Research any local laws., Prepare for the weather., Construct a map of important places., Prepare for a different lifestyle., Review different kinds of maps., Navigate the most direct routes., Familiarize yourself with the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Build a culture list.
List all possibilities of a city that it might have, such as transportation, education, city halls, libraries, parking, etc.
By creating a list, you can have a written guide with which to start exploring your new territory.
Use guidebooks written for travelers.
These are handy for new arrivals moving into a city as they are for tourists. -
Step 2: Research any local laws.
It's essential to understand the local city laws or have an idea of them when first arriving.
If you drive, you must be aware of all laws pertaining to driving, including how to handle emergency vehicles, snow emergencies and bans, and parking meter time limits.
Also understand road markings, signs and simple but important things such as merging and giving way to vehicles in particular situations (for example, where there are cable cars involved). , The further your move is, the more different of a climate and weather change you will need to expect.
Moreover, large cities tend to create their own micro-climates and this can be disconcerting at first, until you learn to cope with additional heat from so much concrete, extra humidity, icy sidewalks or windy corridors caused by tall buildings and grid streets.
Another thing that sometimes comes as a surprise is how cold shade thrown from tall buildings can make a street feel, especially in the mornings.
Jot down and learn the average temperatures for January and July.
January is usually the coldest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and hottest in the Southern Hemisphere, while July is the complete opposite (hottest in the Northern Hemisphere and coldest in the Southern Hemisphere).
Plan on changing your wardrobe in order to adjust to your new location, depending on the seasons.
Many places around the tropics do not experience the same seasons and weather patterns as those areas closer to the North and South polar regions. , You might want to start with city hall, grocery stores, banks, the DMV/RMV (Department or Registry of Motor Vehicles), the closest school, police station, and gas station.
There are plenty of apps available to help you locate good eating establishments and places of entertainment, so download a reputable one to assist you. , Many cities does not have the same environment as towns and counties.
Accept the reality that you may not be able to do the same activities or see the same sights in the city.
Everything can take longer in a city, such as traveling from A to B, waiting for service, getting help from tradespersons, etc.
Be prepared to wait! , Purchase one with detailed information, such as street inserts and public transportation routes.
If you have a smartphone or similar portable electronic device, many maps can be easily downloaded, often for free.
There are also many programs available that allow you to draw on digital maps, to make notes, etc. , The most direct and fastest routes are typically the easiest to learn when moving into a new city.
After time and getting routes down, you can then determine if side streets or other highways are better or worse for you. , From small playgrounds to the zoo, every city has locations that small towns and rural areas wouldn't or have a lack of. , City life is usually more expensive than town and country prices.
Even the smallest things can really add up.
There are often things you'd get for free in smaller towns that cost money in the city, including parking, a glass of water/bread with your meal or certain kinds of household rates.
You'll need to account for all these extras as part of your budgeting., Write out your list in two columns and then break each one down, if needed.
Food, gas, electricity, rent/mortgage, and heat may be the most essential needs to put down.
Social activities, attractions, household items, and internet would probably be considered as wants. , Research on the variety of electric, internet, and phone based companies in the area.
Always calculate if bundle packages are cheaper than getting single items., Find a supermarket near your home and see if it offers free or cheap delivery or whether you'll need to self-deliver.
For fresh food, scout farmers markets in the city.
Many farmers markets have cheaper produce than supermarkets, however, depending on the city, they may also be seasonal and not always open. , While attraction discounts would be more fit for families, any individual can enjoy discounts to restaurants, bars, and other new discoveries in the city.
Look for discounts online (company websites, special offer sites, etc.) and through tourist brochures, etc.
Use coupons when shopping for food., Allow yourself to naturally take everything around you in.
Transferring into a bigger environment is only overwhelming if one believes it is. , Use any downtime to get to know your neighbors, whether you are in an apartment, townhouse, or neighborhood.
Not only will this help to decrease any feeling of loneliness, these people can be a source of support and help if you have problems.
In return, be ready to help them too. , Motivate yourself to sign up with events that will increase your social being and interactions with others in the city.
Whether it is volunteering for a clean-up organization, donation drive, or sports, there's a long list of activities one can do. , Each city has its own unique take when the sun goes down and the lights turn on.
Even if you work in the middle of the city, it's truly a different approach between day and night.
Ask the locals for tips and also ask them about where it's safe to go at night, just to be sure. , Adjust your budget in allowing yourself to go out at least once a week and try out a new restaurant or drink that you have not tried before.
Many restaurants nowadays experiment with fusion cuisine, meaning combining two region cuisines together, such as Japanese and American. , You may never know if you need extra pocket change for a last minute parking meter, take out drive-thru, public transportation, tolls, etc. , Build "mutual interests" with people around your area on Twitter.
A lot of companies, including police departments, local businesses, and city councils are interacting and networking with residents and fans nowadays.
And use sites like Meet Up to connect with local people in your area who have interests similar to your own, such as cycling, overcoming anxiety, raising children, building computers, whatever! -
Step 3: Prepare for the weather.
-
Step 4: Construct a map of important places.
-
Step 5: Prepare for a different lifestyle.
-
Step 6: Review different kinds of maps.
-
Step 7: Navigate the most direct routes.
-
Step 8: Familiarize yourself with the locations of attractions.
-
Step 9: Establish a new budget.
-
Step 10: Brainstorm on your needs versus wants.
-
Step 11: Compare different companies before signing up for services.
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Step 12: Organize your methods of grocery shopping.
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Step 13: Take advantage of any discounts.
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Step 14: Schedule your time.
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Step 15: Increase your social skills.
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Step 16: Participate in social clubs.
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Step 17: Experience the nightlife.
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Step 18: Motivate yourself to try new food.
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Step 19: Keep some cash on you.
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Step 20: Connect with others on social networking sites.
Detailed Guide
List all possibilities of a city that it might have, such as transportation, education, city halls, libraries, parking, etc.
By creating a list, you can have a written guide with which to start exploring your new territory.
Use guidebooks written for travelers.
These are handy for new arrivals moving into a city as they are for tourists.
It's essential to understand the local city laws or have an idea of them when first arriving.
If you drive, you must be aware of all laws pertaining to driving, including how to handle emergency vehicles, snow emergencies and bans, and parking meter time limits.
Also understand road markings, signs and simple but important things such as merging and giving way to vehicles in particular situations (for example, where there are cable cars involved). , The further your move is, the more different of a climate and weather change you will need to expect.
Moreover, large cities tend to create their own micro-climates and this can be disconcerting at first, until you learn to cope with additional heat from so much concrete, extra humidity, icy sidewalks or windy corridors caused by tall buildings and grid streets.
Another thing that sometimes comes as a surprise is how cold shade thrown from tall buildings can make a street feel, especially in the mornings.
Jot down and learn the average temperatures for January and July.
January is usually the coldest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and hottest in the Southern Hemisphere, while July is the complete opposite (hottest in the Northern Hemisphere and coldest in the Southern Hemisphere).
Plan on changing your wardrobe in order to adjust to your new location, depending on the seasons.
Many places around the tropics do not experience the same seasons and weather patterns as those areas closer to the North and South polar regions. , You might want to start with city hall, grocery stores, banks, the DMV/RMV (Department or Registry of Motor Vehicles), the closest school, police station, and gas station.
There are plenty of apps available to help you locate good eating establishments and places of entertainment, so download a reputable one to assist you. , Many cities does not have the same environment as towns and counties.
Accept the reality that you may not be able to do the same activities or see the same sights in the city.
Everything can take longer in a city, such as traveling from A to B, waiting for service, getting help from tradespersons, etc.
Be prepared to wait! , Purchase one with detailed information, such as street inserts and public transportation routes.
If you have a smartphone or similar portable electronic device, many maps can be easily downloaded, often for free.
There are also many programs available that allow you to draw on digital maps, to make notes, etc. , The most direct and fastest routes are typically the easiest to learn when moving into a new city.
After time and getting routes down, you can then determine if side streets or other highways are better or worse for you. , From small playgrounds to the zoo, every city has locations that small towns and rural areas wouldn't or have a lack of. , City life is usually more expensive than town and country prices.
Even the smallest things can really add up.
There are often things you'd get for free in smaller towns that cost money in the city, including parking, a glass of water/bread with your meal or certain kinds of household rates.
You'll need to account for all these extras as part of your budgeting., Write out your list in two columns and then break each one down, if needed.
Food, gas, electricity, rent/mortgage, and heat may be the most essential needs to put down.
Social activities, attractions, household items, and internet would probably be considered as wants. , Research on the variety of electric, internet, and phone based companies in the area.
Always calculate if bundle packages are cheaper than getting single items., Find a supermarket near your home and see if it offers free or cheap delivery or whether you'll need to self-deliver.
For fresh food, scout farmers markets in the city.
Many farmers markets have cheaper produce than supermarkets, however, depending on the city, they may also be seasonal and not always open. , While attraction discounts would be more fit for families, any individual can enjoy discounts to restaurants, bars, and other new discoveries in the city.
Look for discounts online (company websites, special offer sites, etc.) and through tourist brochures, etc.
Use coupons when shopping for food., Allow yourself to naturally take everything around you in.
Transferring into a bigger environment is only overwhelming if one believes it is. , Use any downtime to get to know your neighbors, whether you are in an apartment, townhouse, or neighborhood.
Not only will this help to decrease any feeling of loneliness, these people can be a source of support and help if you have problems.
In return, be ready to help them too. , Motivate yourself to sign up with events that will increase your social being and interactions with others in the city.
Whether it is volunteering for a clean-up organization, donation drive, or sports, there's a long list of activities one can do. , Each city has its own unique take when the sun goes down and the lights turn on.
Even if you work in the middle of the city, it's truly a different approach between day and night.
Ask the locals for tips and also ask them about where it's safe to go at night, just to be sure. , Adjust your budget in allowing yourself to go out at least once a week and try out a new restaurant or drink that you have not tried before.
Many restaurants nowadays experiment with fusion cuisine, meaning combining two region cuisines together, such as Japanese and American. , You may never know if you need extra pocket change for a last minute parking meter, take out drive-thru, public transportation, tolls, etc. , Build "mutual interests" with people around your area on Twitter.
A lot of companies, including police departments, local businesses, and city councils are interacting and networking with residents and fans nowadays.
And use sites like Meet Up to connect with local people in your area who have interests similar to your own, such as cycling, overcoming anxiety, raising children, building computers, whatever!
About the Author
Melissa Ortiz
Enthusiastic about teaching cooking techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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