Your new home in Sunterra is ready. All that’s left for you to do is unload the moving truck and meet your new neighbors. Sounds easy in theory, but many people find it difficult. Not to worry. Sunterra is all about building community. Follow these tips and you’ll be hanging with your neighbors in no time.
Say Hello
Sunterra residents are always ready with a smile. Reward them with the word, “hello.” A simple greeting tells people that you want to engage with them. Before you know it, you’ll be exchanging phone numbers and making plans to meet up at the local coffee shop.
Let Fido Be Your Wingman
Dogs make great wingmen. Who doesn’t want to stop and pet a tail-wagging pup? Take your furry Fido for a walk in your neighborhood and along the trails. You are sure to meet neighbors and their dogs. See, you already have something in common!
Everyone Loves Gifts
Not long ago, neighbors welcomed neighbors with gifts of baked goods. You can take the initiative and whip something up for your neighbors (and if you happen to need to borrow a cup of sugar, that works, too). If you are worried about potential food allergies introduce yourself with a beautiful plant or bouquet of flowers.
Throw a Housewarming Party
Let’s be honest. Your new neighbors are probably dying to see your home. Invite them via a dinner or housewarming party. Send cute invitations or make up flyers. Plan to keep it casual with appetizers and drinks. It’s a good idea not to invite friends from your old neighborhood or family members because you want to concentrate on making new friends.
Ask for Advice
Asking for advice is a great way to get a conversation going. If you are new to the area, ask your neighbors where the best coffee shop is, who they use to repair their bikes, how to sign your kids up for soccer or any other questions you might have. Sure, you could use Google, but why do that when you can make a new friend?
Get Outside
It should go without saying that if you want to meet new people, you can’t hide in the house. If your home has a porch, be sure to be sitting on it in the evening. Encourage the kids to play in the front yard. Doing so will attract other kids and their parents. Parks, playgrounds and dog parks are also good places to meet people.
Participate in Resident-only Events
Master-planned communities like Sunterra offer lots of resident-only activities. Be sure to sign up. You never know who you might run into standing in line at a food truck, dancing to music played by a local band or doing yoga on the event lawn.
Join a Club/PTO
Master-planned communities often have resident clubs dedicated to interests such as volunteering, sewing, whiskey, reading and more. Find one that appeals to you and join. Don’t see anything you like? Start your own club. If you have children join the Parent Teacher Organization at their school. It’s an easy way to meet parents as dedicated to their children’s education as you are.
