Moved to a new place and it’s not quite paradise? I know the feeling. I’ve lived in a lot of different places, and even though I’ve always had a positive approach to make the most of my time in each, there’s certainly been challenges. Some places just take a little more effort to love while others are effortless. Today I’m sharing my tips and strategies to help you find that love (or at least like) a little faster. Here’s my guide on how to make the most of where you live even if you’re struggling to like it.
How To Make The Most Of Where You Live (If You’re Struggling To Like It)
Disclaimer
I am an affiliate with Booking.com.
Stop comparing it to your last home, your hometown, or anywhere else
There’s a difference between a comparison to put things in perspective with an intent to understand the world around you…
and comparing in a way that creates an unrealistic checklist of expectations the new place has to meet.
It’s a subtle difference between being open to experiencing the new destination for what it is and only liking it if it’s exactly like wherever you’re comparing it to.
Harsh truth alert, it’s a new place. A different place. It’s not your hometown or wherever you moved from. Expecting it to be anything other than what it is will only lead you to disappointment. That is a mindset that only hurts you and will hold you back from positive experiences.
It’s time to be open to experiencing the location for its glorious, unique self.
This new place has something to offer you. I’ve lived in too many places to count and every single place has had a unique charm to fall in love with. You can never see it if you’re only looking back though.
You have to be open to finding it.
Ultimately this is a you vs you problem, but unless you have an open mindset you can’t really make the most of your new home.
Join local Facebook groups for ideas
Facebook groups can be a gold mine of information on things to do. It’s a way to bypass the Google algorithm which typically favors big money websites. These don’t always give the best advice or come from lived experience (don’t get me started on the big money travel blogs that write ‘solo female travel’ posts when they didn’t travel solo or visit the places they recommend.)
With Facebook groups you can find a lot of insider knowledge from people who’ve actually been to the places.
The downside is that you have to sift through the usual BS that comes with social media. What is it with people that think their opinion is the one and only way to do things? Or the combative people who want to put down others? Urgh.
However, in my opinion it’s worth it because there are far more people who are willing to answer questions and share things to do.
I recommend searching for groups in your local area, city, and state to find a wide range of things to do. Then all you have to do is be inspired by the adventures people share.
Ideas:
- Town groups
- Region groups
- City groups
- State groups
- Adventure specific groups (e.g. if you like restaurants then foodie groups, or hiking groups if you like hiking etc)
Take a staycation
If you are having trouble creating an open mindset, one way to help is to take a staycation.
The vacation feeling can help you see the destination through different eyes.
When you can fully relax and explore instead of worrying about daily chores, to-do lists, and schedules it is easier to appreciate the destination.
All you need to do is book somewhere to stay for the weekend – I use Booking.com because it’s a good place to find last minute deals.
Then go and explore like a tourist! Visit the sights, eat some nice food, even take a touristy tour. Sure, it might be overpriced but now’s the time to experience it. Give yourself permission to enjoy life.
Another option is to invite a friend to visit you. This one is a double win because you get to have time with your friend and also see the destination through their eyes. You get to experience some of their suggestions and it also forces you to put in some effort to find things to show them as you’re playing tour guide.
Join local groups
This is a great option if you’re looking to meet new friends or just aren’t into solo adventures.
Look for local groups you can join, classes to take, or events to attend. There’s probably a group, club, or class for things you’re interested in, you just need to find it.
Another option is to volunteer in a position that’s something you’re interested in. For example, I love wildlife so I volunteered at a zoo. Volunteering with such cool wildlife became a grand adventure in itself!
All of these are a great way to meet people who also have an interest in getting out and experiencing life.
You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with, after all. If you surround yourself with people who sit on a couch and whine that there’s nothing to do, then that mindset will infect you too.
As an added bonus, you can learn new skills and support local businesses!
Ideas:
- Group activities for whatever you like doing e.g. hiking, cycling, running etc.
- Craft events e.g. sip n paint, gardening classes etc.
- Volunteer somewhere you’re interested in e.g. animal shelter, local sport club, church, local event etc.
- Fitness classes e.g. outdoor boot camps
Start small
One thing I like to do when I move somewhere new is start small, start local, and branch out over time.
Usually there’s a lot to soak in when you first move and it can be a bit of brain overload. Starting small takes a lot of the planning pressure off in the early days when you’re getting used to everything and have other things to focus on.
Even if you’ve been in the destination for a while, don’t overthink it or put too much pressure on yourself.
Just start small with an outing close by where you live. Even trying a new place to eat or a half day outing is a good place to start.
You can always build over time with adventures that require a bigger time or money commitment and more pressure to make the most of your investment of both. By starting small you at least get started and can build momentum for the bigger adventures.
Starting small also helps to give you an appreciation of the smaller adventures – not everything has to be a big production. There’s beauty in all adventures.
Ideas:
- Eat at a new restaurant
- Try food that’s a specialty for the area
- Local nature walk/ hike
- Local botanical garden
- Local museum
- Walk around the city
- Local art gallery
Other guides you might enjoy:
8 Ways To Plan Things To Do While Traveling (Not Guidebooks)
A Practical Guide On How To Pick The Best Camera For Traveling
If you found this useful, return the favor by sharing it or following me on Instagram!
I love that you wrote about this. I moved to a new place about 6 years ago that I did NOT enjoy. I was miserable for the first year and a half and I kept trying to get myself out of the funk. I moved there for a job that was a really great opportunity for me, but I just never fit it. I tried almost all the things you described and I almost gave up until I met ONE specific friend that I connected with and she introduced me to another and then things started getting better.
Making the best of a place can definitely be hard so kudos to those who never give up!