Tips For Exploring Your New Neighborhood After Buying A Home

Exploring your new neighborhood after buying a home is an exciting experience. As you settle into your new abode, venturing into the surrounding area offers many opportunities to discover new stores, meet friendly faces, and immerse yourself in the local culture! From strolls through charming streets to engaging in community events, each exploration brings you one step closer to feeling truly at home in your new environment. Take A Stroll Taking a stroll around your new neighborhood can help you slowly get to know the area. As you walk, you'll discover the nearby parks, shops, and other amenities, providing a sense of what your daily life will be like. Meeting neighbors along the way can also make you feel more connected to the community, which will also help reassure you that you've bought a home that's perfect for you. Exploring on foot even allows you to notice small details you might miss when you’re using a faster travel method. Plus, it's a great way to get fresh air and exercise while familiarizing yourself with your surroundings! Meet Your Neighbors Meeting your neighbors is a big part of settling into your new neighborhood. After all, engaging with the people who live nearby creates a sense of community and opens the door to valuable connections. Whether a friendly chat over the fence or a casual introduction while out for a walk, taking the initiative to get to know your neighbors can lead to lifelong friendships. By building these relationships, you'll feel more comfortable and secure in your new surroundings, too. Likewise, your neighbors can offer valuable insights into the area, recommending the best local spots or providing helpful tips for navigating the neighborhood. So, don't hesitate to extend a friendly greeting or strike up a conversation with those around you! Attend Local Events Attending local events is an excellent way of exploring your new neighborhood. From community picnics to street fairs and cultural festivals, these gatherings offer a glimpse into the heart of the area. By participating in these events, you support local businesses and have the chance to meet fellow residents and forge connections. Whether sampling delicious treats from food trucks or enjoying live music under the stars, you’ll find something to enjoy. Likewise, attending these events can help you discover new favorite hangouts you may not find on your own. So, keep an eye out for flyers, social media posts, or community bulletin boards announcing upcoming events. Then, make it a point to join in the fun! You'll soon feel like a true community member, with a calendar full of exciting local happenings. Explore Nearby Restaurants and Cafes Exploring nearby restaurants and cafes is a delightful way to discover the culinary delights of your new neighborhood. From cozy coffee shops serving freshly brewed lattes to trendy bistros dishing out gourmet meals, there's something to satisfy every craving. Moreover, this is a great way to relax after your move, especially after a long-distance relocation that can be very stressful and draining. By venturing out and trying different eateries, you get to treat your taste buds and support local businesses. It's also an opportunity to meet other residents and strike up conversations with fellow food enthusiasts! Visit Local Parks and Recreation Areas​ Visiting local parks and recreation areas offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the surroundings of your dream home. Whether taking a stroll along scenic trails or enjoying a picnic amidst nature's beauty, there's something for everyone to enjoy. These outdoor spaces provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to unwind and recharge amid lush greenery. Furthermore, spending time outdoors has numerous health benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving overall well-being. So, lace up your walking shoes, pack a picnic basket, and head out to discover the natural wonders waiting to be explored right in your new neighborhood. You may even discover secret spots that become your go-to relaxation spots for years to come. Go On A Bike Ride Going on a bike ride is a fantastic way to soak in the sights. As you pedal along streets and winding paths, you'll have the chance to discover scenic spots you might miss driving. Plus, cycling offers a fun and eco-friendly way to get around, reducing your carbon footprint while getting some exercise. Whether you're cruising along tree-lined avenues or venturing off the beaten path, biking allows you to cover more ground and truly immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings!Finally, this is a great way to meet other cyclists and connect with fellow residents who share your hobby. Attend Neighborhood Meetings or Associations Attending neighborhood meetings or associations is a way to engage with your new community and make meaningful connections. These gatherings provide a platform for residents to come together, discuss local issues, and work towards common goals. By participating in these meetings, you stay informed about important developments and have the opportunity to voice your opinions. Consequently, getting involved in neighborhood associations allows you to play a role in shaping the future of your community! Whether it's through organizing events, spearheading initiatives, or advocating for positive change, you’d be doing your part. Finally, these meetings provide a chance to meet your neighbors and forge friendships with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making your neighborhood a better place to live. So, mark your calendar and prioritize attending these gatherings sinceyou'll be glad you did! Explore Local Markets and Shops​ Exploring local markets and shops is exciting. From quaint boutiques offering handmade crafts to bustling markets teeming with fresh produce and artisanal goods, there's something for everyone! By perusing these local establishments, you bothsupport small businesses and get to know the heartbeat of the community. You'll find it all whether you're searching for vintage décor, one-of-a-kind artwork, or specialty ingredients for your favorite recipes. Plus, you can find things to set up your ideal home, from stylish furnishings to cozy accents that reflect your personality. Take a Driving Tour​ Taking a driving tour is a great way to explore the broader area surrounding your new neighborhood. Whether cruising down scenic country roads or navigating bustling city streets, you'll get a sense of the larger community. By driving around, you can also discover nearby attractions, landmarks, and points of interest that you may not otherwise discover. Besides, it's an opportunity to familiarize yourself with essential facilities like grocery stores, hospitals, and schools! That will make it mucheasier to navigate your new surroundings. Plus, you can take note of potential recreational spots, dining options, and entertainment venues to visit in the future. So, hop in your car and adventure through the streets of your new hometown! You never know what you might discover, making your exploration all the more exciting and rewarding. Final Thoughts On Exploring Your New Neighborhood As you continue exploring your new neighborhood after buying a home, every outing is an opportunity to create lasting memories! Whether discovering a cozy café, attending a local event, or simply taking in the sights on a leisurely walk, each experience strengthens your bond with your new community. So, embrace the adventure, and let each exploration deepen your sense of belonging and fulfillment in your new home. *Written by a Guest Author.

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How To Adapt To Living Alone For The First Time

You’ve begun to unpack boxes and put away your belongings in your new home. While it feels exciting, the silence of waking up alone might feel a bit lonely, too. Maybe you’ve just moved into your first apartment after college or you’re going through a break-up and learning to live without your partner. While the journey will be filled with challenges, it’s also an opportunity to get to know yourself better and learn new skills. Your space is your own and you can have all the houseplants you want or finally paint that mural on your wall. Here are several ways you can adapt to living alone for the first time. Create A Sense of Safety and Security   There are many ways to create a safe home environment when you’re living alone. If you’ve just bought the home, install a smart doorbell that lets you see who’s at the door on your phone. You can also install motion lights that provide safety when walking around and illuminate any suspicious activity before it goes too far.   Ask your landlord if you can change the locks for the front and back doors when you first move in. You’ll be able to rest knowing you’re the only person with access to your home. It’s also a good idea to get a spare key. Give it to a friend or neighbor or leave it at work. If anything happens you know you have another way in. Make The Space Your Own Maybe you always shared a room with your siblings or could only have minimal decorations in college. Now that you’re living alone, your space is yours alone and you can make it what you want. You can paint your walls pink, install abstract wallpaper or hang up a floating entertainment center if you want. Remember to include throws and soft cushions to keep warm in NOLA weather. While you may have a thermostat or HVAC system, having something to cuddle up with makes your space more comfortable and personal. Draw-Up Routines Living alone is a transition filled with uncertainty and unfamiliarity. Give yourself comfort with routines geared towards cleaning or settling in after your day to help you cope with this transition. Research shows that routines can help you feel more in control in uncertain times and manage stress and anxiety. Write up a cleaning routine you’ll be able to keep up with. Maybe for you, that looks like cleaning one room a day. Maybe you would prefer cleaning your whole house on the weekend and taking 10-15 minutes daily to put things back in their place. Remember to clean areas you may not have been responsible for before. This is also an opportunity to cultivate self-reliance and confidence. Set aside time to deep clean your porch, weed out your garden or clean the garage. While you may not use your garage often, it’s essential to prevent pest infestation by keeping it clean, dry and well-maintained. A routine for this could look like regular vacuuming and keeping items stored in closed containers. Allow Yourself To Make Mistakes And Learn New Things Practice self-compassion and cultivate a curious mindset. Maybe your partner used to file your taxes and handle the budget. You might have to learn how to mow your lawn or fix a broken shelf in the kitchen. Allow yourself to try the task and learn how to do it. Combine essential skills with fun activities. You could buy a toolbox and learn how to fix the kitchen sink faucet. Or watch a YouTube budget dashboard template tutorial and make your own – with all the colors and moving parts you want. This will help you improve your problem-solving skills and grow your confidence. Tweak Your Budget and Grocery List About that budget. Your spending and grocery shopping will decrease significantly compared to living with a partner or roommates. Make a budget with your necessities — and feel free to tailor it to your preferences. Purchase essentials and non-perishables in bulk and make a meal plan so you know exactly what you need to prepare your meals. Try out different grocery trip schedules like buying fresh foods once or twice a week and other grocery items every two months. As time goes by, you’ll eventually figure out what suits your budget — and your stomach. Prioritize Your Health A whole home to yourself can be an adjustment that might bring up feelings of loneliness or sadness. Maybe an unexpected event led to your move and you still need to process the loss or change. It’s essential to keep healthy habits so the transition is easier on your body. Include as much fruit, vegetables and whole foods as possible in your diet. Attend a demo at the New Orleans School of Cooking to learn how to make fresh and unique meals with the ingredients you have. You’ll support your health and might get to know new people while you’re at it. This might be the time to join a spin class or neighborhood exercise group. Exercise can reduce stress and social interaction will help you cope better emotionally. Explore The Neighborhood Your new neighborhood will be your home for a while. Take some time to walk around and explore. Maybe you’ll find a route you like or meet a neighbor with similar interests. Knowing your surroundings will help you to feel safe, and you’ll build a community that can help when you need it. Visit places that are new to you. Maybe you’ve always wanted to go to the Backstreet Cultural Museum for a live music performance but something always came up. Now’s your chance to explore. Navigating Living Alone For the First Time Remember to be kind to yourself. Embrace the change and let yourself learn new things as you transition. You’ll learn more about yourself, develop self-reliance and you might just find that you’ve always been a handy-person. *Written by Rose Morrison of renovated.com

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No Space? No Fear! How To Make The Most Of Your Limited Space

503 Homer Street, Listed By Sissy Blewster  Interior design can be a challenge, especially if you have limited space. How do you decorate your home in a functional and stylish way with enough breathing room for everyday activities? From painting techniques and architectural-style mirrors to multipurpose furniture, here’s how to make the most of limited space.   Play With Height One of the easiest ways to create the illusion of space is to accentuate the room's height. This technique works if creating more floor space is a challenge. Create the look of extra height with large plants in smaller rooms. When your eye is drawn to the tree or plant, you have more to look at, which makes it feel larger. Placing a couch in front of a large wall or a feature wall can also make a room feel bigger. You can also add sconces or lamps with long arms above furniture to add light and a striking design element. While it may seem intuitive to go small with decor, some larger pieces give the illusion of more space and add a focal point to the room.  Incorporate Multipurpose Furniture Take a page out of the tiny house movement and incorporate multipurpose furniture in your home. While your home may not be a 400-square-foot tiny home, multifunctional furniture is a great way to save space and reduce clutter.  You could replace your coffee table with an ottoman with hidden storage inside, doubling up as seating for extra guests, or a lift-top coffee table that expands upward to create a dining table or workspace by your couch. Ditch the Room Dividers for Curtains   While a room divider can help you use one room for multiple purposes, it can actually make a room feel smaller by taking up floor space. Try replacing room dividers with wall-mounted floor-to-ceiling curtains attached to the ceiling. This can effectively create visual divides if you have a bedroom office space or want to divide the living room and your kid’s play area. When you want to open up the space again, you only need to draw back the curtains.  503 Homer Street, Listed By Sissy Blewster Fit in Floating Shelves Another great way to maximize space with height is to install floating shelves. They’re a multifunctional option you can use to store books and decor in a room. Floating shelves are also effective in places like your garage or attic, allowing you to maximize your space without clutter.  Create a Zen Den in the Garage Need some space to get away and relax after a long day? A zen den in an area away from your normal household environment could help. If you have a garage, maybe it’s time for some spring cleaning to make way for a quiet calm space where you can meditate, read a book or stretch to calm your mind A garage might seem too hot to relax comfortably, but a well-insulated space keeps you cool, especially in hot weather. You’ll want to install insulation with a high R-value to increase thermal efficiency. You could also install a mini fridge with your favorite drinks or snacks to keep cool and make it the ultimate relaxation space. Use Clever Storage for the Kitchen  Boost the space in a cramped kitchen with clever storage ideas like vertical shelving in a pantry, wall hooks for cooking utensils and pots or a pullout cabinet with layers for a spice rack. You can also add an island on wheels for food prep that doubles up as a breakfast nook or workspace but can be pushed to the side to create an open kitchen. If you have limited countertop space, create a kitchen garage for your daily appliances. This approach also reduces clutter, which creates the feeling of more space. Open up the Space With Mirrors Add a large mirror to your living room or bedroom to make it look bigger and brighter. If you have a view of nature or a garden outside, placing the mirror opposite the window can increase the depth of your space. An architectural-style mirror or floor-to-ceiling mirror works even better and can create the illusion of an extra window or door to make a room more open. 503 Homer Street, Listed By Sissy Blewster Use Paint Tricks  While your space will stay the same size, these paint tricks can make any room look larger by creating more depth. Paint your walls one color, then paint the ceiling a shade lighter to make the room feel more cohesive. You can also add a slightly darker shade for the trim, which elongates the space visually. Another good trick is to paint a small room like the bathroom in a high gloss finish. When the light bounces off the walls, it creates a fun and dramatic effect that gives the illusion of a bigger room. Plus, high gloss finishes are moisture-resistant, so you know your bathroom is protected from mildew and mold.  Garden Vertically  Keep your green thumb thriving with creative solutions for gardening in a small space. Get multilevel plant stands that save space to organize your herbs and flowers. They also create a vibrant focal point in a room, making your space feel fresh and airy. For people with little floor space, hang plants from the ceiling or place planters on top of a bookshelf or dresser.  Make the Most of Your Limited Space While you cannot extend your home with a few inches of space, you can make it look and feel bigger by using these decorating tricks. Whether you add mirrors to your living room to give the illusion of space or replace some of your furniture with multipurpose pieces, these ideas will help you make the most of your limited space.  *This post was written by Rose Morrison of renovated.com

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