Relocating? Seven Practical Ways to Engage in Your New City

DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Moving to a new city with unfamiliar people can be stressful and, at times, isolating. But it doesn't have to be. With a few tips from Mary Bontrager, executive vice president of workforce development for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, you can learn your way around in no time.

Bontrager's advice is tested and trusted. The regional area known as Greater Des Moines experienced population growth of 18.9 percent compared to U.S. growth of 9.6 percent from 2000 to spring 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition, the metro area is projected to grow at double the national rate by 2015 – 9.4 versus 4.6 percent.

Contact your local chamber

Your chamber of commerce will have a list of resources with information ranging from where to renew your driver's license to finding a veterinarian in the neighborhood. Your chamber or partnership website will also have a calendar of business networking events. You can find a variety of before, during and after work offerings that will allow you to connect with other professionals.

Check for events and organizations specific to newcomers

These events and organizations help connect you to others who have also recently moved to your area. Network with recently hired professionals and ask questions about your new community when attending these events.

Utilize social networking

Join local and professional groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, particularly groups involved in promoting community events.  Also use social media to let people know you just moved to the community and are looking to connect. Specify any areas of interest or what type of connections you're hoping to make – professional, social, interests, sports, etc.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to get involved. Check out your local United Way website for a list of opportunities like mentoring, park cleanup or serving on local nonprofit boards. There is an organization looking for your help and expertise, whatever your passion or interest, and in Greater Des Moines you'll be in good company with your volunteer efforts. According to the "Volunteering in America" report recently released by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Iowa ranks number two in volunteering. In 2010, 37.9 percent of Iowans devoted time to help others. Iowans devoted a total of 93.4 million hours to volunteering in 2010 and provided more than $2 billion in services to Iowa, according to the report. Among cities, Des Moines had the seventh-highest volunteer rate nationally, with 40 percent of residents volunteering.

Learn about your community

Subscribe to local business publications or newspapers (online or print). Learn all you can about the people and companies in the community you now call home.

Reach out to local community leaders

If you read about someone or a company that is of particular interest to you, call and ask for a few minutes of their time to discuss their career or company. Community leaders are willing to share their time and expertise.

Explore

Get out and explore your new community. Don't spend every weekend traveling back to your former city or hometown. Instead hit the recreational trails, attend farmers markets, and take in free arts and recreational amenities.

SOURCE Greater Des Moines Partnership