Moving to a new city is an exciting adventure that opens doors to personal growth, new friendships, and countless opportunities. But packing up your life and saying goodbye isn’t easy! It can create feelings of loneliness and isolation at first as you get to know your new surroundings.
Once you’ve packed up, moved, and settled in, the question remains: how do you adjust and thrive in your new environment? Everyone has a unique approach to building a new life and feeling at home. At Birch Road Clubhouse, we believe good drinks and good conversation are the ideal path to building a strong community. Our private BYOB clubhouses located in Chicago, Denver, and Seattle are thoughtfully designed to provide a welcoming home away from home for members to work, relax, entertain, and forge new connections. Here’s how to establishing a sense of familiarity and comfort after moving to a new city:
Explore Your Neighborhood
Stay curious and adventurous. Let’s be honest: it’s probably what drove you to seek this new, thrilling transition in life. Don’t be afraid to act like a tourist — sometimes the novelty of your new city is crucially embedded in those hallmark attractions. The locals might not flaunt it, but they’ve most likely been there too, and it could give you something to talk about.
Get to know the restaurants, neighborhoods, cafes, nearby parks, and other notable spots that make your city special. Familiarize yourself with your city’s cuisine. This is your chance to discover new restaurants, desserts, pizzas, and, of course, the libations too!
Walk through the local farmers market to sample the local produce and baked goods. Join a cooking class or take a food tour. Many cities often have food festivals, which is a great way to discover your favorite new restaurants.
As a Birch Road Member there are many exciting opportunities to explore your city outside of the clubhouse. At the First Hill Clubhouse in Seattle, we have a Dine Out Club where members meet at a selected restaurant and try all the favorites family-style.
Members at the Lincoln Park and Roscoe Village Clubhouses in Chicago went on a Movies In The Park outing, toured an art gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center with one of the artists, and listened to Broadway in Chicago’s Summer Concert at Millennium Park. With Birch Road, you have instant access to a hassle-free way to stay connected with events in your local city.
Develop A Fresh Routine
When starting anew, the possibilities can feel intimidating, but you’ll eventually find your new groove. It’s a smart idea to evaluate your day-to-day routine and find ways to incorporate more enriching experiences into your life.
Skip the Starbucks and walk the extra block to the cute local coffee shop that serves industrial-strength iced coffee to get you through your work week — or check out that dive bar with the charismatic bartender who will spill the tea on local gossip (with drink prices that aren’t made for tourists!). Become a regular at the places you love, and you’ll be on the path to falling in love with your new city in no time.
A Birch Road membership is the perfect way to breathe new life into your new world. From thought-provoking conversations to adventurous wine tastings and potlucks, we offer a wide range of events to enhance your social calendar. Enjoy a change of scenery by using the clubhouse to work remotely, meet with clients, or host an impressive date night.
Decorate Your New Space
There’s nothing better than a blank canvas to make your own. Decorating is a great way to make your new space feel like home. Hanging up your favorite artwork and old photos of family and friends is a great place to start. Paint your walls with pops of color, and add cozy rugs and warm lighting. Curating the design of your new home is a process that takes time, but a little goes a long way when it comes to the feeling of your new abode.
At Birch Road, we often host craft nights such as paint-n-sip or candle-making classes for creating homemade touches. Or if you’re looking for something to nurture and make your new house feel like home, join in on one of our plant-swapping events! Plus, there are many opportunities for you to stock your at-home bar with selections from local small-batch producers.
If you need a comfortable space to get away from all the unpacking and DIY projects, Birch Road Clubhouses are stocked with everything you need to relax and unwind. We are an extension of your home where you can customize your experience to your preferences.
Get to Know Your Community
There are many ways to get involved with your new community. Look for parks and recreation centers hosting free events. Parks are great for relaxation and exercise, and often, the community hosts local events that can help you connect with others and stay active in your neighborhood.
Join a cooking course, a Pilates class, or even a volunteer in areas you feel you bring value to. Most neighborhoods, especially in the summer, host free outdoor festivals that showcase local artists, musicians, restaurants, and businesses. Local street fairs are a great way to immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors and talents of your newfound city. It's a chance to browse, taste-test, and discover the hidden gems that make your new community unique.
At Birch Road, we often have community-led events, organized local volunteer work, and other ways to make a meaningful impacts in your community. Earlier this year, the Lincoln Park Clubhouse hosted a Charity Chili Cook-Off where members delivered their spiciest best. All proceeds from the event went to Dion’s Chicago Dream, a non-profit working to help feed and fuel the communities who need it most.
Put Yourself Out There
The foundations of feeling at home can often be attributed to the people you surround yourself with. Moving can be extra challenging when you don’t have your core group of friends nearby, but making new connections can be a genuine silver lining.
One of the best ways to find new friends is to go to the places where you would want to be found. Moving somewhere new can allow you to do the things you’ve always wanted to experience. You could join a co-ed soccer team, a yoga studio, a pickleball club, volunteer at your local food shelter, or even sign up for an open mic night! Putting yourself out there in an environment that you’re passionate and curious about brings you in contact with people who have similar interests. Getting to know people this way can be less intimidating and much more organic.
Of all the things that Birch Road can offer you in your new city, a vibrant community is at the top of the list. Members gain a built-in network of new faces and potential close friends right at their fingertips. Try being a judge at the next cook-off or grab a bottle and gab with the girls out on the patio! Birch Road gives members easy access to a wide spectrum of social events while crafting a space to feel comfortable being completely you.
Opening Doors
Moving to a new city is an exciting adventure filled with opportunities for growth and discovery. Every step you take is a chance to create lasting memories and cultivate meaningful relationships — and you’ll soon find that the unfamiliar becomes comfortable, and the unknown transforms into a cherished part of your life.
At Birch Road Clubhouse, we’re here to support you every step of the way, providing a lively community and countless chances to connect, unwind, and thrive. So raise a glass, embrace the challenge, and let your new city become a canvas for your evolving story.
Ready to find your place, make new friends, and enjoy your new home away from home? Schedule a tour of your local clubhouse today!
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