So, you’ve finished unpacking the boxes, dropped the kids off for the first day at their new school, but it still doesn’t feel like home. Fear not – Gregory Hills has all that you need to quickly and easily settle into your new community.
Moving into a new house involves so much more than arranging your furniture and filling the pantry and fridge. To feel truly at home, you need to make connections with local people. And the good news is there are plenty of opportunities to do just that at Gregory Hills.
Home is about relationships with friends, neighbours, teachers and small business owners. Here’s our top five tips for quickly getting to know your new community and becoming a fixture of your new neighbourhood.
#1: Say hello to your new neighbours
It’s really easy to get caught up in the busy part of unpacking and getting your possessions sorted. But in between all that frenzy, be sure to make some time to meet your new neighbours.
Why not knock on the front door of your adjoining neighbours to introduce yourself and your family? You might be surprised how much your new neighbours appreciate this gesture. You might not become instant friends, but it’s nice to recognise each other across the front lawn and greet each other by name. And if you want to go all out, host a home warming party and invite your new neighbours. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, just a few drinks will suffice.
#2: Learn about your locality
You can start learning about Gregory Hills even before you move in. Join the Gregory Hills Facebook Community Group, which is run by people who live in Gregory Hills. Do some research about the surrounding areas to get up to speed on local transport facilities, local amenities such as parks, and local retailers and other services.
#3: Start exploring
Once you move in you can start exploring your new neighbourhood. Why not introduce yourself to the people in your new local cafe at Gregory Hills Town Centre, and try the variety of eateries at the centre? And while you’re there, pop into the medical centre (Our Medical Home) and other essential services located at the local shopping centre to get their details for when you need them moving forward.
Walk to Howard Park – also known as heaven on earth for children of all ages – or any of the many other parks dotted throughout Gregory Hills, and meet local people enjoying the outdoors. If you’ve got a dog, you’ve got a perfect excuse to walk your pooch down to Gregory Hills’ Dog Park, located within Champagnat Park. But if not, you can still enjoy Gregory Hills’ envious collection varied park.
If you’ve got a bike, then jump on your bike and explore the cycling/walking paths that wind through Gregory Hills. If you don’t have a bike, you and your family can explore them on foot.
#4: Start something new
Starting a new activity is also a great way to meet people in your new community. There are a number of fitness and sports facilities throughout Gregory Hills that you can try on your own, including, but not limited to, Cunningham Park. There are even outdoor group personal training sessions to join – meet people in your new community while also getting in a workout!
#5: Join in with community activities
At Gregory Hills there are regular seasonal events to attend, so look out for notifications of these on the Gregory Hills website or via our official Facebook page. Over the Easter long weekend we run events at Gregory Hills Town Centre like Easter craft for kids, and similar activities leading up to Christmas.
Gregory Hills also has its own Community Centre, which can be booked for events. Our Community Centre is popular with local groups and clubs, so keep a look out for open events that you may wish to attend.
Considering joining the thriving Gregory Hills community? Visit our Information Centre seven days a week (Shop 3, 33 Village Circuit, Gregory Hills) or contact us on 02 4648 5511.