Settling Into a New City: Practical Tips for Feeling at Home Faster
Moving to a new city is a huge change—exciting, yes, but also a little nerve-wracking. Whether you’ve relocated for work, retirement, or a fresh start, settling into a new city takes time. You might find yourself wondering: Where’s the best coffee? How do I meet people? When will this place actually start to feel like home?
The good news? There are simple, practical ways to settle into your new home faster and start feeling comfortable in your new city. Here’s how to make the transition easier, build connections, and truly feel at home.
Get Outside & Explore Your New City
The best way to get to know your new city? Walk it. When you’re on foot (or a bike), you notice things you’d miss in a car—charming cafes, hidden parks, and interesting street art. The sooner you start exploring, the sooner you’ll find places that feel familiar.
If you’d rather skip the car, Australia’s public transport system is a great way to get around. Most cities use contactless smart cards for easy payments:
- Opal Card (NSW) – Used for trains, buses, ferries, and light rail in Sydney and surrounding areas.
- Myki Card (VIC) – Covers Melbourne’s trains, trams, and buses. A ticketless system is planned from 2026, allowing payments via bank cards and smart devices.
- Go Card (QLD) – Used across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast for buses, trains, and ferries. A flat 50-cent fare is currently being trialed on all Translink services.
- SmartRider (WA) – Perth’s integrated transport system, covering buses, trains, and ferries.
- MetroCard (SA) – Used for Adelaide’s buses, trains, and trams.
- MyWay+ Card (ACT) – The official smart card for Canberra’s buses and light rail, replacing the MyWay system.
- Greencard (TAS) – Used for buses in Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie, with an upcoming contactless payment upgrade.
- Tap & Ride (NT) – Used for Darwin’s bus network, allowing convenient top-ups and tap-on/tap-off travel.
Even if you prefer to drive, learning the local transport system helps you feel more connected and confident navigating your new home.
Find Your Go-To Spots & Create a Routine
To truly feel settled in a new city, create daily habits that bring familiarity.
Start by finding:
- A go-to coffee shop—somewhere the barista learns your name.
- Your favourite grocery store or weekend market.
- A gym, yoga studio, or walking route you love.
- The best library or bookstore for your taste.
Building these little habits helps your new city feel familiar—and suddenly, you’ll have places you look forward to visiting.
Join Local Groups & Make Connections
Meeting new people can feel intimidating, but putting yourself out there makes a huge difference. Settling into a new city is easier when you surround yourself with people who share your interests.
- Love hiking, books, or photography? Try Meetup.com to find local interest groups.
- Are you an expat or newcomer? Internations connects people moving to new cities.
- Want to contribute to your new community? Volunteering is a great way to meet people while making a difference.
Even if you’re more introverted, having just one or two connections can make a big difference in how settled you feel.
Immerse Yourself in Local Events
Your new city has a personality—get to know it! Attending local events helps you connect with the culture and community around you. Festivals, markets, concerts, and food events are all great ways to experience what your city has to offer.
Here’s where to find what’s happening near you:
Time Out Australia – The best guide for food, music, and cultural events.
ABC Events – A rundown of local happenings.
Attending events is also an easy, no-pressure way to meet people and explore your surroundings.
Make an Effort to Talk to Locals
The best way to settle into a new city? Talk to the people who already live there!
Not sure where to start? Try:
- Asking your neighbour about rubbish collection days.
- Chatting with your local barista about their favourite spots.
- Striking up a conversation at the dog park.
Locals love sharing tips and insights, and before you know it, you’ll have a list of must-visit places from people who actually live there.
Give It Time—Home Doesn’t Happen Overnight
No matter how proactive you are, settling into a new city takes time.
At first, you might feel a little lost. But the more you explore, the more familiar things will feel.
Try setting small, achievable goals:
- Visit a new café this week.
- Introduce yourself to a neighbour.
- Join a class or local activity.
Soon enough, you’ll realise that your new city feels less like “a place you moved to” and more like home.
Need Help Getting Started? We’re Here for You.
At Claymore Thistle, we don’t just help with moving your belongings—we help you settle into your new life.
📞 Want a chat about your relocation? Contact us today for expert support tailored to your needs.
