Moving into a new apartment can be equally stressful as it is exciting. There is a lot to plan and do, and once you’re finally settled in, you may start wondering how you’re going to make your new house feel like home. One of the ways to feel more comfortable in your new community is to make new friends.
If you want to broaden your social circle, try some of these strategies to meet new people and create a homey atmosphere.
Introduce Yourself
It may sound obvious, but one of the best ways to start a friendship is by simply introducing yourself. You’ll begin to see the same people around your building every day, and engaging with them through a casual introduction can spark an exciting connection. When you see people walking in the hallways, in the laundry areas, or using the amenities, try initiating a light conversation. Give them some information about where you’re from or why you moved to the area. If you need a conversation starter, ask for recommendations for a good restaurant in town. Sometimes initiating the chat is as easy as sharing your name.
If you’re naturally shy, you may not even realize the messages you’re sending to other people just by your body language. If you avoid eye contact when passing people in the hall, always have headphones on, or are constantly staring at your phone, you could be sending off “don’t talk to me” vibes. Pay attention to how you’re standing too. Crossed arms give the impression that you’re unapproachable. Simple adjustments like smiling, making eye contact, and holding yourself in an open stance will make you look more approachable and friendly.
Host An Event
If you’re a naturally social person, hosting events may be something you’re familiar with and enjoy doing. Hosting a small get-together and inviting a few of the neighbors over can be a great way to meet people and develop a neighborly feel. You could buy the ingredients for tacos and invite a few neighbors over for Taco Tuesday. If you see the same people at the basketball courts, you could put together a friendly game of pick up and ask them to join. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or plan an elaborate event. Sometimes, just an invite to hang out can be the start of a lasting friendship. Consider hosting a virtual hangout to meet new people while still following social distancing guidelines.
Use The Amenities
One of the reasons so many people love modern apartment living is the access to resort-style amenities. These shared spaces add luxury and convenience to everyday apartment living, but they also make it easy to meet new people. High-end apartment communities like Latitude 31 Apartment Homes offer a sparkling outdoor swimming pool, fire pits, an outdoor kitchen and lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and comfortable outdoor dining spaces, all of which are great places to entertain and meet people.
Wifi lounges and resident-focused clubhouses are great places to meet other professionals. Taking your dog to the community dog park is a great way to meet other dog lovers, and your pup gets to socialize too! Using the amenities allows you to become a more active member of your community and get to know your neighbors.
Attend Events
One way to tell if an apartment community is committed to bringing people together is if they offer events. These social opportunities bring like-minded people together and can be a casual and fun way to get to know who you live around. Contact your leasing office to find out if there are book clubs, dance lessons, morning workouts, or professional networking events hosted by your apartment community. These events also help you get to know your apartment managers, which is important when moving to a new place.
Weidner Apartment Homes offers a variety of resident events all year long. These events are designed to cater to the community’s interests and allow residents to try something new.
Some of Weidner’s most popular resident events include workout sessions led by professional fitness instructors, “paint and sip” events hosted by art (and wine) lovers, and dance classes. If you don’t see an event or club available at your apartment community, talk with your managers about starting one. If you love to hike, see if there is any interest in creating a hiking club. If you love to craft, see about getting other DIY-ers and creatives together for monthly sessions. Attending events is a great way to get active in your community and bond with neighbors who have similar interests.
Latitude 31 Apartment Homes, like all Weidner communities, is resident-focused. It is designed to be a place where residents not only have access to luxury apartment homes, unique floor plans, and designer finishes, but also where they can build a sense of community. If you’re planning a move to Odessa or the west Texas area, connect with us to take a tour of our pet-friendly apartment community and start connecting with new people!