Howdy Neighbour!

What comes to mind when you hear the word “home”?

For many of us, it’s family and close friends. It’s a feeling of comfort, security and familiarity. It’s not just a house, but also the community that surrounds you. I love working with clients to help them find their new home, but even the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood can take time to really feel like “home.” That’s why I’m excited to share some resources that will help you get to know your neighbourhood in no time!

Here are 10 tips to turn your neighbourhood into a hometown haven;

1 - Join Your Neighbourhood’s Social Network

A growing number of neighbourhoods are utilizing private social networks like https://ca.nextdoor.com/ to talk to others in their neighbourhood. There are also a number of neighbourhoods with community groups on https://www.facebook.com/. Online platforms are a great way to share neighbourhood news, but don’t just use them to connect virtually. Extend an invitation to your neighbours to attend a block party or a park playdate for families.

2 - Lend A Hand

Volunteering your time and talents is a great way to meet people who share a similar mission. Search for volunteer opportunities you’re passionate about at https://www.volunteermatch.org/ or simply ask the organizations you like if they need a hand! In Winnipeg I volunteer at the https://www.wag.ca/support/volunteer and use my creative marketing volunteering to help out Ukrainian organizations https://oseredok.ca/ and fundraising for http://www.plastwinnipeg.ca/ . We each have so many skills that could mean a world of difference to a not-for-profit organization. I hope in future to volunteer time at https://www.winnipegarchitecture.ca/ and https://artcityinc.com/ .

3 - Attend A Place Of Worship

Joining a local place of worship is a good way to meet people who share your beliefs and values. There are a number of on-line resources available to help you find a match in your area for churches, synagogues, mosques and temples. Start with a Google search of your faith in Winnipeg and then attend one or two different options to see if you find a ‘fit’ within the community.

4 - Find An Interest Group

Whatever your favorite hobby or pastime, you’re guaranteed to meet people who share your interests when you join an interest group! The website https://www.meetup.com/ has over 32 million members in 288,000 groups in 182 countries. You can search for a group that appeals to you … from book clubs to running groups to professional networking, they have it all. I’ve tried a women’s outdoor adventure group and a walking group to explore areas of Winnipeg and hiking in Manitoba that I would have never seen if I was to just out on my own!

5 - Take A Class

Develop a skill while meeting people who share your interests and passion for learning. The Leisure Guide is a go-to for me https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/leisureonline/Home as well as courses at bookstore https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/classes . I’ve also seen a number of local classes pop up on my Facebook feed lately with classes at downtown local businesses or bars.

6 - Attend An Event

Search for a live event in your area at https://www.eventbrite.ca/ . Be strategic about the type of event you choose to attend. For example, it may be harder to meet people at a large festival or concert. A retreat or a networking event could offer more opportunities for one-on-one interaction. Wait - back to volunteering - how could I forget https://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/ !? A great event to attend and volunteer at to meet laid-back generous folks and volunteering means you get free admission!

7 - Share Your Stuff

“Sharing communities” facilitate the free exchange of goods among neighbours to reduce consumption and keep usable items out of landfills. Nonprofit groups like https://www.freecycle.org/town/Winnipeg and https://littlefreelibrary.org/ are made up of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns and neighbourhoods.

8 - START GARDENING or Support A Community Garden

If this is your first time having your own home you might want to try gardening all by yourself! It’s a great way to give you something to talk about with your neighbours, gives you the abililty to share homegrown food and spend time outside your homes to chat with neighbours as they walk by your home. Here’s a excellent guide to get you started - https://www.gov.mb.ca/inr/pdf/pubs/community_gardener_guidebook.pdf If you don’t have the space you could also find a community garden. Not only do community gardens beautify a neighbourhood, they foster community, conserve resources and reduce family food budgets. Email communitygardens@winnipeg.ca to find a community garden in your specific Winnipeg neighbourhood.

9 - Participate In Neighbours Day

The organizers behind World Neighbours Day promote it as “an invitation to share a moment with your neighbours, to get to know each other better and develop a real sense of community.” Participants are encouraged to organize gatherings with their neighbours to build relationships that “form the fabric of our communities.” Whatever you do, be sure to make your gathering inclusive and welcoming to all. The date changes (always spring) so Google it to find out when the next one is. Here’s the link to block party permits and info on how to plan a neighbourhood clean-up, https://winnipeg.ca/interhom/NeighbourDay/default.stm

10 - Be A Good Neighbour

As with anything in life, you will get out what you put in. It can take time to build lasting and meaningful friendships with your neighbours, but the effort you make is likely to pay off tenfold. The tried-and-true way to make friends, grow your support system and get engaged in your community?

Be a good neighbour yourself.

Whether you’re considering a move, or would like to make your current neighborhood feel more like a “hometown,” I hope this post offers some ways to get to know your neighbors and get engaged with your local community. Are you considering a move? I’m a local market expert who can help you find the ideal neighbourhood for your hometown haven. Get in touch for a free consultation!