How to become a grown-up in 468 easy(ish) steps.

Back like I left something …

       

So the book is in, I’ve greatly enjoyed my bender break from writing and will now stop neglecting this blog.

Anyway, to get back in the swing of things, here’s a question from casualcolloquialism:

Do you have any advice on moving to the city for the first time? I’m not moving to a huge city, but it’s still a fairly large city and I’m worried about things like safety and how to find a good grocery store and mechanic and stuff.

Every time I’ve moved, it’s to small- or mid-size towns, so I have few pearls of wisdom here. In general, whenever you move any place, you have to give it a four-month grace period. For four months, things will be varying degrees of confusing/lonely/sad/frustrating. It’s like a new job — you won’t really know if you like it or not until after you’re no longer the new kid.

But that’s about all I’ve got. City readers: What advice would you give to a person moving to a city by themselves for the first time?

9th Jul 2012 90 notes , Comments
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  1. theshamblehouse answered: Spend a week wondering around, work out where things are, get lost, then find yourself again, discover shortcuts, and parks.
  2. hipsterevans reblogged this from adulting
  3. sorcyress answered: Learn the public transit. Walk around and get lost to find cool stuff. Ask the locals what the winters are like. Breathe. Try new restaurants
  4. hersandhers answered: Ask the people that you work with about good stores and things like that. Join a meetup group or book club to make new friends.
  5. enektal answered: Get roommates! That way, you’re guaranteed some way of socializing and expanding your friend circle.
  6. randomlyheather answered: Don’t be afraid to talk to anyone and everyone. I met one of my best friends by going to a bar by myself (early, before the drunks and
  7. heliotropist answered: Read the local newspaper and find fun things to do in your new place. Join Meetup groups until you find one you like and connect with locals
  8. w4rk answered: Learn how to take the public transit system.
  9. mindyeatswaffles answered: Learn how to get around, whether it be by memorizing roads and traffic or learning the public transportation systems.
  10. shaunmcdade answered: Buy a map. Buy a compass. If you drive, get a compass that attaches to your dashboard. Those helped me escape from downtown several times.
  11. nikineon answered: If you don’t have any friends there, make some! It will make living in a city a lot easier.
  12. xogs answered: Talk to your neighbors. Be friendly to them. Ask people questions. Be smart about safety, but I’ve found that most people are decent.
  13. suchstuff answered: buy a map. make friends with local shopkeepers etc if you’re worried about safety. the more at home you seem, the less hassle you’ll get
  14. interabangs answered: When I moved to boise for 2 years I played dumb. Asking questions about restaurants, mechanics, stores, everything. Now people ask me.
  15. boywithbigcitydreams answered: Look up the city on wikitravel and study its industries, how transit works, and what the people are like.
  16. prettykittyh2o reblogged this from adulting and added:
    With moving in less than a year, I need all the advice i can get
  17. kittysplayplace answered: Take a walk in the area see what’s going to be around you. Ask questions of your neighbors.
  18. racheleatslegs answered: I would suggest living in a suburb near the city or in a calmer part. You can work your way in and it will seem less stressful & more fun.
  19. thaxted answered: Don’t be afraid to ask neighbours/coworkers/etc. for suggestions and advice - local wisdom and a conversation starter!
  20. goingwherethesunkeepsshining answered: Frequent the city library. I moved from the UK to a city in Australia, and found loads of stuff about community events and groups there.
  21. prodigiouscitrus answered: Until you learn the public transportation system sites like hopstop.com can plan your route and carry a small map.
  22. teenagewildlife reblogged this from adulting and added:
    Reblogging for future reference.
  23. ood answered: 1. you will probably be safe as long as you don’t walk around town at 3am 2. find a restaurant/social space you like and talk to people there