Moving To Colorado Blog

Relocating means moving away from friends and neighbors. After moving, here are some ideas to make new friends and for getting to know your neighbors.

Many Americans never get to know their neighbors. But the outdoors lifestyle in Colorado and a community-focused neighborhood like The Meadows in Castle Rock leave few excuses for not getting to know the neighbors. Here are 10 creative ways to do that.

1. Take your neighbors treats. Don't wait for the longtime residents to bring cookies and welcome you to the neighborhood. Shortly after moving in, take some treats around to other families on your block. It's a warm gesture (especially with warm cookies) and a quick way to meet the neighbors. After the tour, write down the names of your neighbors on a diagram of the street, particularly if you are forgetful with names.

2. Invite some folks over for dessert or drinks. If you seemed to "click" with a few people, get to know those neighbors better by inviting them over for drinks or dessert. If you invite a few people, it won't be as intimidating for you or them. They might even have their first chance to get to know each other.  

3. Get gardening advice. Colorado's climate and soil challenge even experienced gardeners relocating from other regions. Look for the most      beautiful gardens on the block. Those homeowners invariably spend plenty of time in the yard, so it should be easy to meet them and get to know the neighbors with green thumbs. Skilled gardeners love to talk about their yards, so ask them for advice for improving your garden.

4. Go to neighborhood clubs and events. Some neighborhoods have a variety of active clubs and meetings, often in a central location. The Meadows is focused around the Grange, a community center and clubhouse that hosts regular events such as gardening classes, children's playgroups and bridge clubs. Most are open to the public, and are an easy way to have fun while getting to know your neighbors.

5. Host a garage sale. If you are relocating to a new state, you probably just had a garage sale before packing the moving truck, but you might consider another one when you arrive in Colorado. There are usually items you just couldn't give up before the move but now realize you will never use again. Instead of stashing them in the attic until the next move, clear out the clutter with a garage sale. It's a surefire way to meet more neighbors.

6. Take a hike. Whether you are a runner, walker or cyclist, there are dozens of trails in and around The Meadows — and hundreds more just a short drive away. Most of your neighbors have already explored the trails and made a list of favorites. Ask them for advice or invite them along on a hike.

7. Visit online message boards. The Internet has changed the definitions of community. It's easy to find others with similar interests in the Castle Rock area beyond your immediate neighborhood. Use sites such as meetup.com or craigslist.org to find out about area clubs, meetings and groups of interest.

8. Strike up a conversation at the farmers' market. Castle Rock has a thriving farmers' market that fosters a unique community. You can chat with farmers who grow your food, and get to know neighbors browsing the stands. If you see someone with an unusual vegetable, stop and ask them how they like to use it.

9. Set up a lemonade stand. The last two ideas are for families with young children. You can teach kids some business skills and get to know your neighbors at      the same time by setting up a lemonade stand. It's hard to pass a lemonade stand without stopping to chat.

10. Plan a scavenger hunt. You may have some trinkets that have yet to find a new resting place. Why not hide them around the yard or the house and invite the neighborhood kids over for a scavenger hunt? While the kids are poking around, the grown-ups will have time to get to know their neighbors.

Written by Steve Graham