If you’re new to O’Neal Village or Greer in general, it can be a little intimidating to make new friends with total strangers. We’re a welcoming bunch, though, and there’s no need to be nervous! Try following these tips to acclimate to the area:
Be on the lookout for openings.
While you’re walking the dog or checking the mail, greet the people you come into contact with. Explain that you’re new to the neighborhood. We all know what it’s like to be the new neighbor on the block, so you’re sure to find open arms in O’Neal Village. If you have children, walk them to the bus stop. You’ll most likely run into at least one other parent and you already have something in common! Pro tip: don’t forget to exchange contact information or follow each other on social! (While you’re at it, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!) You can also join the resident Facebook group to find out the latest events and neighborhood news!
Throw a party!
Invite your neighbors to see your new digs and get to know each other! No need to make it fancy; this is all about getting to know your neighbors and form friendships. If you have children, make it kid-friendly and watch the playdates stack up! Handwritten, hand-delivered invitations work best!
Get involved.
Whether it’s a church (like our very own Haven Ridge!), nonprofit or other volunteer group, find townspeople with similar viewpoints by joining a group whose cause you care about. Look for opportunities to connect; for instance, if you like to read, check out a nearby bookstore to see if they have a book club.
Explore!
Make it a point to try out the restaurants in your town, shop at local boutiques or take a group fitness class. If you have a pet, dogs can be great icebreakers! Taking them to a dog park makes it easy to strike up conversation about where to take your four-legged friend; maybe you could even make plans together!