You’ve just moved into your new home, tackling all the hurdles that represents. Now comes the next challenge: familiarizing yourself with your new world and becoming an integral part of the community.

This takes effort and the willingness to get out of your comfort zone. Where to start? RisMedia’s Housecall offers the following suggestions:

Make lists: Ask your family to help you make a list of nearby places to visit and become familiar with. “Divide and conquer by getting the whole family involved,” writes RisMedia. “Task one person with finding good places to eat, another with compiling a list of places to visit – and so on—and before you know it, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.”

Follow your interests: Is yoga your passion? Do you love the read? Seek out the services—nearby yoga studios or libraries, for example—to support your interests.

Surf the web: Search for information on your new community and study the town/city’s website, Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Introduce yourself to the neighbors: “Next time you see a neighbor out walking their dog,” notes RisMedia, “introduce yourself. While you might not become fast friends…they’ll be a good source of information as to what’s happening in and around the area.”

Explore: Take time to enjoy your new surroundings without a structured agenda. Head out for a drive and see what you stumble onto. You’ll be surprised at the discoveries you make.

Keep an open mind: Be open to new opportunities and situations. Embrace what is presented to you.