Moving from one of America’s big cities to the countryside, beyond the conurbation, has grown in appeal in the last few years.  The reasons for once having to be based in, say New York City or Los Angeles are not as pressing as they once were.

Having looked around the country, while there are several attractions in the mid-west, the allure of Delmarva, for us was greater.

Moving brings with it a gamut of emotions.  There is the initial feeling.  It can only be summed up as that of being a tourist.  Every location, view, and vista has a fresh feel.  When you think back, months later, you will recall that the same places now have a different feel.  It is odd how that initial sense is never the same once it has become familiar.

Then there’s the aspect of not knowing your way around.  You quickly get to know your own home, and the road you live on.  Then the key facilities in the neighborhood.  But when the sun goes down, it is as if you have been transported to an alien landscape.  When the seasons change, especially if blanketed in leaves or snow, it again has a new crisp feel.

Getting to know the local haunts and specialties, like a good restaurant or a great greengrocer, adds to the sense of adventure.  But if you fail to find either an equivalent or replacement for what was once your go-to shop, then that new-ish, sparkly tourist feeling tarnishes.

The same applies when making new acquaintances.  While curiosity and kindness pervade our country, you can find yourself in a place where neighbors are shy or less out-going.  You might find connections through community events, religious groups, and/or the local school district.

Sometimes, if you found your home through a realtor, that person might make your initial introductions to the community.  As real estate is also about knowing a customer’s tastes, interests, and attitudes, the realtor should be knowledgeable to point you in the right direction.

Finding the local news outlets, like WRDE with a Facebook page is also a great way to start.  These groups will point you to other parts of the community as well as let you know about upcoming events, what is popular, and emerging. As well as the local TV, there are also local radio stations like Froggy, Magic, and News Radio 1470.   And of course, the local news online, DelmarvaNow.

While having an ear (and eye) to the local news helps, the key to melding into any community is meeting people and participating.  Delmarva itself has a history of being just such a meeting point.  In fact, the name comes from the 3 states that each has a claim to a part of the peninsula: Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.

The Delmarva area offers a variety of activities and opportunities.  The northern part of the peninsula is metropolitan, but much of its industry is agricultural, fishing, and, of course, tourism.   And also offers higher education with Salisbury University and the University of Maryland – Eastern Shore.  Matriculating or taking part as a continuing education student are also great ways to connect with others that share your interests.

If you enjoy getting outside, Delmarva offers several options.  There are several parks, such as Cape Helopen and Holts Landing.  With many paths, cycling is also popular.

While many people enjoy sports, there are other activities that will involve you in the community.  Volunteer opportunities abound in the area.  Aside from work affiliated with religious organizations, there is also the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council, a Big Brother/Big Sister community, caregivers as well as the public library.

If you are moving from a major metropolis, it is more than likely that you do so to find a more livable pace, where there is less stress and life feels more manageable. But still, you need to find employment to pay the bills.  While there are opportunities locally, being able to work remotely (which might mean needing the skills for) is also a possibility.

Within the local economy, tourism and related industries such as restaurants, bed and breakfast, and could be strong employment options if you need to find work.  But if work is less critical, and being you prioritize more being with people, then consider: most communities, throughout the country, are clamoring for people to work with kids.  Delmarva is no different.  If this appeals, then you might consider looking for jobs where one works with children.

Those initial memories of moving, discovering, and connecting stand out poignantly.  That first day in a new home, the smell of the newly installed carpet, the light glinting into the unfurnished living room, is both gone and still, there.  Looking outside, the wooden path has now taken on a familiar feel, but it still evokes that first-day memory when, at least then, everything was pristine.

24World Media does not take any responsibility of the information you see on this page. The content this page contains is from independent third-party content provider. If you have any concerns regarding the content, please free to write us here: contact@24worldmedia.com