Using the internet to explore your new town is an easy way to come up with ideas about what to do or where to go for things you need. Think of all the planning and research you do when planning a vacation so you can make the most out of your trip. If you treat your new hometown like your own personal vacation spot, you'll be a "local" in no time.
Review websites
Depending on what you're looking for, chances are there is a specialized website dedicated to finding reviews for it. Free websites like Zagat and Yelp allow you to search and find restaurants, businesses and services in your area.
- Zagat's editorial team covers 17 cities worldwide collecting and correlating restaurant ratings by diners. Zagat guides rate hotels, nightlife, shopping, zoos, music, movies, theaters, golf courses and airlines. The website is now free to use.
- Yelp.com adds in a bit of social networking features when looking for reviews. The website allows users to post comments, tips and photos and participate in discussion forums. Yelp covers the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe. Not only can users review restaurants from their cell phones using its app or website, it allows you to search for specific businesses, restaurants or services near your location if you have a GPS-enabled cell phone.
- AngiesList.com is a paid service for customers to get certified, unbiased reviews of local businesses. The network is widely trusted and claims to have more than one million members.
Social media websites
When exploring your new town, what's better than websites you probably already use? Use your social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to meet new people in the area and explore the towns.
It's because of this reason that many businesses, municipalities and public figures have taken a liking to using social media in promotions.
Become "friends" with your new town on Facebook. Chances are that it will post important information, local events that are happening in the area and you'll be able to connect with anyone that is also "friends" with your town causing your own network to grow.
If your new town has a Facebook profile, they more than likely have a Twitter account as well. Many municipalities have begun using the site to provide residents with up-to-the-minute information.
Search engines
Sometimes, nothing beats an old fashioned Google search.
If you're looking for a new yoga studio, a good place to start would be to use a search engine. Usually whatever it is your looking for in combination with your zip code will generate enough results to give you an idea of the options you'll have. Many times the results will show reviews from some of the other websites listed above which will help you in your search.
If there are any companies or businesses that come up in your search results that seem untrustworthy or don't have many reviews, check them out on the Better Business Bureau's website.
Often, a combination of online searches and real-life detective work are going to work the best for you to explore your new town. Ultimately, no matter how many reviews you read there's no substitute for personal experience. Exploring is a learning process and you'll never know about your new town if you don't go and experience it yourself.
Movers.com has tips, tricks and guides to help you make your next big move to a new town across the state or across the country or further.