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Stepping into a new city alone is an exhilarating experience. The streets, people, and culture are unfamiliar, yet they hold the promise of adventure. But once the thrill fades, solo travelers often face the question: how do I make this place feel like home?

Whether you’re staying for a few weeks or planning a longer stint, there are strategies that can help you settle in, make friends, feel safe, and choose the right housing. Here’s how to transform any city into a temporary home away from home.

How to Feel At Home in a New City

Embrace Local Experiences

Nothing makes a new city feel more like home than immersing yourself in its local culture. Skip the tourist traps and head to neighborhood markets, cozy cafes, and local events. Join walking tours to see the sights and meet other travelers and locals. Say yes to trying regional dishes, attending a music night at a local bar, or joining a community class.

Becoming a regular at a neighborhood spot can also help. Visit the same coffee shop, gym, or bakery. When the staff starts recognizing you, that sense of familiarity goes a long way in creating a homey vibe.

Make Connections

Making friends as a solo traveler can be daunting, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. Start by joining social platforms and apps designed to connect travelers and expats. Meetup.com is a great place to find local gatherings centered around shared interests, from language exchanges to hiking groups.

Coworking spaces can also be goldmines for meeting people, especially in larger cities. Even if you’re not working remotely, many offer day passes that give you access to an often international community.

Volunteering is another fantastic way to meet like-minded people. Whether it’s helping at a local food bank or participating in a community clean-up, these shared experiences naturally forge bonds.

Choose Housing That Supports Your Lifestyle

Your living situation can have a big effect on how quickly and comfortably you settle into a new city. Solo travelers often choose hostels or short-term rentals, but shared housing can offer more stability and social interaction, especially for long-term stays.

Use roommate-matching platforms like spareroom.com to find rooms for rent and roommates in Houston, NYC, Austin, or any other US city. Someone finds a roommate on SpareRoom every 3 minutes, making it an invaluable resource for solo travelers looking to live with others.

SpareRoom allows you to search based on what matters most to you, whether it's location, budget, or lifestyle preferences, ensuring you find a living situation that matches your needs. Safety is a top priority, with a team of moderators reviewing ads and content daily to keep listings secure and trustworthy.

Posting an ad or searching for a room takes just a few clicks, whether you're on a desktop or using their mobile app. Unlike many platforms, SpareRoom makes it easy to reach out with visible contact details and a responsive Customer Services team available every day.

Living with roommates offers you companionship and also insider knowledge about the city. Your new housemates might introduce you to local gems you wouldn’t have ever discovered otherwise.

Prioritize Safety

Feeling safe is so important to feeling at home. Before arriving, research the neighborhoods of your destination. Forums like Reddit or Facebook expat groups can provide insights into which areas are welcoming and which you should probably avoid.

Always trust your instincts when it comes to choosing housing, walking home at night, or interacting with strangers. Use secure transportation options, and keep your belongings safe by investing in anti-theft bags or locks.

Sharing your itinerary with friends or family back home is a smart habit. It doesn’t make you any less independent – just more prepared.

Build a Routine

One of the quickest ways to ground yourself in a new environment is to build a routine. It doesn’t need to mirror your life back home, but having a consistent rhythm can bring comfort.

Start your mornings at the same spot for coffee or go for a daily walk at a nearby park. Set times for work or exploration. Creating structure can help ease the transition into your new life and make the city feel more manageable.

Personalize Your Space

Even in temporary housing, personal touches can make a big difference. Bring along a few photos, a favorite mug, or a cozy blanket. These simple items can transform a room into your sanctuary.

If you’re staying longer, consider decorating your space with plants or local artwork. Feeling ownership over your space, however temporary, will make it feel like home.

Stay Connected, but Be Present

While it’s important to stay in touch with friends and family, try not to spend all your time on calls or social media. Being present in your new environment will help you adapt faster and appreciate the uniqueness of the experience.

Schedule regular check-ins with loved ones, but also allow yourself time to unplug and fully engage with your surroundings.

Final Thoughts

Adjusting to life in a new city as a solo traveler is a process, but it can also be one of the most enriching journeys you’ll ever take. Take great care to make local connections, choose the right housing, and set a routine. With the right mindset, you can transform any destination into a place that feels like home. And in doing so, you’ll discover that home isn’t always a place. Sometimes, it’s a feeling you carry with you.