Moving to a new city is exciting, and it comes with a long to-do list. Somewhere between unpacking boxes and learning which grocery store you like, you realize something: you don’t know a single plumber, mechanic, dentist, or babysitter here.
Back home, you had people for everything. Here, you’re starting over. The good news is that you probably know more people connected to your new city than you think. Here’s how to build your circle of trusted pros quickly.
Start before you move
If you can, begin before the truck arrives.
- Ask your current network whether anyone knows people in your new city. Friends, coworkers, and family often have a cousin, college roommate, or former colleague there.
- Ask your current pros whether they know anyone in the area. Many trades have networks that stretch across regions.
- Ask your real estate agent or landlord for names. Agents and property managers often work with local plumbers, electricians, handymen, and cleaners.
- Ask your home inspector, if you bought a home, about any trades they’d call.
Prioritize the pros you’ll need first
You don’t need everyone on day one. Focus on what’s most likely to come up:
- Plumber and electrician, for surprises in a new-to-you home
- Locksmith, to rekey locks after moving in
- HVAC technician, especially before the hot or cold season
- Mechanic, for routine service and emergencies
- Handyman, for move-in fixes and installs
- House cleaner, for a move-in deep clean
- Veterinarian, if you have pets
- Dentist and other care providers, confirming they take your insurance
Add family needs like childcare and tutors, and personal services like a barber or stylist, as you settle in.
Lean on friends of friends
When you’re new, your direct network in town may be small. But your second-degree connections, the friends of your friends, can be large. Someone you know almost certainly knows someone who lives there.
Post a quick message to friends and family:
We just moved to San Diego! If you know anyone here, or anyone who knows a good plumber, mechanic, or dentist in the area, I’d love an introduction.
A recommendation from a friend of a friend is still traceable. You can ask questions and learn about the experience behind it.
Meet your neighbors
Neighbors are one of the best sources for local pros, because they’ve dealt with the same kinds of homes, weather, and local rules.
- Introduce yourself in person when you see people outside.
- Ask a specific question. “Who do you use for lawn care?” is easy to answer.
- Join neighborhood events, school groups, or community activities.
- Ask your HOA, if you have one, about vendors the community uses.
People generally enjoy sharing names of pros they like. It’s an easy way to start a conversation.
Use your workplace and community
- Coworkers who live nearby can share names.
- School parents often know babysitters, tutors, and pediatric providers.
- Faith communities, gyms, and clubs are full of locals with recommendations.
Ask your first pros for more pros
Once you find one good pro, ask them who they trust. A great plumber often knows a reliable electrician. A good handyman knows painters and cleaners. Pros tend to recommend people who make them look good.
Do the basics before you hire
New city, same smart steps:
- Verify licenses through the state or local licensing board where required. Rules may differ from where you lived before.
- Confirm insurance for work in your home.
- Get written estimates before work starts.
- Ask for references from past clients the pro can connect you with.
- Start with a small job when possible.
Build your list as you go
Keep a simple list of every pro you try, who recommended them, and how it went. Within a few months, you’ll have a reliable set of names for your new home, and you’ll be the one neighbors ask.
How MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® can help
When you’re new in town, seeing which pros your friends and their friends trust makes the search much faster. MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® is a social & professional networking app where you connect with service pros through the people in your own network, with visibility up to second-degree connections. You can browse a feed, like and comment, and message pros. Pros build visibility through real client relationships.
FAQ
How do I find service providers after moving to a new city?
Ask your existing network for connections in the area, talk to neighbors, ask your real estate agent or landlord, and ask your first good pros who they trust.
Which pros should I find first after moving?
Start with a plumber, electrician, locksmith, HVAC technician, mechanic, and handyman. Add a vet, dentist, and childcare as needed.
How do I meet neighbors to get recommendations?
Introduce yourself, ask simple, specific questions, and join local events, school groups, or community activities.
Can friends of friends really help me find pros?
Yes. Second-degree connections can greatly expand your reach, and their recommendations are still traceable to people you can ask.
Do licensing rules change when I move?
They can. Licensing rules vary by state and sometimes by city, so check with the local licensing board.
Find trusted pros in your new city
Download MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® on the App Store and Google Play, and see the pros your network already trusts. Learn more at my-pro.io or email hello@my-pro.io.