In my new blog series "Adjusting to Life in Charlotte", I will try my best to help those either new to any area become comfortable with their new environment.  Please chime in with comments if you have any suggestions like "please, no more blogging...you write worse than my beagle."

I have to admit that when Tabitha and I made the leap to move to Charlotte, I felt completely out of place.  I have moved out of state twice in my life, this being the second.  The first time was for college, which was an experience all unto its own.  My sister lived at home through her late 20's.  At 17, I was dropped off, said by goodbyes, and I was on my own.  Kinda creepy for a guy who is not very extroverted.  I quickly found those who I had known from my high school that attended the university.  Eventually, I made my own friends who I try to stay in contact with today via the internet and by phone.  Its amazing at how fat I've gotten.  I digress. 

The move to Charlotte for me a little bit easier since I had a wife and my dogs.  We didn't know anyone locally except for my in-laws over an hour away and the people we worked with.  I was also having to learn the different customs and culture of Charlotte as well as becoming an expert on the area.  I knew Annapolis well enough that I didn't have to do too much exploring or studying.  The Queen City is another story.  I took to it like a college class and as Tabitha and I developed friends, they helped tremendously. 

Being new in any city, the first thing you'll need after a job are some friends.  Some people are more out going than others and can make life long friends while standing in line at the Harris Teeter.  Others, like me, just need someone to put on the line "In case of Emergency call...."  Inevitably, the easiest way of doing this is to go find yourself a church that shares your beliefs.  There, you will find those who are pre-selected to be half-way like you since they believe the same things.  So with like 5,000+ churches in Charlotte, where do you start?

Well, start close by where you live or are planning to live (important if you're living in rental home).  Charlotte has no shortage of baptist churches.  Other faiths are well represented too however a google search would reveal where those other houses of worship are.

I like websites personally.  If the church isn't represented on the web, I probably won't attend but that's my generation.  Some even have podcasts of a recent sermon or songs by the praise team.  While I like all types of music, a church that does all their hymns by banjo, probably not for me.  I also look at the church's mission statement to see if they have anything weird on there.  Then, commit to go and check them out. 

Start by attending one of the services.  If they have a guest speaker, plan to go when the regular preacher has returned.  If you like the preaching and the music, then try a Sunday school class.  This is where true relationships are formed.  The more you get involved, the faster your assimilation into the new area will be. 

Don't get discouraged if the first church doesn't do it for you.  If you're one that is use to a particular worship style, it may take awhile to find a place that gives you the feeling that makes you comfortable. 

Sincerely;
Jonathan Osman
The Charlotte House Hunter
Charlotte NC Homes, Charlotte Real Estate