Here are a few tips we’d wish we’d known earlier.
Hopefully they will help adjusting to life in the Little City a little easier…
First things first, take a look at the city's new resident checklist (also helpful for not so new residents!). This checklist will make sure you've covered many of the essentials like when trash day is (Wednesday!), how to get your utilities up and running, how to register your car, important phone numbers, the locations of civic institutions like city hall, the community center, the library and more.
Update your voter registration status or register to vote here. Your vote makes a huge impact on making our community a great place to live. Help choose who represents us locally, how our government funding and resources are allocated, and what policies will help make the City of Falls Church a more welcoming place. Your vote can really make a difference!
Be in the know and subscribe to Focus on Falls Church. A weekly Newsletter sent by the city that provides updates on City-run programs and initiatives.
Have you ever wondered what city projects are coming online (Hello Whole Foods!), how the city came to be, how to advocate for things that matter to you, or how to reserve a picnic shelter or community space for an event? Take some time to explore the city's website for all info related to navigating our local government. And if you can't find an answer online, you can always walk over to City Hall.
At just 2.2 sq miles, it's easy to get around town on foot, bike, or bus (or join the weekly student Bike Bus!). Explore your neighborhood, local parks, good eats, and attend local events and celebrations. With 2 metro stops (East Falls Church and West Falls Church) at your fingertips, you can also head out and explore fun things to do beyond our little city and into Washington DC, Maryland, and other parts of Virginia. There is so much to do!
Thinking about upgrading some of your home systems like HVAC and appliances? Go Electric! Connect with GoElectricDMV and brainstorm your next electrification project with a community volunteer from Rewiring America. You can also sign up for the city's composting program, apply for a rain barrel, explore solar, and understand the impacts of leaving the leaves. Need more ideas? Check out the city's One-Stop Shop for Community Energy Action.
If you just moved here (or have been here for a while) and are looking to connect and find your people, a simple way to do so is to just show up to something. We've got a variety of classes, volunteer opportunities, and local groups to join. From comic book clubs, to bike buses, garden clubs and beyond--there's something for everyone. We hope you'll join us!