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So we moved to Texas (my husband and I are both from New York), and I had this exact same problem. Except I found out I was pregnant with baby 2 about two weeks after we moved (and craziness then ensued with a weird pregnancy). It was scary, but what helped with finding friends was "mommy and me" stuff. I did a swim class with my daughter (who is 2.5 years old), and found a babybootcamp class. That has helped a LOT! I know exactly what you are going through, but you have to make the decision that is right for your family, even if it might stink in the beginning (my husband says that we should move back whenever I am having a tough day, but we can't have the kind of life there that we do here so I always say no) A year later in hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot Texas, I am now beginning to like our life down here. And, at least all your friends in Queens would just be train ride away!

I have the same fears as you, in January I am moving from Canada to Georgia for a position for me.

We are TTC and so we won't have a baby to help us meet friends and I am worried how we are going to be able to find like minded friends (liberal and atheist) in the deep south.

I am also worried because DH doesn't have a job down there yet and he needs to find a position that is willing to sponsor him for a visa (his travel visa only allows him to live in the US not work).

It's all sooo nerve wracking and I understand everything you are going through!

@PinkBee: There is a group called "Drinking liberally" that meets all over the country. It's a really great group of fun liberals, plenty of whom are atheist.

Atlanta is a large metro area and there will be plenty of likeminded people!

We lived in Philly, like in the heart of the city for a decade and recently moved out to the suburbs of NJ so I can definitely relate. It's been tough for me out here b/c I don't have a LO yet and although it's a nice area there doesn't seem to be anyone close to our age. I've looked for programs to support moms in my area, but it turns out everyone had their babies 15-20 years ago and are looking to retire soon!

So although your question was about the adjustment, I might recommend finding a home in an area where you'd be surrounded by people you feel are your peers. That just makes it so much easier to make friends when you go out for walks and stuff like that!

@PinkBee: Here you go! http://livingliberally.org/drinking/event/Drinking-Liberally-Augusta-140

@PinkBee: coming from a conservative Christian - I think I would be sad if I met someone and later found out they didn't want to pursue a friendship with me simply because I have a different belief system than they would... Not in a bad way, but isn't it kinda like social discrimination?? Idk, I have friends who think and believe differently than I do. And isn't diversity so important? I don't think I'd want my LO to grow up only around one mindset anyway, lest he grow up close-minded and discriminatory against others.

I have moved a few times in my life and making friends is always hard. Actually, I've found it harder to make mommy friends than making friends when I was single.

I find it awkward approaching other moms, and LO isn't old enough where he plays at the parks or other places. He is so little, so I have no idea how to meet others either..

I don't have any advice, I mean it sounds like moving to CT is the best option for your family, but I understand it can be hard! Good luck!

@meredithNYC: I have a really good friend who recently made the move from NYC to Stamford and while it wasn't easy, she said joining a new mums meetup group in Stamford really helped a lot. Plus you can hop on MetroNorth once a week to visit friends. That should make the transition easier.

@meredithNYC: haha, yes I am English. Dead giveaway!

We are working on relocating right now, and it is a scary process. Thinking about it makes me really nervous, but DH and I are committed to relocating to a place that will be better for raising our children. It's just all the unknowns that scare me; I'm very much a routine-oriented person, so thinking about all the changes makes me nervous. Once we get some plans better established, I'll feel better about the whole move, I'm sure...

Anyway, I just wanted to commiserate and let you know you're not alone!

I waver back and forth, sometimes I am dying to move, other times I just want to stay put. Some days are better than others!

@PinkBee: I'm glad you aren't stressing! And you're right, nerves are natural. I was very nervous to move to TX and that is no where near the same cultural difference as Canada to Georgia.