Have a plan. Before you relocate, spend time reflecting on who you are and what you want your life to be like in your new home. The more reflecting you can do before you move, the more prepared you'll be to hit the ground running when you arrive. He planned to take sailing lessons when he arrived. That way he'd not only take advantage of living near water, but he'd also learn a skill and make new friends.
Many people join one, are discouraged and quit.
I made myself a one-year commitment. Subscribe to the Sunday paper and the community newspaper of your new city or town for a few months before you arrive. It's important to know what's happening locally if you want to participate in conversations. Learn the names of local elected officials and gain insight about current issues, which organizations and companies are having the biggest impact and how the local high school, college and professional sports teams are doing. Clip items that appeal or interest you.