9 Tips for Finding a Community After Moving

Some cities have a certain charm that makes you feel at home from the minute you set foot in them. That’s how West Seattle made us feel. We fell in love with the greenery, the nearby beach, the style of the houses, and of course, the resonance we got from it. Despite being excited about our relocation, it wasn't easy. From not knowing the way around our new town to not having friends to socialize and connect with, moving to a new city always comes with some challenges. There is so much to learn, and finding a community after you move can help you feel like you're part of the city and make it feel like home.

We feel so lucky to have become part of the wonderful community in West Seattle. But becoming a part of the community wasn’t just luck, finding ways to contribute to this lively town has been one of the most important ways to help make West Seattle feel like home. So here is a list of tips that we recommend following to find or create your own community after moving.

1. Get involved in your kids' school

If you're a parent and your kid attends a local school, this is one of the easiest ways to meet other parents living nearby. You can volunteer in your child's classroom, help out with fundraising events, or chaperone field trips. Most schools also have parent-teacher associations (PTAs) that you can join. Getting involved in your child's school is a great way to meet other parents and get to know people in your area.

2. Join a club or organization

If you're into sports like soccer or softball, you could look into adult leagues in your area. If you like to read, see if there’s a book club that meets regularly. There are local groups and organizations for just about every hobby and interest under the sun, from knitting to photography to hiking. Joining one of these groups is a great way to meet like-minded people who may become new friends. We recommend checking out Facebook groups based on your interests and neighborhood. You can also find new groups to join by checking out Meetup.com or searching online for groups in your city.

3. Attend local events

From farmer's markets and concerts to art fairs and sports, there are usually plenty of events in most cities. Some restaurants and bars may have even smaller, more local types of events such as open mic nights or poetry slams if you’re not up for going to a larger one. Attending these events is a great way to meet local people and get a feel for your new community. 

4. Volunteer

Many organizations could use your help, whether it's a soup kitchen, a Habitat for Humanity build, or something else entirely. Not only will you be making a difference for a good cause, but you'll also get to meet other volunteers who live in the area. If you don’t see any places while you’re out exploring, you can try using VolunteerMatch to find an in-person or online opportunity.

5. Take a class

If you're interested in learning a new skill or just want to take a yoga class, taking a class is a great way to meet new people. Music lessons, language classes, and group fitness provide opportunities to not only work on yourself but also meet other people who may also be looking for new friendships. Before or after class you may also have time to squeeze in a coffee with your new classmate. Many community colleges offer evening and weekend classes, so you can easily fit them into your schedule.

6. Take your pet for a walk

If you're looking for an icebreaker, a pet is a great way to meet people. When taking your dog for a walk, you'll probably meet other dog owners walking their dogs as well. Dogs in particular are great for meeting people since you can chat with other dog owners while your pets play together.

7. Visit local businesses

Get to know the owner of your local coffee shop or grocery store. Not only will you be supporting a local business, but you'll also get to know the people who work there and who go there. It’s also a good way to get some “insider” information about your new city - you may even discover other places or activities to check out in the neighborhood. 

8. Connect with a spiritual community

If you're religious, attending services at your church or synagogue is a great way to make new friends and get involved in your community. Many places of worship also have groups and activities that you can participate in outside of the religious ceremonies. If you’re not religious, find a local spiritual community, maybe a meditation or mindfulness group.

9. Meet your neighbors

This one may seem obvious, but it's often overlooked. Grab some flowers or some cookies and get to know the people who live next door or down the street. You never know – they might become your good friends. They’ll also be able to give you recommendations of places to go and things to try in your new community. 

Extra Tip: Create the community you crave

If you can’t find an existing community to plug into, create one. It’s been our mantra as we transitioned to West Seattle. Create a club or meetup for something you’re passionate about. Organize events for people to attend. Talk to people on the playground, in line at the grocery store, on the yoga mat next to you. Host a neighborhood block party. Post that you’re new in a community group and ask to connect with others.  It can be hard to put yourself out there but the potential benefits can be worth it.

Moving to a new city can be daunting, but there are plenty of ways to meet people and make friends. By getting involved in your kid's school, joining a club or organization, attending local events, volunteering, taking a class, or starting your own, you'll be sure to find your place in no time. 

If by any chance you’re moving to the beautiful West Seattle, we have a complete neighborhood guide that we’re sure will make it much easier to find things around!