How to Join a Community in a New City or Phase of Life

Starting over in a new city or entering a new phase of life can feel exciting and intimidating at the same time.

New phases of life, such as graduating from college, moving cities, and starting a new job, can often shift your priorities. Before figuring out how to join a community in a new city or chapter of your life, it’s important to reflect on what you actually want from it.

Are you looking to build friendships, receive wellness support, foster professional growth, or find a sense of belonging?

Growing into new spaces can be refreshing, and knowing your values can help you join a community that's the right fit for you.

The right community is a safe space, a source of encouragement, and a place where you can grow alongside others. This guide breaks down realistic and approachable ways to join a community with intention and confidence.

Getting Intentional On What You’re Looking For

One of the easiest ways on how to join a community in a new city or phase of life is to start with your interests and values. Lifestyle-based communities often center around creativity, wellness, mental health, or career growth. These may appear to be women-led communities, professional networks, social clubs, or volunteer groups.

 Before diving in, ask yourself a few grounding questions:

• Is the goal social connection or emotional support? 
• Are shared values more important than shared hobbies or interests? 
• Is this a season for growth, healing, or exploration? 

According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, nearly 60% of adults report feeling lonely at least some of the time, especially during major life transitions. Being intentional about what you’re seeking can help you avoid burnout and instead find a community that genuinely supports your needs. 

Approaching the community,  building with clarity helps make the process feel less overwhelming and more aligned. You don’t need to have all the answers, just an open mind and willingness to explore.

Exploring Spaces that Match Your Lifestyle, Interests, Values 

Lifestyle-based communities are often built around shared values such as wellness, creativity, personal growth, or professional development. These spaces tend to attract people who are looking to build meaningful relationships rather than surface-level interactions. 

Popular places to explore can be:

• Group fitness classes or wellness studios
• Creative workshops or art classes 
• Women-led networking groups
• Volunteer organizations or non-profits

Platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite can make it easy to discover local gatherings that align with your personal interests. In fact, Meetup reported that over 70% of members join to build community and make new friends, especially after relocating to a new city. Finding alignment can be a crucial step in learning how to join a community in a new city or phase of life without feeling overwhelmed.

Use Digital Platforms to Build Real Connections Beyond the Screen

Community no longer exists solely in physical spaces. Many meaningful connections begin online and grow offline. Digital platforms make it easier than ever to connect with like-minded people before stepping into a room. 

LinkedIn, as an example, has become a powerful tool for professional community building. Sky Society is one example of this evolution. The LinkedIn community has over 30,000 women in marketing, offering a welcoming environment for connection and shared growth. The space offers support, shared learning, and confidence-building for women navigating their careers.

TikTok is also a great way to connect with individuals. Many creators showcase fun and exciting curated experiences based on the specific city. You often can get the inside scoop based on others' experiences at the events on how much it costs, location, and offerings.  Whether it’s a pop-up event at a new coffee shop or a mat Pilates class, these experiences are hands-on and uplifting.

They give people a chance to connect, support one another, and build real friendships.

Digital platforms also allow people to build familiarity before ever meeting in person. Following a community online, liking or commenting on posts, or joining virtual events can help you feel more comfortable and connected early on. This makes the transition to in-person experiences feel less intimidating.

Online spaces also offer flexibility. When you’re juggling work, school, or personal responsibilities, digital communities help you stay connected without feeling overwhelmed. This is especially helpful during life transitions when routines are still forming.

Show Up With Intention And Not Perfection

Joining a community doesn’t require being the loudest voice in the room or having everything figured out, whether it be your likes or dislikes. Being consistent matters more than being confident. Showing up regularly helps build familiarity, trust, and connection over time. It’s okay to attend events quietly by observing the dynamics of the events and engaging at a comfortable pace. 

Always remember that real connections take time. Trust grows through shared experiences, regular conversations, and showing up consistently. It’s normal for your first few interactions to feel awkward or surface-level. What matters most is that you are taking steps toward building deeper relationships.

Nurturing relationships means allowing connections to grow slowly. Be patient with the process and keep an open mind. Strong connections aren’t built overnight, and there’s no need to rush or force them.

Experts like Amber Willo explain that seeing people repeatedly helps strengthen relationships and reduces social anxiety. When learning how to join a community in a new city or a new phase of life, intention is more important than trying to impress others.

Lean Into Women-Led and Value-Driven Spaces 

Women-led communities often focus on emotional safety, teamwork, and growth over competition. For women in marketing, spaces like Sky Society create environments where shared experiences lead to real connection. These communities are built around support, learning, and growing together, rather than surface-level or transactional networking.

Sky Society Accelerator is a marketing career program created for women who want hands-on experience, clear guidance, and real confidence. It’s designed for marketing professionals who are ready to stop guessing, gain practical skills, and build real work they can show employers.

For women navigating their careers, personal growth, or a new city, being surrounded by others with similar experiences can feel grounding. Community becomes a space to ask questions, celebrate wins, and learn alongside others. Choosing a values-driven, women-led community can make joining a community feel empowering instead of intimidating.

Building Community Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Learning how to join a community in a new city or phase of life is not about instant belonging or perfection. It’s about tuning into your values, showing up consistently, and allowing connection to grow naturally. 

To recap: 

• Start by getting clear on what you need in this time of your life. 
• Explore lifestyle-based and values-driven spaces. 
• Use digital platforms to ease the transition into in-person community. 
• Show up with patience, intention, and openness.
• Choose communities that align with who you are becoming.

Every phase of life offers an opportunity to build relationships that reflect your growth. If you’re navigating a transition right now, take one small step. By attending an event, following a community online, or reaching out to someone new. Community begins the moment you decide to show up. 

🪽 Written by Juhi Jain