New to the Area? Austin Social Groups That Make You Feel at Home

Austin is a very friendly and welcoming city, but when you first move to the area, you may feel alone without friends and family members by your side. Joining some local social groups is a great way to meet others who share your interests, helping you foster a community and new relationships. Here are several Austin social groups to consider joining:

1. Austin Newcomers

Austin Newcomers is a group dedicated to helping transplants develop a new social life after moving to Austin. They offer a packed calendar of social activities, from canasta games to happy hours to book clubs. Their Annual Holiday Party, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 7 this year, is a great way to kick off the year and meet some new friends. There is a fee of $35 per year to join.

2. Awesome Austin

With more than 20,000 members, Awesome Austin is a social group for those in their 20s and 30s. Activities vary from basketball games to happy hour gatherings and picnics. The group also has a winter social bowling team that competes on Fridays, and participates in sand volleyball pickup games at Krieg Fields on Sundays. Join for free, and attend any event you find appealing.

3. Austin Film Society

Austin Film Society enriches lives by bringing the beauty of film to the Austin area. They also support local filmmakers, helping to draw attention to their creations. If you're a fan of film or a filmmaker yourself, joining is a great way to get involved in the local community, as you'll have access to local screenings, invitations to red carpet premieres, and more.

4. Austin Escapades

This popular Meetup group with more than 9,000 members has been active since 2011. It's the perfect group to join if you love outdoor activities and adventures. The group plays 6-ball field kickball every Saturday at Field Mojo, and organizes various other social outings like game nights and jogs in the park.

5. Hiking, Walking, and Socializing

Walking is definitely one of the best ways to learn your way around Austin. This Meetup group focuses on walking or hiking at local attractions like the Greenbelt or Shoal Creek. It's not a high-intensity group for exercise, but rather a group of casual walkers and explorers who want to relax and meet for drinks after a day of exploration.

6. Austin Food and Wine Lovers

Are you looking for the best pizza in Austin? Maybe you're in search of a new wine bar? Austin Food and Wine Lovers is a group of culinarians who meet for wine tastings, food truck samplings, and more. You're sure to meet new friends who want to share that wheel of cheese or discuss the area's newest restaurants.

Are there any other social groups you’d recommend to newcomers? Feel free to share ideas with new residents in the comments below!