New to the Area? 5 Twin Cities/Rochester Social Groups that Make You Feel at Home

Moving to a new city can inspire a mixed bag of emotions. It's fun and exciting to explore an unknown area, but when family and friends are far away, you may be at a loss on how to form new relationships.

Have you recently settled into your Twin Cities or Rochester apartment home? Perhaps you're planning a move here in the near future. We've put together a list of social organizations designed to help get acquainted with your neighbors and surroundings.

Saint Paul Hello
952.486.0533

Saint Paul Hello is a unique group inspired by founder Jun-Li Wang's experience as a transplant when her husband began a new job. Newcomers are greeted with the gift of a faux-fur earflap winter hat, symbolic of the accessory that really made Jun-Li feel at home.  Welcome Hat meetings are 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Minnesota History Center. Area natives and long-term residents are also invited to join.

Newcomers Club of the Southwest Suburbs (Minneapolis)
952.974.8429

Newcomers Club is a civic and social group centering on residents of the southwest suburbs of Minneapolis, including Savage. Members can participate in a variety of activities and events such as group luncheons and dinners, book clubs and movie outings. The club also provides support and volunteer opportunities for local charities like Meals on Wheels and the Carver County Humane Society. "Welcome Coffees" are held at the Eden Prairie Civic Center from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Rochester Area Mothers and More
moms@rochmoms.org

Mothers and More is the local chapter of a national organization dedicated to providing a social resource for all moms. In addition to family activities such as playgroups and craft workshops, there are several moms-only events like luncheons, book clubs and wine tastings. Meetings are conducted at the People's Food Co-Op Community Room on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month beginning at 7 p.m. 

Twin Cities Transplants

This group currently has more than 3,000 members, including singles and couples of all ages. It was started in 1990 and transitioned to a Meetup group when the networking site was created. Members can participate in an eclectic assortment of activities ranging from bowling and softball leagues to guitar instruction to social mixers at clubs and restaurants.

Rochester Newcomers Connection (RNC)
314.616.5734

If you have just relocated to Rochester, RNC is the place to get acquainted with your new home through social activities and information about local resources. In addition to group outings such as dinners and movies, there are several special interest groups like book and knitting clubs under the RNC umbrella. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month.

We know that moving to a new area can be overwhelming. Our Springs Apartments communities in Minnesota host a number of events providing a casual setting for our residents to meet and mingle. We hope to see you at one soon!