Moving to a new community is always difficult, especially when you've left friends and family behind. Use these online tools to start building a local network made-up of your interests and hobbies:
Meetup.com
For anyone unfamiliar with this site, Meetup.com is a great resource for finding like-minded locals who enjoy the same things you do. From book clubs, to dining clubs, to wine-tasting, hiking, skiing and more, you'll find everything you need right here. And because this site is mainly a way for people to set-up meetings and get-togethers, all the socializing takes place offline - much better than the online chat rooms or webspaces.
Tribe.net
Unlike Meetup.com, Tribe.net is an information source for finding local entertainment spots, restaurants, etc. However, in the last six months, Tribe.net has also started organizing parties and get-togethers, so it's worth checking out. And while you're there, check out the local scene and post your own review.
Active.com
Still in Beta version, this is a great site for all things active - tennis, running, soccer, football and more, you'll find clubs, events and teams to join in your area. Highly recommended for both serious athletes and those of us who'd rather just have a little fun.
