Making Friends Fast: How to Build Community After a Move

Starting over in a new town every few years can be emotionally draining—but it doesn't have to be lonely. Making friends quickly is a skill many military families master. Here’s how to accelerate that process and feel connected faster than ever.

🏡 Start With Your Street

Introduce yourself to your neighbors. A quick hello or a batch of cookies can go a long way. If you're in base housing, use community Facebook groups to find local meet-ups or welcome events.

📱 Use Social Media (Strategically)

Join Facebook groups tailored to your new base or neighborhood. Search for keywords like “Military Spouse + [Base Name]” or “Military Moms of [City].” Many spouses even post “New Here” intros and get coffee invites within hours.

🏫 Enroll Kids in Activities

Schools, sports, and enrichment programs are powerful networking hubs. When your kids make friends, you do too—at drop-off, practice, and weekend events.

🧘‍♀️ Find Shared Interests

Whether it's a gym class, book club, faith group, or hiking trail—find your people through your passions. Volunteering is also an excellent way to meet others while doing something meaningful.

🧠 Stay Open

Don’t limit yourself to only military friends. Civilians often want to be welcoming but may feel unsure of how. Be approachable and say yes to new experiences.

🪖 The Military Network Is Strong

Ask your agent to connect you. Our agents are Veterans or military spouses—we know how it feels to start fresh and we can point you to resources, events, and hidden gems.

Home isn’t just a place—it’s the people around you. Building your new circle starts with one hello.