Getting Involved in Your New Community

Moving to a new area, whether you’re a native Vermonter or an out-of-stater, can be intimidating. Luckily, Vermont is known for its strong sense of community, and our towns and cities are ready to welcome you with open arms. From rural areas to their more urban counterparts, there are always ways for you to immerse yourself in local culture and get involved in your new neighborhood. 

Get Connected Through Online Groups

One way to get to know your community, even before the move, is through online groups. Platforms like Front Porch Forum and Facebook groups will give you a genuine way to hear the conversations of your new community. 

To join Front Porch Forum, all you need to do is make an account and register with your new address. Once you join, you can either scroll through the posts in the forum, or simply read the daily digest that gets sent to your email each afternoon. Both are great ways to learn more about what’s happening around the town, whether it’s a food drive at the nearby church or you need recommendations for a local plow guy.

To check out local Facebook groups, log into your personal Facebook account and search for your town, county, or general region. To make the process easier, we’ve created a list of popular groups from across the state:

Northwest

• Burlington, Vermont
• St. Albans Vermont
• EssexVT Community Group
• Richmond, Vermont Community Locals
• Colchester Vermont
• Champlain Islands Community Forum
• Swanton, Vermont Community Discussion Group

Northeast Kingdom 

• Stories from the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont
• St. Johnsbury Community
• Newport, VT Rocks!
• Lyndonville Vermont Area Community Forum
• What's Happening Around Hardwick Vermont

Central 

• Central Vermont Billboard
• Montpelier Area Friends
• Barre VT Resident Chat
• Vergennes Vermont Community Group 
• Northfield, Vermont
• Fairlee Vermont

South 

• Woodstock Vermont Friends and Family
• Okemo Valley Community
• Community Events (Rutland, Springfield, Brattleboro, Ludlow ETC) VERMONT
• Rutland Vermont- Neighbor to Neighbor
• Manchester Vermont Community Forum
• Killington Locals+
• SOVO (Southern Vermont Community Forum)
• Brattleboro, Vermont
• Bennington Vermont Town Community Info

These groups are open for anyone connected to participate. Scroll to see what residents are discussing about your neighborhood, or make your own post asking for advice in your move. Often, people in the group are happy to provide tips for getting settled in the area.

While not a specific group, you can also find out more about your new community by checking the town or city website. Here, you’ll often find a calendar of upcoming events, when the town’s recycling facility is open and where to find it, how to pay your taxes,and other local insights!

How to Get Involved In Person

The best way to immerse yourself in your new community is by getting out, exploring, and talking to new people. Start by checking out local events, like farmers markets, festivals, live music events, open library hours, and high school or college sports games. This will help you get to know the individuals, businesses, and organizations that make up your new community. 

For a more hands-on experience, volunteer for your nearby food shelf or a nonprofit that piques your interest. This way, you’ll not only get to know your neighbors, but also make a difference in the place you now call home. Not sure where to start? Keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities like Green Up Day; events like these have a low barrier of entry but still make a huge impact.

Use your hobbies and interests to your advantage—join book clubs, fitness classes, and paint-and-sips to connect with other like-minded residents.

Connect with Neighbors from Your Home

Often, the best aspects of community can start in your home. Think of ways that you can incite conversations and put a smile on your neighbors’ faces. Here are a few examples:

• Set up a little library or food pantry: encourage people to stop by, browse, and even donate their own items to be shared among neighbors.
• Donate clothing items and non perishables to your local homeless shelter or other organization.
• Grow a garden and share the produce or flowers with your neighbors.
• Set up a community bulletin board for neighbors to post recommendations, announcements, or offers of help.
• Create care packages for neighbors who are elderly or new parents and leave them on doorsteps with a friendly note.

Be creative as you forge connections with your neighbors. You may just discover your new favorite hobby.

Finding your place in a new community takes time, but Vermont's welcoming spirit makes the journey rewarding. Whether you're chatting with a stranger at the farmers market, posting in Front Porch Forum, or simply waving to the neighbor who stopped by your little library, each small interaction weaves you deeper into the fabric of your town. Before you know it, this new place won't just be where you live—it'll be where you belong.

At the end of the day, there’s no better way to get to know your neighbors than bringing over some baked goods. It’s an oldie but a goodie, no technology required.