Houston is having a moment. As a native, I’ve never before seen Houston become a hot spot in the way that it has in recent years. But I get it. The affordable cost of living (TBD if we can still be able to say that in the near future), the food scene, and the overall energy of Houston has people moving here in waves– and we love to see it!
But let’s be real, moving to a new city can feel lonely, no matter how vibrant that city is. It’s hard to build a community from scratch, especially if you’re juggling work, family, or the general overwhelm that comes with adulthood. If you’re feeling disconnected, you’re not alone, and the good news is that Houston is full of opportunities to find your people.
Here are some practical, fun ways to find community in Houston:
Talk to Strangers
It sounds basic, but this is unfortunately the thing you must do in order to meet people. When grabbing coffee, standing in line, or looking around a clothing store, know that Houstonians are generally friendly and open to a chat, even if you aren’t picking up on that based on facial expression. Compliment someone’s earrings, ask what they’re drinking, or just say hi. These small interactions can lead to bigger connections and even friendships.
Find Community Events
Something is always happening in Houston. We’ve got everything from art markets, free concerts, panels, parties, and pop-ups. Check out local event calendars, follow your favorite small businesses on Instagram, and keep an eye on places like Discovery Green, POST Houston, The Ion, and Sesh Coworking (🤠) for event announcements. There are even accounts that share events for niches like lesbians/sapphics, for example. Public events are a casual way to meet people with shared interests while exploring the city.
Coworking Spaces & Third Spaces
If you work remotely or freelance, coworking spaces are one of the best ways to find community in Houston. Spaces like Sesh Coworking are designed to help you get out of the house, meet other creatives and entrepreneurs, and build connections that extend beyond your work life. Even if coworking isn’t your thing, finding a third space like a favorite coffee shop, library, or park where you consistently show up can help you build relationships over time.
Slide in the DMs
If you find a Houston creative, small business owner, or someone you admire online, don’t be afraid to reach out. Social media is one of the best networking tools we have. A quick DM to say “I love your work, let me know if you ever want to grab coffee” can be the start to a great relationship. Most people are looking to connect too, and are just waiting for someone to make the first move.
Join a Class or Organization
Whether it’s a pottery class, a language group, or a professional organization for your industry, joining a class or structured group is a great way to meet people with similar interests. Houston has everything from art workshops to burlesque classes and film societies, so there’s something for everyone.
Workout Groups
From run clubs to yoga collectives and cycling groups, Houston has a thriving fitness community. It’s a great way to build consistency in your routine while meeting new people. Boost Pilates, ZFT Run Club, and the Houston Bike Club are good places to start.
Talk to Your Neighbors
Sometimes we overlook the people living right next to us. Whether you’re in an apartment or a neighborhood, saying hello, attending HOA or community meetings, or joining neighborhood apps like Nextdoor can help you feel more rooted where you are. The best way to feel at home and like you’re building real community with the people around you is to know who you’re living amongst and how you can best co-exist.
Finding your people takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Whether you’re new to Houston or just looking to expand your circle, start small, stay open, and keep showing up. If you’re looking for a place to start, Sesh Coworking is here to help you find your community in Houston. Come in for a coworking day, grab coffee with fellow creatives, or check out one of our monthly events.
Houston is ready to welcome you.
