You found out that you got offered a fantastic opportunity. The kind that will help you achieve a big dream of yours. There's one thing that's kept you from celebrating. You have to move to Utah.
You've heard plenty of good things.
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The World-class skiing in Utah.
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The beautiful outdoor spaces.
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The red rock desert is only a few hours drive from the snow capped mountains.
But the reputation. The things you've heard about the culture. The "Praying for rain" during a mega drought.
How will you fit in there? Will you find YOUR people in Utah?
The good news is, the answer is yes. You can find your people and your community in Utah.
1. Find your people with similar interests by joining a local club
Do you think you are the only person that likes to ski, read fantasy novels, or eat yummy food? No way. There are clubs for almost anything you can think of.
Joining a club is great because you meet people that enjoy what you enjoy. Often you will get to check out great local spots too!
After moving here from New York, my friend and her Italian husband joined an Italian-American club. I’ve never heard of the authentic mouth-watering restaurants she has visited!
2. Find them giving back to the community
Don't know where to find the people that care about what you care about? Nothing shows that you are passionate about something more than volunteering your time.
Good deeds bring good people together! Making new friends while caring for puppies, or cleaning up our beautiful outdoor spaces. That is the "sunshine and rainbows" of new connections.
In 2018 I volunteered with a local non-profit, Project Rainbow Utah, for the first time. I met some of my favorite people to spend time with by volunteering with them.
3. Find them while learning something new
You don’t need to worry about finding something in common when you meet someone while taking a class! You are all there to learn, experience or sharpen your skills.
In a photography class you’ll discuss favorite places for sunsets in Utah. (There are many). In a yoga class, it’s chatting about a new pose. The opportunities are endless.
I joined a fitness class with my neighbors, most of whom I had only said “hi” to in the first several years I lived here. Within a few weeks, we were sharing vacation plans, sugar, and dreams. 
4. Find them using social media
The best place to find people is where ever they are. These days, most people are on Social Media. Yes, as many problems as there are with Social Media, there are good things too.
Social media lets you learn about many local groups, classes, events, and people. For example, there's a "Utah Tik Toker" monthly meet-up. There’s monthly “coffee and connections” with Utah Women in Business.
Do you like hiking? There are Facebook hiking groups for moms, dog lovers, beginners, and those that pop a bottle of wine after (Yes, please!). Where else would you learn about that when new to the city?
5. Find them at a local hotspot
Coffee shops, parks, bars, and restaurants… locals have their favorites. Try out some different spots, and once you find the "vibe" you like, start going .
If you work from home or doing a project that only requires wifi, head to a local coffee shop. Faces start to become familiar and the next thing you know, you are making plans with a new BFF.
It doesn’t have to be spending money or drinking caffeine. Go walk the loop and Liberty Park daily, or head to the same splash pad every Thursday, if you have kids. It might be a little weird if you don't.
6. Find them attending fun events
Did you know you can get all "glammed up" and go to an Adult Prom!? If that's not your thing, how about a Fun Run or an outdoor concert?
There is always a fun event happening near you. You only need to know where to look. Eventbrite is a goldmine when it comes to finding fun events in Utah.
As someone who goes to many concerts I can attest. There is something unifying about being in attendance with other humans, enjoying the same thing as you!
7. Find them at one of Utah's festivals
Utah has a variety of festivals throughout the year. That can be a great way to experience the local culture and meet new people.
You may have heard of some.
If it's interesting to you, it's also attractive to your people. I met one of my dear friends of 13 years now while attending a music festival in a forest in Oregon.
So, you can breathe easy. YOUR People Are Here! YOUR people are waiting for you to come join their community! You can connect in meaningful ways, do fun things, and see all "good things" you read about with good people.
What are you waiting for?
Say YES to that fantastic opportunity that will help you reach your life goals! Say yes to the celebratory goodbye party. You are moving to Utah! Your people and I welcome you!
