Moving to Berkeley in our mid-30s…how do you actually build community here?
Hi all- my wife and I are moving from SF to Berkeley after 12 years in the city. SF has been my home through my most of 20s and I have lived many lives so it’s a bittersweet move but we are excited for the new chapter.
Were ready for the change, but also feeling a little sad leaving behind a community and rhythm that took a long time to build.
We’re both in our mid-30s, active, and pretty social, but also aware that meeting people at this stage of life can be…kind of tough. My wife’s work is over here (teacher) and I WFH (consulting) which can be a bit isolating at times too.
A bit about us:
Into hiking, cycling, and being outside
Yoga / meditation
Pickup basketball
Cooking / hosting dinners
Music, art, poetry, live events
A couple things we’re hoping to figure out:
1. How do people actually meet others here?
(Not just “go to events,” but what actually works in Berkeley?)
2. Any communities or recurring things we should plug into?
Classes, groups, runs, gyms, pickup sports, etc.
3. How do we take advantage of being near campus?
We’re close to campus too and would love to lean into it more—thinking:
Talks / lectures
Events
Shows at the Greek
Anything else we might not be aware of
Would especially appreciate hearing from people who’ve made a similar move or built community here in their 30s.
Thanks in advance, we’re excited to be here ❤️