Often it’s not the packing and unpacking that’s the most daunting part of the move, it’s building a new group of friends. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

1. Join a Professional Group

Make friends and network at the same time by joining one of the many professional groups in town. Here are just a few:

Create Little Rock
This young talent initiative seeks to keep, attract and grow a competitive workforce in Little Rock. Members host fun events like Land in The Rock and Serve the Rock.

1 Million Cups
The Little Rock chapter meets weekly to educate and accelerate local entrepreneurs. Offshoot programs like Startup Weekend offer more facetime with peers and business leaders.

Pop Up in the Rock
This group of young professionals works to revitalize areas of the metro that need a little TLC. Improvements range from adding bike lanes to sprucing up entertainment venues.

2. Volunteer

There are lots of opportunities in Metro Little Rock to donate your time to the causes you care about while making connections along the way.

  • If you’re an arts advocate, research the Thea Foundation, which has programs geared toward helping kids develop confidence, self-worth and perspective through creative expression.
  • If you love helping kids, look into Make-A-Wish Mid-South, Junior Achievement and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas for volunteer opportunities.
  • If you want to help hungry Arkansans, check out the Arkansas Foodbank, which always needs help stocking shelves and packaging meals.
  • If you’re all about animals, the Humane Society, Rescue Road, Out of the Woods, ArkanPaws and many more are in need of a helping hand from local animal lovers.

3. Take a Class

If your goal in life is to never stop learning (or if you just like gaining new skills), you’ll find a match in the metro, right alongside other central Arkansans looking to do the same.

The Arkansas Arts Center
For the arts and craft lovers out there, Little Rock's local center for the arts offers courses on everything from drawing and photography to woodworking and jewelry making.

Eggshells Kitchen Co.
The beloved culinary store in the Heights offers cooking classes that put the spotlight on well-known local chefs as they share their tips and tricks.

ZenSpin
Located in West Little Rock, ZenSpin offers fun cardio alternatives to a boring elliptical workout. Some of the classes offered at ZenSpin include barre, Pilates and indoor cycling. Chances are, you'll meet some like-minded people while you're there working up a sweat!

More Great Ideas
Attend regular local events. • Participate in a neighborhood association. • Become a member of a country club. • Frequent city parks. • Join a community group on Facebook. • Get active in your child’s school. •  Find a new church and plug in.