When my wife and I relocated from Calgary to Nelson, British Columbia in 2017, we believed we understood the lifestyle change ahead. Our goal was to embrace a slower pace and enjoy a quieter environment.
Living in Nelson brought many positives: a strong sense of community, access to beautiful nature, and a break from the fast-moving city life. We valued the tranquility and the charm of a small town.
Despite the benefits, making friends as adults proved difficult. Unlike in larger cities where social opportunities are abundant, small towns can have close-knit groups that are hard for newcomers to enter.
"I found it surprisingly challenging to build new social connections — people already have their established circles."
Building friendships required patience and effort, as many locals had deep-rooted relationships and networks.
Moving to a small town has offered peace and a welcoming atmosphere but also revealed the complexities of forming adult friendships in a tightly-knit community.