My family moved to a small town 8 years ago. It's been mostly great, but it's been hard to make friends as an adult.

Moving to a Small Town: The Experience

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.

The Upsides

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.

The Challenges of Adult Friendships

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.

Summary

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.

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Business Insider Business Insider — 2025-11-29

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