Of the ‘essentials’, in my opinion none is more key than having friends close by.  When we first moved from Hoboken, I worried about becoming isolated in the suburbs.  I was fearful of losing the tight circle of friends I was surrounded with in Hoboken.  For a mom or dad coming from the city, who is used to having lots of friends (and playmates for the kids) within a few blocks’ walk, the thought of being detached from a tight-knit community can be daunting.

So where do you turn for camaraderie and friendship around here? Here are some groups that focus on those who are new to town.

Cranford Newcomers Club. You don’t have to be new to town to join! This social club is for women who are new to town or current residents of Cranford, Kenilworth, and Garwood who have recently experienced a life change that opened the door for new activities (baby, or other job or life change).   Lots of social, service, and family activities including adults’ nights out, Children and Family Activities, Book Club, Playgroups.  For more information: [email protected], www.facebook.com/CranfordNewcomersClub, www.meetup.com/Cranford-Newcomers

Cranford Jaycees: Social and service group for men that provides networking opportunities, and the chance to participate in numerous community focused events such as the Halloween parade, Firecracker 4 Miler Road Race, Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, Kids Christmas Party, Easter Egg Hunt, and of course the wildly popular Oktoberfest event. For more information: [email protected], www.cranfordjaycees.com

Mothers Center of Central NJ.  Provides friendship, education, outreach, and support for all parents across Central New Jersey.  Throughout the year the Mothers’ Center offers daytime and evening discussion and craft groups, book clubs, morning and afternoon playgroups, library and referral resources, and special events. For more information: [email protected], www.cnj.mom-mentum.org

Newcomers Club of Westfield. This social club is for women who are new to town and their families, and also welcomes those who have had a recent lifestyle change such as marriage, or birth/adoption of a child. They offer Women’s and Children’s Activities, Adults Nights Out, Playgroups, Book Club, community service, and more. For more information: [email protected], www.meetup.com/westfieldnewcomers, westfieldnj.com/newcomers

Westfield Welcome Club: The club is open to women who are new to Westfield and surrounding towns (such as Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Cranford, and surrounding areas), and current residents who have recently had a life change. They offer variety of activities for women and their families, such as Women’s Activities, Children’s Activities, Book Club, and more. For more information:  www.westfieldwelcomeclub.org.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Newcomers’ Club.  This social club is open to all new and current residents of Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and surrounding communities.  It provides a variety of Women’s, Men’s, and Children’s Activities, as well as activities for the whole family, and Community Outreach opportunities.  For more information: www.spfnewcomers.com

Hopefully this will help to start you on your way!  Of course, this is by no means a complete list, there are lots of additional groups you can find out about through your town’s website (www.cranford.com, www.westfieldnj.com, www.scotchplainsnj.gov, www.fanwoodnj.org).  Are there any groups you want to give a shout-out to?  Add a Comment and let us know!