Cracking the Santa Barbara social-scene nut is not always easy for recent transplants. But residents who’ve moved to town within the last 18 months are welcome to step under the colorful influence of the thriving Santa Barbara Newcomers Club.
“It’s really just a social club that enables people to meet new people, engage in fun activities, and learn about the new town that they have moved to,” said Susan Aumack, an active volunteer in the club, which has more than 40 committees spanning everything from sports and music to parties, classes, exploration, and tours. “There’s even a committee called ‘giving back’ that introduces members to nonprofits that are looking for volunteers. It’s just really well-rounded.”
Aumack moved here from San Francisco after buying a house and confessed that the only person she knew was her realtor. “It was kind of tough. My neighbors aren’t particularly outgoing and that’s typical,” she said. “I think if I didn’t have the Santa Barbara Newcomers, it would have been really challenging.”