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Mastering the Art of a Successful Move: Building Friends, Community, and a New Life at Midlife

By Beth Shaw, Founder of YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide and Author of Healing Trauma with Yoga, YogaFit, and Yogalean

Starting Over: How I Built a New Life After Moving States in My 40s

Moving to a new state can feel like starting over—exciting, daunting, and full of unknowns. Whether you’re chasing warmer weather, a career shift, or simply a fresh chapter, the key to a successful relocation isn’t just unpacking boxes—it’s weaving yourself into the fabric of your new home.

I know this firsthand. In 2020, amid the chaos of the pandemic, I traded the streets of New York City for the sunny shores of South Florida.

When I arrived, I knew virtually no one except one acquaintance—a friend who had also relocated from NYC to Miami. Fast-forward five years, and I’ve built a thriving network of friends, found love, opened my own yoga studio, and created a sense of belonging that rivals what I had in New York.

In this blog, I’ll share my journey and some practical strategies for making a smooth transition, forging meaningful connections, and finding your new community. These tips are especially helpful if you’re in your 40s or 50s—a life stage when priorities shift toward quality relationships, wellness, and purpose-driven living.

If you’re contemplating a move, or already in the midst of one, read on—your new adventure awaits.

There’s a great book called MWF Seeks BFF, where the author chronicles her search for a best friend over one year and 52 “friend dates.” She’s in her late 20s, but her experience proves that no matter your age, there’s a roadmap for connection. So, let’s dive in.

Step 1: Plan Your Move for Long-Term Success

A successful move starts long before the moving truck arrives. Preparation sets the tone for how quickly you’ll adapt and connect.

I’ll be honest—my move to Fort Lauderdale was completely spontaneous. I was supposed to close escrow on a property in DUMBO, Brooklyn, but two days before the closing, I pulled out. It was March 2020, the world had just gone into lockdown, and I knew I didn’t want to be part of what was coming next.

A few months earlier, during a holiday visit to Florida after a breakup, I’d seen an apartment I liked. My grandparents lived in Boynton Beach, so I’d spent plenty of time in Florida growing up, especially during high school and college. That familiarity gave me just enough confidence to take the leap.

For those who prefer a more planned approach, here’s what I recommend:

  • Research your destination thoroughly. Before I left NYC, I barely did any research—but you should! Use city websites, Reddit forums (like r/FortLauderdale or r/Miami), and apps like Nextdoor to get a feel for your area. If you’re midlife, consider factors like healthcare access, walkability, and proximity to beaches or parks for that active lifestyle. In hindsight, I might have chosen Palm Beach over Fort Lauderdale—it might have been a better fit for running my business.

  • Budget for the transition. Relocation costs add up—movers, temporary housing, and those unexpected fees. Research moving companies carefully; I made a few costly mistakes and ended up with damaged belongings.

  • Pack with intention. Bring only what matters—items that spark joy or connection, like photos or a favorite board game. I decluttered ruthlessly and bought a furnished unit, which made moving lighter and starting over easier.

Midlife Tip: Moves at this stage often coincide with major life transitions like empty-nesting or career pivots. View it as an opportunity for reinvention. Join local Facebook or expat groups before you move (like New Yorkers in Florida) so you can line up coffee meetups right away.

Step 2: Settling In—Hit the Ground Running

The first few weeks after a move are critical. Isolation sets in fast if you don’t act. I hit the ground running—and I encourage you to do the same.

  • Host an early gathering. Within a month of arriving, I threw a casual housewarming party. It was simple—neighbors from my building, friends of my one Miami contact, and a few out-of-town visitors. We drank tequila, laughed, and reconnected after months of lockdown. That night broke the ice and turned strangers into new friends.

  • Explore your neighborhood. Walk, visit local coffee shops, and chat with baristas or dog walkers. Small talk can spark real friendships. I used Meetup and Eventbrite to find nearby happenings. Remember, I moved during COVID, so I said yes to everything—I would’ve gone to the opening of an envelope! But that openness helped me meet people I wouldn’t have otherwise.

General Guidance:
Set a “social quota.” Aim for at least one outing a week. If you’re introverted, start small; if you’re extroverted, go big. Research happy hours or community events—find your vibe and your crowd.

Step 3: Making New Friends—It’s Like Dating, But Better

Building friendships as an adult feels a lot like dating—it takes effort, vulnerability, and the willingness to keep trying.

  • Be proactive and approachable. I started attending local business networking events and Meetups right away. I joined the Tower Club in Fort Lauderdale, which introduced me to a wide range of professionals. My approach was simple: spot someone interesting and start a conversation. Some became walking or Pilates buddies, others became true friends.

  • Leverage your network. Ask friends if they know anyone in your new city. “Do you know someone who’d enjoy hiking or yoga?” goes a long way.

  • Embrace the process. Within a year and a half, I hosted a birthday party with over 25 people—some close friends, some casual connections. Not every friendship lasted, and that’s okay. Some are for a reason or a season, others for a lifetime.

Midlife Tip: Focus on quality over quantity. Your life experience makes you discerning—find friends who share your values, whether that’s wellness, philanthropy, or personal growth. Join age-aligned groups so you feel comfortable and inspired.

Extra Ideas: Try Meetup.com for hobby-based groups, volunteer for beach cleanups, or join a book club. Follow up after meeting someone new: “Great chatting—want to grab lunch sometime?” A simple text can turn a friendly chat into a friendship. And yes, some people will ghost you—it’s part of the process.

Step 4: Finding Community—Beyond Friends to Belonging

Community isn’t just people—it’s a sense of place and purpose that makes your new state feel like home. For me, my yoga and Pilates studio, Be YogaFit, became my anchor.

  • Join clubs and organizations. I was a member of the Tower Club for a while, but eventually, life got too busy with my studio and social events. Still, clubs like that—or book clubs, film societies, or chambers of commerce—are great places to start.

  • Pursue your passions. Opening Be YogaFit Studio in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea connected me deeply to the community. Many of my closest friendships have grown from our classes and events. I love introducing people to one another—it’s beautiful to see how much connection has grown in just a year and a half.

  • Engage locally. Attend town halls, art walks, or festivals. Community theaters, libraries, and fitness groups are amazing for meeting people with shared interests.

Midlife Tip: Prioritize activities that nourish your mind and body—yoga, tennis, dance, golf, lectures, or fitness classes. A good gym or yoga studio can be a community hub.

And if you’re single, stay open—community connections can lead to romance. I met my husband in June 2023, three years after moving. We married that August, proving that patience (and showing up) truly pays off.

Special Considerations for Moving in Midlife

Relocating later in life comes with unique challenges—but also huge advantages.

  • Combat loneliness proactively. Schedule regular video chats with old friends while building new ones. Apps like BetterHelp can help process emotional transitions.

  • Prioritize wellness. Moves are stressful! Make time for yoga, walks, or nature. Florida’s weather makes outdoor wellness easy.

  • Adjust career and finances. If you work remotely, use LinkedIn to network locally. For retirees, part-time consulting or volunteering keeps you engaged.

  • Manage family dynamics. If you’re moving solo, enjoy the independence. If you’re with a partner or family, involve them in social activities—it strengthens bonds.

Final Tip: Track your progress. Keep a simple journal of the people you meet, the milestones you hit, and how you feel. It’s motivating to look back and see how far you’ve come.

Conclusion: Your New Chapter Awaits

Moving from New York to South Florida in 2020 was my leap of faith—and it’s blossomed into a life full of friendship, love, and purpose. By showing up, saying yes, and staying open, I turned solitude into community.

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, remember: a successful move is built on action, openness, and resilience. Dive in, and before you know it, you’ll be hosting your own gatherings and wondering why you waited so long.

If you’re relocating to South Florida, stop by Be YogaFit Studio—we’d love to welcome you into our community.

What’s your move story? Share it in the comments below.

Beth Shaw
Founder of YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide
Owner of Be YogaFit Studio in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida

Follow Beth on Instagram @bethshawhealth for more inspiration, wellness tips, and insights on mindful living.