Question 1

How does it actually work?

Accepted Answer

You pick the group that fits you on this website, click the WhatsApp button, send us a message, and within 48 hours (usually the same day) a real person adds you to the right WhatsApp community. That's it. No apps to download, no login, no fees.

Question 2

Is it free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Joining any Austin People Club group is 100 percent free. We do not sell your number, we do not spam the chat, we do not run ads inside the groups.

Question 3

Can I join more than one group?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. If you're a runner who loves live music and BBQ, join the Run Club, Live Music and BBQ & Foodies groups. Most members are in 2 to 4 groups.

Question 4

What's the group size? Won't it be spammy?

Accepted Answer

Each group stays under 250 members with active moderation. Anyone posting promo, crypto, or off-topic links gets removed. The chat is for members, by members.

Question 5

I've only lived in Austin a few weeks. Worth joining?

Accepted Answer

That's exactly why New to Austin exists. You get a welcome dinner, apartment-hunting advice, and a dozen locals telling you the real spots within hours of your first message.

Question 6

I don't have WhatsApp. Another option?

Accepted Answer

WhatsApp is how the club actually runs -- group chats, event coordination, everything. It's free to install and takes two minutes. If you really can't, message us from the contact page and we'll figure something out.

Question 7

Are these groups safe? Vetted?

Accepted Answer

Every new member sends one intro message before being added -- first name, where you're from, which group you want. We remove anyone flagged for harassment or scams. We're a community, not a business directory.

Question 8

Who runs this?

Accepted Answer

Austin People Club is run by long-term Austin residents who believe nobody should feel like an outsider in this city. We started informally with one WhatsApp group; now we moderate over a hundred. It's a labor of love, not a company.