Question 1

How does it actually work?

Accepted Answer

Pick the group that fits, tap its WhatsApp button, send the message that's already typed out for you, and a real person on our end adds you -- same day more often than not, 48 hours tops. No app to download, no account to make, no charge.

Question 2

Is it free?

Accepted Answer

100 percent. No Austin People Club group ever charges a cent to join. We won't sell your number, won't spam you inside the chat, and there's no advertising running through any group.

Question 3

Can I join more than one group?

Accepted Answer

Sure thing, and most people do -- two to four groups is normal. Training for a 10k on Tuesdays doesn't rule out a Franklin's BBQ run on Saturday. Run Club, BBQ & Foodies, Live Music -- join whichever ones fit, there's no cap on how many.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

We hold every group under 250 people with somebody actually moderating it. Spam a promo, pitch crypto, or go off-topic and you're removed along with the post. Small groups, real moderation -- that's the whole strategy against the chat turning to noise.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

That's basically what New to Austin was built for. Send the message and inside a day you'll have a welcome-dinner invite, real apartment advice instead of Zillow guesswork, and a crew of locals steering you clear of the tourist traps on Sixth Street.

Question 6

I don't have WhatsApp. Another option?

Accepted Answer

It's how this whole club runs day to day, and it takes about two minutes to set up. Grab it if you can. If you genuinely can't, reach us through the contact page instead and we'll figure out another route.

Question 7

Are these groups safe? Vetted?

Accepted Answer

Every new member sends a short intro first -- name, where they're from, which group they want -- and we check it before adding anyone in. Get reported for scamming or harassing another member and you're out, no second warning. This is Austinites looking after each other, not a business listings page.

Question 8

Who runs this?

Accepted Answer

A group of Austin locals who've lived here for years and got tired of watching new arrivals feel like outsiders. What began as a single WhatsApp thread has turned into over a hundred groups we keep running today — still just volunteers, no company behind it.

Lake Fishing

Skill-matched groupings so nobody's in over their head, usually near Crestview: that is the pitch for Lake Fishing.

Who is in this group.

Kwame, 35

Mateo, 47

Kei, 29

Anya, 60

What happens in the chat.

Usual spots.

Quick answers.

You can join more than one.

Outdoors & Greenbelt

Tech & Startups

Families in Austin

Join Lake Fishing.