How does it actually work?

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.

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.

Can I join more than one group?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

I don't have WhatsApp. Another option?

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.

Are these groups safe? Vetted?

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.

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.

All communities

Community

Van Life

You will not stay alone. The Austin Van Life community is already waiting.

Join the group Who is in it

About this group

Van Life in Austin -- practical recommendations from people actually living it.

Van Life is the Austin People Club group for practical recommendations from people actually living it. Centered around Clarksville and West Campus, the chat is where members trade real recommendations instead of guessing.

Group vibe

Warm, welcoming, quick to answer questions.

Members

Who is in this group.

Example members. Real archetypes drawn from the people who already meet up here.

Dom, 27

From Vancouver

Part of the Van Life crew, usually found around Bouldin Creek.

Sam, 59

From Buenos Aires

Part of the Van Life crew, usually found around Pflugerville.

Maya, 50

From Sydney

Part of the Van Life crew, usually found around Barton Hills.

Stefan, 42

From Amsterdam

Part of the Van Life crew, usually found around Clarksville.

What we do

What happens in the chat.

Resource-sharing thread: where to shop, eat, and find community
Occasional workshop or skill-share hosted by a member
Newcomer welcome -- questions answered without judgment
Recommendation thread for services and providers who get it
Monthly potluck or group outing

Before you join

Quick answers.

Is it free to join?: Yes. All ten Austin People Club communities are free. No hidden fees.
How fast do I get added?: Usually same day, always within 48 hours. You will send a quick intro message before being added.
Can I leave whenever?: Of course. Leave the WhatsApp group any time. No questions, no guilt.
Will the chat be spammy?: Each group is capped around 250 members with active moderation. Promotional or off-topic messages get removed.