I live in a big city, but our area feels really community-oriented. I can't believe how many ppl grew up in this area and stayed, everyone knew everyone or is related.

We made some good friends through preschool/kinder. A fair few have kept contact as a group and a few families are holidaying together in a few weeks (we're not sure DP can get the time off unfortunately). Some are at DD's school and a couple in her class. It's really nice.

Play dates and meeting up for coffee after drop offs were really good to get to know each other. And we have picnics and meet ups at parks on weekends, even now the kids have gone to school.