In this episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush dives into one of the biggest challenges for newcomers to rural and small-town living: forging genuine connections and making your house feel like home. Drawing on listener Rebecca’s question about balancing lifestyle goals with investment strategy for recreational properties, Diana shares a hybrid approach and then shifts gears to practical, actionable tips on how to intentionally build community. From identifying your personal interests to showing up consistently at local events, this episode equips you with the blueprint to turn your new hometown into a network of friends, neighbors, and opportunities. Whether you’re volunteering at the farmer’s market or hosting your own backyard gathering, Diana guides you through the steps to become a recognized—and valued—member of your rural community.

Timestamps

00:00 – 01:00 | Welcome & Podcast Introduction

01:00 – 04:00 | Listener Question: Balancing Lifestyle & Investment for Recreational Properties (the “Hybrid Approach”)

04:00 – 05:00 | Topic Overview: Building Community & Connection Beyond the City

05:00 – 07:00 | Step 1: Identify Your Interests—From gardening and wellness to sports and culture

07:00 – 09:00 | Step 2: Engage in Local Activities—Farmer’s markets, craft fairs, hiking groups, sports leagues

09:00 – 10:00 | Step 3: Leverage Local Businesses—Coffee shops, hardware stores, pubs as community hubs

10:00 – 12:00 | Step 4: Show Up & Be Consistent—Volunteer groups, seasonal events, being a familiar face

12:00 – 13:00 | Step 5: Embrace Rural Culture—Adopt the slower pace, join Facebook community groups, attend fundraisers

13:00 – 14:00 | Call to Action & How to Send in Your Questions

14:00 – 15:00 | Outro: Subscribe, Follow & Final Thoughts

Valuable Resources & Key Takeaways

Hybrid Approach Checklist

• Weeks per year you’ll use the property personally
• Income needed to cover costs or break even
• Seasonal calendar mapping (personal, family, friends, guest bookings)

Community Engagement Roadmap

• Interest Inventory: List hobbies, passions & family needs
• Activity Audit: Research local events, clubs, volunteer groups
• Business Partnerships: Introduce yourself to local shop owners & baristas

Action Steps

• Volunteer
• Attend weekly social gatherings: card nights, fitness classes, sports leagues
• Host your own meet-up: coffee chat, potluck dinner, nature walk

Digital & Social Tools

• Join community Facebook groups for event updates
• Follow local business Instagram pages for pop-up markets
• Use Nextdoor or local forums to announce meet-ups

Mindset Shift

• Commit to consistency—attend at least one event per week
• Say “yes” to invitations, even if outside your comfort zone
• Embrace every interaction as a seed for deeper connections

Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush

Linked In: