Are you interested in getting to know the community, but not sure how?
Check out our line up of Hello Neighbor programs and services below.
Welcome Neighbor Gift Bags
Receive one of our Welcome Neighbor gift bags featuring messages of welcome, informational resources about local programs and services, coupons, and free items from local businesses. Sign up to receive a welcome gift bag via the form below.
Get Paired with a Peer
One on one or small group neighbor meetings at a local coffee shop in which new residents are paired with an established resident based on their unique interests and questions about the area.
New Resident Socials
Boundary Waters Connect hosts informal new resident socials multiple times a year. We meet for free beverages and snacks in Society Hall above Northern Grounds Coffee + Wine Bar. Check our events page for the next new resident social date.
Meet New Elyites at Tuesday Group
Tuesday Group is a Boundary Waters Connect sponsored community gathering that takes place weekly over the noon hour on Tuesdays at the Grand Ely Lodge. We invite new Ely-area residents to introduce themselves via our regular “Meet New Elyites” Tuesday Group segments.
Why We Live Here
Relocating and making a home somewhere new is exciting and challenging at the same time. Our Why We Live Here video series gives prospective residents a window of insight to the day-to-day lives of people who have taken the leap. We want to help you understand what your lives here might look and feel like.
Prospective Residents
Boundary Waters Connect has interviewed dozens of new residents for our video series, our Meet New Elyites segment of Tuesday Group, and other projects. We observe common themes among new residents. Many people who relocate to northeastern Minnesota’s Wilderness-edge communities:
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Value having quick and easy access to the wilderness as an essential part of their daily lives.
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Prioritize spending time outdoors and value closeness to nature.
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Want to enjoy where they are, and strive for a work-life balance that suits their unique needs.
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Are interested in recalibrating their pace of life and quality of life.
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Seek to benefit from communities and environments that encourage lifelong learning.
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Appreciate intergenerational exchange and opportunities to connect with elder knowledge and wisdom.