Montgomery County Woman Builds Community Through New Walking Club

Jessi Balter started the MoCo Walking Club on social media to find community after moving to Rockville.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:07pm

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Feeling lonely after moving from Miami to Rockville, Maryland for an internship, 26-year-old Jessi Balter turned to social media to create the MoCo Walking Club. The group, which welcomes people of all ages and genders, has grown so large that Balter has even started a Discord channel to help members organize activities.

Why it matters

Balter's story highlights the challenges many young adults face in building community and making new friends, especially when moving to a new town. Her solution of using social media to connect with like-minded people and organize group activities provides a model for others seeking to combat loneliness and isolation.

The details

After moving to Rockville in 2025, Balter, a social media influencer, missed the times she would go on walks with friends back in Miami. She ultimately took to TikTok to see if anyone would be interested in joining her on walks around the Rio shopping center in Gaithersburg. The group, which Balter calls the MoCo Walking Club, has since grown significantly, prompting her to create a Discord channel to help members organize activities.

  • Balter moved to Rockville from Miami for an internship in 2025.
  • Balter started the MoCo Walking Club on TikTok in 2025.

The players

Jessi Balter

A 26-year-old woman who moved from Miami to Rockville, Maryland for an internship and started the MoCo Walking Club on social media to find community.

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What they’re saying

“I really feel like I kind of tapped into this need for community. Especially in your 20s, it's pretty difficult to make friends, no matter where you live.”

— Jessi Balter (The Banner)

The takeaway

Balter's story demonstrates how social media can be a powerful tool for combating loneliness and building community, especially for young adults who are new to an area. Her example of creating a walking club that has grown to include members of all ages and genders provides a model for others seeking to connect with their local community.