Worried about finding community – recommendations?

I know this is a very typical post to see on here, but I haven't found any previous specific to my situation, so thought I'd post. I promise I've looked extensively online before coming on here to finally ask haha. Sorry if this should be in the megathread!

I'm (25F) finally closing the gap with my long distance boyfriend of 3 years and moving from Charlotte to Ft. Lauderdale. I applied to an apartment in the Coral Ridge Country Club neighborhood and am still waiting to be accepted, but am already excited and looking into the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

I'm scared that the area I'm in won't lend itself to being that friendly to an apartment-dweller, and one who's part of a younger demographic. I'm not so sure I'd fit into the average crowd that's my age down here, for a variety of reasons, especially being a little removed from areas like Flagler Village and Hollywood. While I can make friends through my boyfriend, I think it's important to have my own connections as well.

I've been trying to find anything about the surrounding area — any ways to make friends, fun or unique (small) businesses, WFH places, community events, markets, etc. — on here, TikTok, through Googling... and I can't find anything. Any search about Coral Ridge or surrounding areas just pops up realtors or questions about where to move. I did look up the neighborhood association but unfortunately can't swing $550/year to be a member lol.

If it helps: I like crafting, cooking, gardening/houseplants, have a dachshund (do yall have wiener dog meetups down here?), am gluten free, and am a graphic designer. I do drink but after going to a party school, I'm kinda over the club scene. I used to lift too and want to get back in the gym, but have been delayed by getting laid off twice and subsequently developing Bell's Palsy👍 And I'm willing to travel and already have a craft club in Hollywood on my radar, but knowing myself, I'm not prone to driving 30 minutes somewhere after a long work day, especially with having to take care of my dog.

So if you have any recommendations for any of the above in Coral Ridge, Lauderdale by the Sea, etc. please let me know! Your favorite restaurants, coffee shops, any small businesses I can support, (dog or human) parks, hobby clubs, or anything else. Even if you just point me to pages I can follow for local happenings, I'd be very appreciative :)

Thank you so much in advance!!