Which has a stronger campus community, Johns Hopkins or Swarthmore?

For the close-knit, supportive, everyone-knows-someone kind of campus community, Swarthmore is more likely to fit what you describe. Its much smaller undergraduate population, highly residential setting, and strong traditions around student-run groups and shared intellectual life make it easier to see familiar faces and build relationships across classes and activities. Students often describe Swarthmore as collaborative and deeply engaged, though the academic culture can still be intense.

Swarthmore may suit someone who wants friendships to grow naturally through dorm life, dining hall conversations, small classes, and a campus where participation is visible. The community tends to be socially connected but not centered on a large party scene.

Johns Hopkins offers plenty of organizations, research groups, service opportunities, and residence-hall communities, but its larger undergraduate population and Baltimore location can make the experience feel more self-directed. Hopkins is especially appealing for students who want to find community through a particular interest, such as research, public health, engineering, arts, or a cultural organization. The social environment can be warm once students find their people, but it is less likely to feel uniformly connected across the entire campus.

For your stated priority, Swarthmore has the clearer edge. Choose Hopkins only if you also strongly value a larger research university environment and are comfortable being more proactive about creating your social circle.