Any ideas on how to start a life when I don't know many people that he doesn't know?

First of all, this situation to me yells out "make over". You are in his hometown, people know you are his wife (or X wife to be) so it's time to turn the tables around and show him what he is missing out on. Every woman is beautiful with a little make up and nice clothes. Get your self esteem back, don't let his actions kill you inside. You are a beautiful person inside and there is nothing wrong with showing you are beautiful outside. After your self esteem is back, making friends will just come naturally no matter where you go.