This may be because I'm not logged in, but you don't show me any buttons to create a new community. Especially when there are zero communities in my area, such a link would be beneficial.
Good point. It's gotta be easy. Is it acceptable just explain that they need to create an account first, or would it be valuable to you if I allow creating an account and community on one form?
The main point is there needs to be a big fat "Create a community" button on the front page, even if that leads you to a "First, create an account" screen.