Moving to a new city can be tough. You have to find your new favorite coffee spot, figure out where you’ll shop for groceries, and determine which park has the best walking trails. Oh yeah, you also have to make new friends.
Trust me, I know the face you’re probably making right now. I recently moved to the East Coast, and it’s my 3rd move in four years. So, I understand why you may feel a little nervous about the prospect of putting yourself out there and making new friends.
The good news is that it’s easier than you might think, and I’m going to walk you through six fun ways you can meet people and make new friends in your new city!
1. Dive Into Local Groups and Clubs
If you’re in the market for a new best friend, one of the best places to start is by checking out the local clubs and groups in your area. All good friendships stem from common ground, and it’s important to find someone who enjoys the same things you do!
I met one of my best friends at a local cooking club event for people wanting to create their own sourdough starters! We started chatting–mainly about our love of fresh, homemade bread, at least at first. Soon after, we discovered we had a lot of the same pastimes. We swapped numbers at the end of the event and went home with our starters (and a new, budding friendship!)
If I were you, I’d recommend looking for events, clubs, meet-ups, and happy hours in your new city that center around the things you like to do and the things you’re interested in. It’s much easier to strike up a conversation when you have a thing or two in common.
For example, if you’re an avid reader who enjoys reading and chatting about books, you’ll definitely want to join a new book club. Not only will you get a ton of new book recommendations to add to your TBR (to be read) pile, but bonus points, you’ll also make some new bookish friends. No book club in your area? No problem! Use BookClubs to start your own in your new neighborhood!
Not a big reader? There are plenty of club options to explore–but what if you’re not sure where to find these clubs and groups?
Check out the community board at your local library or grocery store. You can also check out online apps such as MeetUp and BumbleBff. Social media can also be an excellent sidekick.
If you have a homeowner’s association page or a group for apartment residents, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for recommendations for making friends in the area! (Your building might even host group events that are just an elevator ride away).
Try a New Group-Oriented Hobby
Having hobbies is important, but if you want to make new friends, the key is to try a hobby that incorporates other people.
Take a cooking class or enroll in a photography workshop! Join a weekly running circle or try a creative writing critique class. You’ll learn something new and find yourself in the company of like-minded people with shared interests.
2. Volunteer your Time
Another great way to build new friendships is volunteering. You’ll learn more about the new community you live in, you’ll do some good, and you’ll get to meet new people.
Whether it’s lending a hand at a local festival or sharing your passion for a cause at a non-profit organization, there are lots of ways to get involved.
For example, you can:
- Walk dogs at the local animal shelter (This one’s my favorite–I’ve bonded with so many people while snuggling the furry friends!)
- Serve in the soup kitchen
- Sort and package boxes of goods at the food pantry
- Coach a youth sports team
- Organize a blood drive
- Help build houses with organizations like Habitat for Humanity for those in need
When you volunteer, you’re not just giving your time; you’re also opening yourself up to potential friends who share your altruistic spirit.
3. Embrace Community Events and Festivals
Attending community events and festivals is another great way to open the door to potential new friendships.
Art Festivals and Exhibits
Art lovers, rejoice! Art festivals and exhibits are not just feasts for the eyes; they’re hubs for creative minds to connect.
Art is meant to be experienced together, so try striking up a conversation about a particular piece or exhibit that inspires you. You may just find yourself a new festival buddy or someone who appreciates art and beauty as much as you do!
Cultural Events
When I move to a new place, I always enjoy checking out all the cultural events in the community. As a new resident, I’m eager to learn more about the culture in my new location, and–you guessed it!–it’s a great way to meet new friends.
So be sure to check out any musical performances, dances, workshops, or lectures to learn more about where you live (and the people around you). It’s the perfect way to expand your mind and spark new relationships!
Expand Your Language Skills and Social Network
Remember how I mentioned trying new hobbies? Why not try learning a new language?
Group language classes are a fantastic way to:
- Expand your vocabulary
- Make friends who are on the same linguistic expedition
- Improve your language skills
- Weave a supportive network of native speakers and fellow learners
- Enrich your social life in the process
4. Connect Through Fitness and Wellness
Fitness and wellness activities benefit not only the body but your social life, too).
Sign Up for a Gym Membership
When you look around your local gym, you tend to see the same people around. That’s the beauty of a gym membership in a new city—it’s not just about staying fit; it’s about the social opportunities that come with it.
And don’t be nervous! Most gym-goers are friendly and open to chatting, making it that much easier to meet new people. So join a gym or try the local yoga studio; you’ll meet people with similar interests, and you’ll be working towards your health!
Attend Fitness Classes
Group fitness classes are a fantastic way to build connections. I met some of my best friends while taking a Zumba class at the local gym–nothing breaks the ice more than sweating together!
Working out together means you’ll always have someone by your side to cheer you on in your fitness goals, share workout tips, and hold you accountable to your training schedule.
5. Host a Housewarming Event for New Friends
Consider rolling out the welcome mat by hosting a casual housewarming party. It’s a great way to get outside your comfort zone and introduce yourself to the community. A housewarming doesn’t have to be fancy–just a simple get-together with snacks, drinks, and good music.
Don’t forget to invite a mix of close, old friends, co-workers, and new neighbors to create a diverse and lively atmosphere. Now’s your opportunity to get creative with a DIY wine tasting or an old-fashioned game night! goal is to get to know one another better, building a foundation that could potentially turn into meaningful new friendships!
6. Be a Good Neighbor
Good neighborliness extends beyond a friendly wave across the fence. It’s about engaging in light conversation, offering to help with a task, or even sharing homemade treats. These acts of kindness can signal to your neighbors that you’re approachable and interested in building a relationship, which is the cornerstone of any good friendship.
Being a good neighbor also means helping each other out. Consider using Neighbor if you’ve got free space to offer for storage. Lending a helping hand (or space!) is always appreciated.
Or, if it’s you who’s looking to store some of your things, choosing to store with a neighbor (instead of some big-box facility) gives you the freedom to keep your things close (literally in your very own neighborhood!) And you’ll be able to strengthen the friendship you have with your neighbor. It’s a win-win!
Ready to get out there?
Moving to a brand new place comes with all sorts of challenges, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. Learning how to make friends in a new city can initially feel daunting, but if you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone and try something new, you’ll be making connections and creating lasting friendships in no time!
