Moving to a new city can be an extremely daunting experience, especially for those who do not have any family or friends there. If you are in this situation, you’re most likely adjusting to the new environment, local lifestyle, and new people. As you settle into your new home and new surroundings, you’re probably going through many different emotions, including fear, anxiety, homesickness, and loneliness.
It’s okay to feel this way. It’s normal to experience a whirlwind of emotions. Many others who have been in the same situation have felt the same way. As a result, many find ways to overcome these feelings by connecting with people and making new friends.
Finding friends in a new city can be hard, but there are many ways to make yourself more approachable and build relationships fairly quickly. Here are 25 ways on how to make friends in a new city.
1. Meet friends of your friends
One of the best ways to meet people in your new city is by asking people you already know if they know anyone who lives there. Don’t underestimate the power of your friends to help you find new friends in a new city. They most likely have friends or relatives who live in the same city you can reach out to.
You can tell your friends when you’re planning to move so they can make an introduction even before the actual move. Meeting a friend of a friend is much more organic and less awkward because you know you have a common friend. You’ll most likely find something in common.
2. Use mobile apps to meet new people
With modern technology, there are plenty of ways to meet new people. The obvious choices are dating apps, like Tinder, which allow you to meet people. They’re very popular with singles in urban areas. The app is usually used as a hookup app, but many people use it as a way to find friends as well.
But if you’re not keen on dating apps, you can choose from a long list of friendship apps that make it easier to meet new people. The focus is more on making new friends and connecting with people in the city who may have the same interests as you.
Here are some of the mobile apps you can check out to meet new people in your area.
- Bumble BFF
- Meetup
- Nextdoor
- Friended
- Wink
- Peanut
- Atleto
3. Socialize at work and bond with co-workers.
A large portion of your time is spent working, so it’s important to be friendly and welcoming to everyone you meet in the office. You may not think it matters, but when you’re out looking for new friends, connecting with your co-workers is a great and natural starting point.
If you are friendly towards your co-workers, they will most likely be friendly back. After all, this is a place where they feel most comfortable outside of their homes.
Making friends at work has numerous advantages; it makes you feel less isolated and allows you to enjoy your job more. It can also help you be more productive because communicating about what needs to happen for your tasks is easier when there’s someone else to do them with you.
Invite your co-workers to lunch or have a coffee after office hours. You can also join extra-curricular activities organized by the company. Get involved in projects that will allow you to interact and engage with work colleagues more.
4. Invite neighbors to your housewarming party
If you want to socialize more while also being neighborly, consider hosting a housewarming party. Inviting your neighbors over for a housewarming party is a great way to introduce yourself to your immediate neighbors.
Getting to know your neighbors will help build connections and foster understanding of your new neighborhood. If it works out well, then you can follow it up with an informal get-together.
5. Walk the dog
People who walk their dogs are more likely to make friends. Not only is it a great way for you and your pup to stay healthy, but it is also an easy way to meet new people. Dogs need regular exercise just like humans, so this is an opportunity to get some fresh air yourself while getting your four-legged best friend outside for some socialization.
It’s a great way to make friends, explore your neighborhood, and share some love to other dog owners walking on the same route. Dogs are known for being friendly, social animals who are always ready to play. Dogs don’t discriminate, so they’ll happily greet anyone. They’re a great conversation starter. Before you know it, you’re making new friends who share your passion for dogs.
You can walk your own dog or if you don’t have a dog, volunteer at a rescue center in your city and offer to walk some of the dogs.
6. Join local Facebook Groups
Friendships can start online through Facebook. You can meet friends by joining local Facebook groups that align with your interests. It’s a great way to connect with people in your area.
You may find that your local community has a Facebook group that focuses on events and activities that you may be interested in. What’s great about Facebook groups is that the members are mostly helpful. If you ask for recommendations or have questions, they’re more than happy to answer and help you along the way.
It doesn’t require you to meet up in person right away. It’s really simple. You just need to search for local groups in your area that offer activities or interests you like, join them, and wait for an event to pop up and participate.
7. Visit local tourist spots
One great way to meet new friends is to visit the local spots that you haven’t been to yet. Walking around and exploring new places will give you a chance to see something new and exciting as well as meet people who share your interests.
If you’re looking to make new friends, consider going to places that are frequented by large groups of people. One idea is to visit a museum or a zoo. These types of places tend to be popular with families and young children.
If you’re a parent, you’ll more than likely find some other parents or caretakers who may want the company of another adult while they’re out on their own adventures with their kids.
You can always find museums, art centers, aquariums, and zoos, but there are so many other interesting places to explore as well.
8. Attend local cultural events
After you’ve settled into your new home, it’s time to get to know the new city by attending cultural events close by. There are so many opportunities to meet new people at local events. It beats simply chatting on social media.
You never know if you’ll meet your next best friend by attending cultural events, but it’s worth a shot. Allow yourself to experience new things and expand your cultural awareness of the city. These cultural events include live concerts, art shows, music festivals, stage plays, and food expos. You may not even know you have something in common with those who attend these events until you make their acquaintance!
You can find schedules of events from the city’s official website, local newspaper, flyers, and social media of the local communities and organizers.
9. Volunteer for charitable and non-profit organizations
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make friends with like-minded individuals while getting involved in your favorite cause. In addition, you’ll get the satisfaction of doing good for others by giving your time and expertise.
What’s great about these organizations is that they also host social activities that can be a lot of fun, from movie nights to holiday parties, which are all opportunities to make new friends.
For many people, volunteering is a way to make connections. If you are looking for a fulfilling experience and new friends, volunteer opportunities can make good social networks. Volunteering helps you feel more engaged with your new community and also increases your civic participation.
10. Join classes based on your interests
Why not try joining a group of people with similar interests? If you’re interested in art, for example, you can join an art class. You go to the same weekly class with enough people, chances are high that at least one person will be your friend.
There are plenty of classes that range from pottery to baking to tattooing that’ll make for a more fulfilling experience. People who take these classes generally love what they learn. They are passionate about the topics and will share their knowledge with you, which can be really helpful if you are new to the activity or don’t know much about it. There’s more interaction and connection when you’re around like-minded people.
11. Go to neighborhood garage sales
Garage sales are not only a great place to find bargain items, but they’re also a great way to meet people from your neighborhood. If you’re looking for more than just one-off people to chat with, head over to your neighborhood’s weekly garage sale, where you’ll find others eager for some friendly conversation.
There are many ways to meet people in this day and age, but none as fun as hunting for items at yard sales. If you find an item you fancy, just ask the seller and you’ll find yourself engage in conversation. Many of the items for sale have stories to tell and it’s a great conversation starter. It could very well be the start of a good friendship.
12. Learn a new language in a class setting
Taking a language class is a great way to meet new friends. Sure, there are now mobile apps that teach a foreign language, but that’s not as interactive and fun as learning with other people in real life. Learning a new language is more fun when there’s regular interaction and conversation with people who are also learning the language.
Other people may be in the same situation as yours. They’ve just moved into the city but some of them come from other countries who speak different languages. If you know how to speak their language, you can talk to them. It’s mutually beneficial because you can learn their language and they can learn English from you.
Learning a new language can be tedious. Having to read and write and speak and listen at the same time is difficult and not for everyone. However, making friends with people who speak that same language can make the process much easier. It makes forming friendships more organic and effortless.
13. Go to the farmers’ market
Farmers’ markets provide an intimate environment where people can talk and get to know one another. A wide variety of unique items ranging from fresh produce to baked goods to handmade products to clothing, allow you to explore a marketplace while interacting with the people who actually made them.
Many people enjoy going to farmers’ markets because they can purchase fresh and local products. They not only show their support to local producers, but they can also interact with the sellers. Oftentimes, it can be a start of a friendship.
To begin, when you notice signs for a farmers’ market, head in that direction. Chat up the local vendors about their produce or just have a good conversation with someone in line in front of you. They’d appreciate your interest in what they’re selling, and you’ll leave a positive impression.
14. Join a gym or a health club
More and more people are going to a gym or a health club to lose weight or get into a healthy lifestyle. It takes dedication and commitment to do this regularly, so you’ll know that the people there are passionate about it. So, if you’re on the same fitness journey, then you’ll be in a gym full of people that have the same interests as you.
Joining a gym or a health club not only gives health benefits but social benefits as well. You can meet people who share your love for fitness, running, hiking, biking, swimming, yoga, and the list goes on. You wouldn’t feel awkward because you’re within your element.
15. Join or create a book club
In this day and age, book clubs still exist. While in-person book club meetings may have been shelved due to the pandemic, online book clubs are still alive and kicking. If you are someone who spends hours in your local bookstore and can’t wait to discuss a book with another soul, then joining a book club is just the natural progression.
Book clubs are a great way to find fellow book lovers. Whether you join an online book club or an in-person one, you’ll meet new people and talk about great books, no matter the genre. Of course, you’re likely to be friends with people who have the same reading list as you.
Book clubs allow you to talk with people who share your interests and find out what they think about the book you’re reading. You can discuss any aspect of the book with each other; from characters to themes.
Your local library is a great place to start when looking for groups with which to join up. If you can’t find a book club specific to your genre of choice, you can create your own book club and let like-minded people come to you.
16. Hang out at local coffee shops
Hanging out in a coffee shop is a great place to be if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of your day, and it can even provide a sanctuary where you can escape from the outside world for a little while. It’s a fantastic environment to spend some time to relax after work or school, so you can blow off some steam from the day.
You might not believe it but hanging out in your favorite coffee shop is one of the best ways to meet new people. For many people, the coffee shop is a central location where you can find people with a wide variety of interests and hobbies. And if you’re obsessed with coffee, you’ll surely find a regular who shares your passion for coffee.
17. Explore the park
If you love nature, there is no better way to meet new people than by exploring your local park. There are so many types of people at parks, it’s inevitable to make new friends!
If your city has a national park or is near one, find time to visit one regularly. You’ll most likely find fellow people who love the outdoors. Nature lovers are typically a friendly bunch and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with them. They will often talk about the wildlife they saw on their morning hike or the beautiful sunset they witnessed.
If you want to be friends with someone who loves nature and the outdoors, then all you need to do is mention your interest in nature and wait for the friendship to blossom.
18. Connect with a faith community
If you are looking for a way to meet new people but don’t know where to start, finding a faith community in your area is usually a good place to start. Faith communities are made up of individuals who share the same beliefs and values as yours, which means they will be more likely to become your friend based on commonalities. This is an excellent way to build connections in the community.
If you feel lonely and disconnected because of the move to a new city, connecting with a faith community can help you find new friends and the support you need to thrive, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
19. Try something new that’s out of your comfort zone
We spend too much time in our comfort zones. It feels good to be in a space where you know what to expect and how things work. But when you stay in your comfort zone, you don’t grow or change, and your life becomes stagnant.
In a way, making new friends in a new city is out of many people’s comfort zones. For many, it’s a big challenge or even a struggle. Even more so for introverts. To make friends, try doing something out of your comfort zone. Instead of sitting at home watching TV on a weekend, do something that you’ll be doing for the first time. For example, climb the highest mountain, go bungee jumping, or try exotic local foods. You’d be surprised at how many people will offer help and encouragement.
20. Read community boards and flyers
Making new friends can be just a flyer away. The first step is to look at the community board and flyers in your area. The majority of the people who post things on these boards and flyers live in your area and want to sell stuff, invite people to an event, offer jobs, ask for help, or pretty much anything else. If you answer an ad or participate in the events, you’re a step closer to meeting new people and being part of the community.
Community boards, flyers, and newsletters are usually put out by neighborhood groups or individuals to promote local events. They also serve as a good way to find new friends. Whether you’re looking for fun or just want to find someone who’s into the same things you are, you can’t go wrong with checking out these community announcements.
21. Visit local shops
Some people find it hard to make friends. This is because they are not actively putting themselves out there and getting involved in things that interest them. One way to get to know others is by visiting shops in your neighborhood. Get acquainted with the local shopkeepers and ask them about their favorite things to sell. When you visit again, bring something for them so they can see who was thoughtful enough to show up.
Going into a local store and socializing with the people there is a great way to get to know the small independent shops in the community. It’s even better if you purchase something and become a regular. It’s not only a way to meet people but also a way to show your support for local mom and pop stores.
22. Look at geotags on Instagram
In the age of social media, it is easier than ever to stay connected to people from all around the world. For those on Instagram, this means that one could even be friends with a person they have never met before but who lives in the same city. With a simple geotag, users can see where their Instagram friends are and connect with them without meeting in person.
Instagram is one of the most popular social media applications. It’s a great way to connect with people all over the world, whether you’re looking for friends in your city or want to make new ones. Looking at geotag posts on Instagram can be a great way to find new friends near you.
Oftentimes, geotagging is linked to an event or a local restaurant or shop. Look for people who checked in there and possibly engage with them on Instagram to inquire about the food, produce, or local event.
23. Bike around the neighborhood
In a world where many people seem to be living in their own bubbles, it is important to make friends with those who live nearby. Biking is a great way to explore the neighborhood around your home and meet new people along the way.
Biking is an efficient way to get around. When you bike, not only are you helping your health by burning calories, but you’re also keeping your wallet in good shape by saving gas money. By simply getting out there on your bike, you’d meet cyclists who are always happy to meet newbies. You can try talking to them on the curb.
Biking around your neighborhood for a few hours a day gives you the opportunity to socialize with neighbors as well as interact with cyclists in the neighborhood. If you’re new to biking, you’ll certainly find good people to help you figure out safe bike routes.
24. Join local food tours
Food is often used to describe more than just recipes, menus, and ingredients. It can also be used to describe the way cultures share their stories and values through the food they eat. It’s the same thing with towns and cities.
You can interact with new people by taking part in a food tour of your city. It’s a great way to know the city and get acquainted with the neighborhood while indulging in authentic local dishes.
What better way to break the ice with a new group of friends than over a delicious meal? It would be hard to turn down a restaurant recommendation or an invitation to join a local food tour. A food tour is an excellent opportunity for people to experience the local culture while exploring different food options. The art of touring the city with a group of foodies is something that everyone should try at least once in their lives.
25. Attend a local sporting event
Attending a sporting event is a great way to meet new people who are passionate about sports and support their local teams. When you attend a sporting event, there are often many opportunities for making connections with other fans. Whether you cheer on your team, participate in the tailgate party, or use social media to connect with other fans, attending sporting events provides an easy way to make new friends.
And if you’re the sporty type, you can try out for a local sports team. Playing with the locals is a great way to get exercise and socialize with new people. You will have an instant group of friends, get exercise, and have fun! Joining a group athletic activity is not only good for your health, but it helps to increase your social circle. Your new friends can be great companions for activities outside of the game as well.
Final Words
While moving to a new city can be exciting, it can also be difficult. A lot of people struggle to make new friends because they feel that it’s awkward and inorganic. But you can’t deny the fact that building new relationships and connections in your new city is necessary to make the transition to living in the area a lot easier.To make new friends, you have to put yourself out there and make a proactive effort. You can’t just wait for people to come to you; you have to find ways to introduce yourself and get involved with things you’re interested in.
But if you change your attitude, take risks, and follow the tips on how to make friends in a new city, you will find that you can meet people who are just as interesting as the ones you know. You may even find that some of these new friends could be lifelong friends. It’s never too late to make new friends!