Do you ever wonder: what’s a good place to socialize? Where can you find new friends? In short, where can you easily socialize and in what settings?
As adults, we have the task of creating for ourselves those friendship-building environments that were so easy to find when we were kids. After all, no one will invite you to play outside after homework or to go down the slide together! The goal, as adults, is to be around people who share or have similar interests to you, right? This might mean taking a wine tasting course, joining a sports team or a walking group, or volunteering in a community garden. If you’re not sure where to go to find people who share your interests, go online. For example, thanks to social networks, many like-minded people have managed to find each other and gather. That’s the magic of the internet.
Where to Go to Meet New People?
Everyday places like the supermarket aren’t very effective since most people there are just trying to shop quickly before heading home, not to make meaningful, lasting friendships. The key is to find places where people are actively trying to meet others.
When you live in one place for a long time, you establish many friends and acquaintances. These concentric circles of people in your life create a familiarity that makes you feel safe and comforted. You take for granted how easy friendships are when they have so much time and history. You know each other very well, you know what to expect from one another, and even if you don’t see your friends every day, you know they’re there for you. They’re the network that holds life together and gives you a sense of belonging.
But when you’re new to an area or have moved completely to a new city, going out and being social can be daunting. If all your family and friends live too far away to visit often, it can be doubly hard.
Especially for introverts, making friends in a new city takes a lot of emotional energy and effort. But you certainly can’t stay a hermit forever. You have to find places to socialize! After all, we’re “social animals”: we need meaningful connections with other human beings.
Fortunately, there are many ways to create new connections. And thanks to the internet, exploring some of these options in your new city home can be as easy as pressing a few keys. Others might be as simple as going out to explore the area. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to figure out where to meet people:
Get to Know Your (New) City a Bit
The local visitor’s office, Chamber of Commerce, or newcomer’s guide can be perfect resources to learn about the area. And if it’s your “old” city? Find places and spots to meet new people through dedicated groups on social networks, apps, and local organizations that organize events.
Make Finding New Friends Your Second Job
You have to be willing to commit and try various socializing options before finding your “tribe.” But they’re out there! Know that at first you’ll feel awkward. It’s embarrassing to join a group or start a conversation when you don’t know anyone. No worries. You’ll all get through it.
Remember that an acquaintance can lead to friendship. You might not meet your best friends right away, but keep socializing with those who aren’t a perfect match. They can introduce you to others in their circle who might be.
Be Yourself
Of course, you want to start off on the right foot, but don’t twist yourself trying to fit in. Just be who you are, and you’ll find people who appreciate you and what you have to offer as a friend.
Now let’s get specific with some ideas to help you figure out not only where to socialize but also what to do to form new connections and friendships. Which of these will you try today?
Taking your dog for a walk gives new people you meet a reason to stop and talk to you. Other dogs will naturally be curious and drag their owners over to say hello (in dog language).
If there’s a dog park in your community, grab a ball or frisbee and take your pet for an outing. There’s a good chance you’ll meet people who love dogs.
Did you know there are also nature activities and organized hikes you can do with your dog?
Reach Out to New Friends on Facebook or Other Social Networks
When you move to your new city, look on Facebook for other residents in your area.
Through Facebook, you might discover some old friends or acquaintances you didn’t know lived nearby. Or maybe one of your Facebook friends knows some people in your new area and can introduce you. Reach out to someone and meet for coffee.
Find a Professional Networking Association
Are there groups or associations related to your career? Look for local business events and attend so you can network professionally and personally.
When chatting with other attendees, expand the conversation beyond typical work topics. Ask about their interests and hobbies, and you might find someone like-minded to socialize with.
Attend a Cultural Event
A nice subscription to the philharmonic or symphony theater, a membership in the local “Friends of Music” club, theater, or ballet are sure tickets to an experience that will introduce you to new, friendly, and interesting people. Attend shows and fundraising or members-only events. Start conversations with other attendees who are there because they appreciate the arts just like you.
If you prefer visual art, visit local galleries, talk to curators or docents, and discuss the art with other guests.
Join the Local Gym
One of the best ways to meet people is in a gym class. But if fitness classes aren’t your thing, spend time in the weight room when it’s busy so you can chat with other regulars.
If there’s a café or simple snack machine, hang out a bit after your workout and connect with other members.
Take a Food and Wine Tour
Maybe you live in a city with local breweries offering beer tours. Join the fun and after a few beers, it’ll be much easier to chat with others.
If you have wineries nearby or even restaurants offering wine tastings, sign up and meet other connoisseurs. Beer, wine, and socializing always seem to pair well together.
Take a Dance Class
Ballroom dancing is a great way to get close to potential new friends or romantic partners. But you don’t have to limit yourself to ballroom. Take a jazz, Zumba, or salsa class. It’s great exercise and you’ll meet fun people who love to kick up their heels.
Go to Seminars, Book Readings, or Conferences
Look for events and happenings scheduled in your area. Attend some of these events and try to sit near someone who might be looking for a new friend.
You’ll have plenty to talk about given the nature of the event. Show interest in the other person’s opinions and impressions of the event and share yours.
Visit a Jazz Club
Do you like jazz or some other genre that works well live, in a smaller venue that also allows conversation?
Find a relaxed, low-key club where you can listen to great music and start an interesting conversation.
Bring Your Book or Laptop to a Café
When you start feeling cooped up at home (especially if you work from home), go to a local café or bar with wifi to work.
It’s easy to keep your head down in your computer or book, but look up every now and then and observe the scene.
Start a conversation with the person at the next table. You never know who you might meet.
Take an Art Class (or Any Other Course)
Being part of a class automatically throws you into a group of people who probably think like you.
Try to sign up for a more hands-on class rather than a lecture course, something interactive that will let you talk with other students. Some kind of art class generally allows for more conversation.
Make sure to introduce yourself to other students and start a conversation with those around you.
Join the Board of a Charity Organization
Do you have a cause that’s particularly meaningful to you? If so, get really involved by becoming a board member or key player for the organization.
As a leader in the nonprofit world, you’ll be exposed to a variety of interesting people who support your cause.
Find a Part-Time Job
If you work from home or in an environment that’s not conducive to meeting new people, then consider a part-time job in a more social setting.
Working just a few hours a week as a host/hostess in a restaurant, café, or as a bartender will give you the chance to meet hundreds of different people.
Dine at the Bar of Your Favorite Restaurant
It can be intimidating to go to a restaurant alone, but try dining out and sitting at the bar instead of alone at a table. Chat with the bartender (if they’re not too busy) and strike up conversations with the people around you.
Whatever you do, don’t stay glued to your book or phone. Try to appear approachable and friendly to others.
Visit Your Local Farmers’ Market
Farmers’ markets are a lot of fun, especially if you like cooking and eating healthy. If you do, you’ll find many others who share your food values, so plan a nice morning among free-range eggs, organic zucchini, and great farm cheeses!
Sign Up for Sites to Meet New Friends
There are new online sites similar to the concept of “dating apps” but instead of matching romantic partners, they match potential friends.
Start connecting with other people looking for friends! There are even ones just for women, to facilitate same-gender friendships.
Participate in a Charity Run or Protest for a Cause You Support
If there’s a cause you support, your community might sponsor a run or walk to raise funds for it. Or if you want to raise awareness of injustice, you can contact organizations that organize events like protests, sit-ins, and marches.
Show up and lend your presence and voice to support others in a cause worth fighting for. You’ll meet others who are there for the same reason. And who knows what else you’ll have in common.
Meanwhile, you’ll be taking action to make the world better for everyone.
Get Involved in Your Local City Council
A great way to meet new people is to become more active in local politics and speak up for the causes you support. You can do this by joining your local city council and attending meetings.
Becoming more aware of important issues for your community also helps you become more aware of your positions on each. Approach it with a commitment to learn more and listen to new perspectives.
The more you show up, the more familiar you’ll become with those equally committed to making improvements for the good of their community.
Take a Bus or Walking Tour of Your City
If you’re brand new to a big city, why not take advantage of a local tour to meet new people, whether they live in the area or are just visiting? But even if you haven’t just moved: who knows how many places in your city you still don’t know! Friends don’t have to live in your neighborhood to be an important part of your life.
The more you explore your new neighborhood, the more people you’ll meet.
If taking any form of public transport isn’t safe, consider joining an online forum or your city’s social media pages to get to know it better, or organized guided tours to discover the beauties close to home. You’ll meet other members who are there to help new residents make the most of the area, local guides, and other potential friends!