How to Make Friends in a New City: A Proven Guide That Actually Works
- Friendship Appreciation Team
- Aug 10
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Did you know that learning how to make friends in a new city ranks among the top challenges for people who relocate? A staggering 40% of adults report difficulty forming meaningful connections after moving .
Making friends in a new city often feels like starting from scratch. You're navigating unfamiliar streets while simultaneously trying to build a social circle from zero. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to meet people in a new town that go beyond awkward small talk and forced networking events.
The good news? Finding friends in a new city doesn't have to be as daunting as it seems. Whether you've relocated for work, education, or personal reasons, the best way to meet people involves combining intentional effort with authentic connection opportunities.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore practical, field-tested methods for making new friends in a new city—approaches that actually work in real-life situations. From leveraging digital platforms to joining local communities, we've got you covered with actionable steps that fit various personalities and preferences.
Explore Local Events and Meetups
One of the quickest ways to build connections in an unfamiliar environment is through local events and meetups. These gatherings create natural opportunities for interaction where everyone shares at least one common interest.
Use Meetup.com to find interest-based groups
Meetup.com has been connecting people with shared interests since 2002, making it a cornerstone platform for anyone wondering how to make friends in a new city [1]. The beauty of Meetup lies in its diversity—from hiking and reading to networking and skill sharing, thousands of interest groups exist across numerous countries worldwide [2].
To begin, simply search for groups in your city. For instance, typing "New City" in the search bar will display all available groups in that location [3]. The platform excels at helping you connect with like-minded people, regardless of your interests. Furthermore, many groups host regular weekly or monthly gatherings, providing consistent opportunities to develop relationships over time.
What makes Meetup particularly effective is that everyone attends with the same purpose—to meet others and share experiences around common interests. This shared intention removes much of the awkwardness typically associated with making new acquaintances.
Check Eventbrite for local happenings
Eventbrite offers another excellent avenue for discovering social opportunities in your new location. The platform features numerous events specifically designed for meeting people, such as:
Cultural and international parties
Language exchange meetups
Industry-specific networking events
Age-targeted mixers
Themed dinners and social gatherings
For example, San Francisco alone offers dozens of "meet people" events each week, including options like "Singles Party," "Dinner with Entrepreneurs," and "Marketing & Digital Design Social Mixer" [4]. Many of these events are free or low-cost, making them accessible options for newcomers.
Notably, Eventbrite also features community-focused events such as neighborhood block parties, community cleanups, and local movie nights [5]. These community-centered activities provide natural settings for meeting neighbors and establishing local connections.
Join Couchsurfing hangouts for casual meetups
Though often associated with travel accommodations, Couchsurfing offers a valuable "Hangouts" feature that connects locals and visitors for casual meetups. This feature has proven particularly effective for quickly making friends in new cities [6].
As one user reported: "The first app I'd fire up when arriving in a new city was the CS app. I'd announce myself in the activities section... A few mins later I'd have a group of people wanting to meet up and explore. Instant friends" [6].
Couchsurfing events range from weekly meetups to special activities like karaoke nights, comedy shows, picnics, and beach parties [7]. These gatherings tend to attract open-minded individuals accustomed to meeting new people, creating an environment conducive to forming connections.
However, exercise appropriate caution when using any social platform. Prioritize safety by:
Meeting in public places
Checking user reviews and profiles before connecting
Trusting your instincts in uncomfortable situations
Informing someone of your plans
By leveraging these three platforms—Meetup, Eventbrite, and Couchsurfing—you'll significantly increase your opportunities to meet people and make friends in your new city. Each platform offers unique advantages, so consider using all three to maximize your social possibilities.
Join Clubs, Classes, and Hobbies
Participating in structured group activities offers one of the most effective approaches to making friends in a new city. Unlike casual encounters, clubs and classes provide regular interaction with the same people, creating natural opportunities for developing deeper connections.
Sign up for a fitness or sports club
Physical activity creates a natural bonding environment where shared experiences build connections rapidly. Research shows that group exercise not only improves physical health but also enhances feelings of social connectedness [8]. Group fitness classes like HIIT, Zumba, and spinning are particularly effective because they encourage partner work and team challenges, naturally facilitating interaction [9].
Adult recreational sports leagues present another excellent option for meeting people. These leagues exist for virtually every sport—from traditional options like soccer and basketball to more casual games like kickball and pickleball [10]. The camaraderie developed through regular games and practices creates consistent opportunities to socialize, with many teams gathering after games for drinks or meals.
Outdoor enthusiasts might consider joining local running or cycling clubs, which organize regular group activities and provide time to chat before, during, and after workouts [9]. The shared experience of conquering a challenging route creates an instant bond among participants.
Take a creative class like art or dance
Creative pursuits offer a relaxed environment where conversation flows naturally alongside activity. Workshops and classes in ceramics, painting, or cooking provide structured socialization where interactions happen organically through shared activities rather than forced conversations [8].
Dance classes deserve special mention as they eliminate the pressure of making conversation. Whether you choose salsa, swing, ballroom, or tango, most classes encourage rotating partners, providing natural interactions with multiple people [11]. Many dance studios also host social events where students can practice their skills and meet fellow enthusiasts in a relaxed setting [12].
Studies indicate that musical collaboration releases endorphins and creates unique forms of non-verbal communication that bond participants [11]. Consider joining a community choir, band, or group music lessons—these activities don't necessarily require previous experience, as many groups welcome beginners.
Attend language exchange cafés
Language exchange events combine learning with socializing in a uniquely effective format. These gatherings typically involve native speakers of different languages teaching each other in an informal, conversational setting [13].
Many cities host regular language exchange meetups where tables are organized by language. Participants can move between tables based on the languages they speak or wish to learn [14]. These events attract internationally-minded individuals, making them ideal for newcomers looking to build a diverse social circle.
Beyond language learning, these exchanges foster cultural connections and create natural conversation topics, removing the awkwardness often associated with meeting new people [13].
Look for university or community societies
Community organizations frequently seek new volunteers, making them perfect entry points for newcomers [15]. Many universities open their clubs and societies to the public, offering activities ranging from book clubs to hiking groups.
Joining these organizations provides immediate access to people with shared interests while contributing positively to your new community. Research shows that newcomers who volunteer and attend community meetings develop a stronger sense of belonging more quickly [15].
The structured nature of clubs and classes eliminates much of the guesswork in making friends—everyone is there for similar reasons, creating an environment conducive to forming meaningful connections in your new city.
Use Online and Social Platforms
In today's connected world, your smartphone can be a powerful tool for building a social circle when you're new to an area. Online platforms often serve as the first step toward in-person connections, especially for those feeling hesitant about attending events alone.
Search Facebook groups by city and interest
Facebook remains one of the most effective platforms for finding like-minded people in unfamiliar surroundings. To discover relevant communities:
Search for your city name plus an interest (e.g., "Chicago hiking" or "Portland book club")
Look for active groups with regular posts and interactions
Introduce yourself—many groups welcome newcomers with dedicated introduction threads
As one user notes, "Just 30 minutes spent navigating Facebook can open up a world of possibilities to different events and groups nearby" [16]. The platform's specialized interest groups enable connections with potential friends who share similar passions, from hiking to sports teams, reading to cooking.
Even niche interests typically have dedicated Facebook communities in most cities. Once you've joined, consider sending friendly messages to active members asking about upcoming events or gatherings related to that interest.
Join WhatsApp or Telegram community chats
Both WhatsApp and Telegram host vibrant community groups organized around locations and interests. To find these communities:
Simply Google your city name + "travel" or your interest + "WhatsApp group" or "Telegram group" [16]. These platforms excel at connecting travelers and locals alike.
Telegram groups, in particular, can support communities of up to 200,000 members each [17]. They offer features like mentions to get people involved in conversations and pinned messages that notify all members about important announcements.
Many cities have active groups that organize daily activities. As one digital nomad shared about Cape Town: "They have very active WhatsApp groups for different activities (Hiking, Beach, Social, Food). They have organized events daily and you can also find people to do things with outside of these events" [18].
Try apps like Bumble BFF or Nextdoor
Dedicated friendship apps have emerged as effective tools for making connections. Bumble BFF, launched as a standalone app in 2023, focuses exclusively on platonic relationships [19]. It allows users to create profiles with images, brief bios, and shared interests, then swipe through potential friends filtered by location, age, and hobbies [20].
According to research, two-thirds of Gen Z respondents reported meeting a friend online [19], and by 2024, 75% of Americans were satisfied with their friendship circles—up from previous years [19]. Many users report success with the platform: "I use Bumble BFF—met most of my friends this way after moving" [18].
Alternatively, Nextdoor connects you specifically with neighbors. Unlike dating apps, it's neighborhood-focused, allowing you to discuss your community, promote events, recommend local businesses, and receive safety updates [20]. One user described it as "extremely helpful in our community. We keep in touch, voice our opinions, ask questions, get references for work needing to be done" [2].
Regardless of which platform you choose, consistency matters more than variety. Pick one or two that align with your interests and invest time in building your profile and engaging regularly—quality connections often develop gradually through repeated interactions.
Connect Through Everyday Spaces
Beyond organized activities, everyday spaces offer valuable opportunities for making authentic connections in a new city. These casual environments facilitate natural interactions without the pressure of structured social events.
Visit libraries and check noticeboards
Libraries serve as community hubs where people gather for more than just books. Many libraries host meetings for organizations and groups engaged in educational, cultural, and civic activities [3]. The noticeboards at these venues often display information about interest groups and social events that haven't made their way online yet [16]. Moreover, these public spaces frequently offer meeting rooms available to community members, creating opportunities to participate in local gatherings and connect with residents who share your interests.
Work from coworking spaces or cafés
Coworking spaces combine the best elements of traditional offices and cafés in an environment filled with entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers [21]. Research indicates more than a third of adults report meeting one of their closest friends through work [21]. Many coworking spaces organize networking events specifically designed to foster collaboration among members [16].
Likewise, cafés provide perfect settings for casual social encounters. The ambient environment created by background music and coffee machines establishes a relaxed atmosphere conducive to conversation [22]. For newcomers, starting a simple discussion about coffee varieties with baristas can ease you into a social mindset [22]. Additionally, most café visitors either live or work nearby, increasing the likelihood of seeing the same people regularly and establishing familiarity [22].
Talk to people at your gym or dog park
Dog parks function as natural meeting grounds where conversation flows easily. Studies show 83.8% of dog owners talk to other pet owners while walking their dogs [4]. Furthermore, 40.5% of pet owners become acquainted with others in their neighborhood through their pets [4]. These interactions often extend beyond pet discussions into recommendations for local services and even social media connections [4].
Similarly, fitness centers provide opportunities to connect through shared experiences. Group exercise classes foster camaraderie through partner work and team challenges, naturally facilitating interaction beyond mere exercise routines.
Host or Join Community Activities
Creating your own social opportunities stands as one of the most effective ways to build meaningful connections in a new environment.
Throw a housewarming or game night
Hosting a housewarming party allows you to connect with neighbors who already share an interest in your location. Consider organizing a casual get-together with simple refreshments like coffee or lemonade. For larger gatherings, post invitations on your neighborhood's online network [5]. Game nights provide another excellent option for bonding, as they create shared experiences that deepen connections. Games encourage participation and conversation, making them ideal for breaking the ice with new acquaintances [23].
Volunteer for local causes or cleanups
Volunteering connects you with community-minded individuals while contributing positively to your new surroundings. Organizations frequently host activities such as:
Community cleanups
Tree planting events
Local movie screenings
Neighborhood improvement projects [5]
Websites like VolunteerMatch.org help identify opportunities aligned with your interests. Essentially, when you volunteer, you're not just "helping out"—you're making your city more resilient by engaging with diverse individuals [24].
Attend neighborhood block parties
Block parties foster strong community bonds among residents. These gatherings strengthen social connections, encourage creation of neighborhood traditions, and provide comfort for newcomers [25]. Look for announcements on community noticeboards or online platforms. Once there, engage in conversations about shared community interests. Remember that everyone attends these events for the same purpose—to connect with those who live nearby [5].
Conclusion
Moving to a new city undoubtedly presents challenges, but finding friends doesn't need to remain an insurmountable obstacle. Throughout this guide, we've explored practical strategies that actually work for building meaningful connections in unfamiliar surroundings.
Remember that friendship-building requires both patience and proactive effort. Each method discussed—from attending local events to joining hobby groups, utilizing digital platforms, and engaging in community spaces—offers unique advantages depending on your personality and preferences. The key lies in selecting approaches that align with your interests rather than forcing yourself into uncomfortable social situations.
Most importantly, consistency matters more than trying everything at once. Pick one or two strategies that resonate with you and commit to them. Genuine connections often develop gradually through repeated interactions rather than instant chemistry at a single event.
Additionally, maintain realistic expectations during this process. Building a robust social circle typically takes time—sometimes months rather than weeks. The quality of relationships ultimately matters more than quantity.
People relocate for countless reasons, but the desire for human connection remains universal. Therefore, take comfort knowing that many others in your new city likely seek friendship too. Your willingness to extend yourself socially might create meaningful opportunities not just for you but for fellow newcomers as well.
Finally, embrace this transitional period as an opportunity for personal growth and community engagement. The friends you make will shape not only your social experience but also your relationship with the city itself. Soon enough, unfamiliar streets transform into familiar pathways filled with memories shared alongside new companions.
Though building friendships requires effort, the rewards of establishing meaningful connections in your new home certainly justify the investment. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your social circle naturally expand over time.
References
[1] - https://www.meetup.com/
[8] - https://befriend.cc/2025/07/11/how-to-meet-people-in-a-new-city-10-friendly-tips-that-actually-work/[
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