20 ways to make friends in a new city

Volunteering is a fabulous way to make friends because it forces you to interact with others who share something you value. When searching for new volunteering opportunities, be sure to choose something that will give you consistent interaction with people and will allow you to get to know them. 

Networking groups can be very intimidating, but they serve a purpose. Networking events introduce you to many diverse people, and they’re built so others chat and get to know each other. At the very least, you’ll make lots of new acquaintances. 

There are multiple apps you can join to help you make friends. Even if you’re sick of dating apps, a friendship app is worth trying because there’s less pressure. And the bigger the city you’re in, the more people there will be to engage with. 

Doing something you enjoy is a great way to make friends in a new city. It gives you something to do and talk about, and at the very least, you’ll get to do something you enjoy. 

When it comes to making friends as an adult, you’ve got to be bold. Make the first move by asking someone on a friend date. You can get a cup of coffee, meet for happy hour, or go on a walk. There are endless options for activities, and people are usually receptive — you just have to ask. 

Joining a book club is another great way to make new friends. It bonds you over a common interest and forces you to speak up. You might not make a new friend instantly, but the more you attend, the stronger connections you’ll form with a new group of people. 

People love regulars. If you want to meet new people, become a regular at a new place. You’ll meet other patrons and the staff, and it will become a new place where you feel comfortable. And if you’re comfortable somewhere, you’ll feel better about trying to form new connections. 

If you’re in a new city, look for people in that city who are from the same place as you. It could be a group of alumni from your college or people who grew up in the same town or state as you. Finding these connections can bridge that gap to make speaking with each other easier. 

If you’re not totally comfortable introducing yourself to someone new, ask someone else to do it for you. Many people love helping others form connections, so seek out that person — a coworker, an old acquaintance, etc. — and ask for help meeting new people. 

If you’re attending all these events but still aren’t making new friends, think about improving your small talk. Almost no one likes engaging in small talk, but it’s a necessary step in meeting new people. And thankfully, it’s a skill you can improve. To start, come up with a list of standard questions to ask when you need a new topic to discuss. 

Making new friends requires active participation. If someone asks you to do something, say yes. If you always say no, eventually, people will stop asking. Keep yourself engaged by saying yes to invitations. 

Attending a trivia night is a perfect way to make a new friend because it’s a fun, low-stakes environment. Because there’s an activity involved, you don’t have to worry about filling every moment with conversation.

New friendships can blossom anywhere. If you’re new to a community — a city, neighborhood, apartment complex — be sure to introduce yourself to those who already live there. After making an introduction, you’ll be more comfortable saying hello in passing, and eventually, a new connection might form. 

People love to be complimented, which can strike up a conversation. If you’re looking for new friends, pay someone a genuine compliment. It will make the other person feel good and reflect well on you. 

If asking someone to hang out in person sounds too scary, consider doing it via social media. After meeting at a social or networking event, add your new connection on social media and start engaging with them by liking their posts or leaving a few friendly comments. After a while, send a DM asking them on a friend date. 

Religious organizations are another good place to meet people. There are often built-in services for attendees to introduce themselves, and there might be a committee that helps connect new members with others. Find an organization you align with and see what they offer to help others meet. 

If you need something consistent to attend, enroll in a free class. It will ensure you’re visiting a new place for a definite amount of time over weeks or months, and you’ll interact with the same people with a common interest. 

Exercise classes are another good place to meet people. Again, you’re consistently going to the same place with people who value the same thing. If nothing else, you can bond with others over how difficult the most recent class was. 

Work happy hours are the bane of some people’s existence, but they are a great way to meet others and form connections with people you already know. Even if you don’t foresee yourself becoming friends with your coworkers, you’ll be able to meet people outside your organization while at happy hour. 

Making friends often comes down to being proactive. Make it happen if you chat with someone about something you’d like to do. Line up the date, time, and meeting place and send out invitations. It might feel like a hassle, but it will be worth it.