How to Meet People in a New City and Make Friends in 2024
Moving to a new city can be full of excitement, but after your boxes are unpacked and you take a look around your empty space, you might wonder how to meet people in a new city. Sure, you could meet people out in public or talk to your coworkers, but how do you bridge the gap to make friendships?
Figuring out how to meet people in a new city and make friends can be tricky, especially in the current age of screens and technology, but a little bravery and creativity can go a long way. Check out our advice for how to make friends in a new city in your 30s, 20s or at any age!
Jump to Section
- How Do You Meet Like-Minded People in a New City?
- 23 Ways to Meet People in a New City
- Building a Social Life in a New City
How Do You Meet Like-Minded People in a New City?
Consider Your Passions and Hobbies
Think about some creative hobbies, passions and interests that can help you connect with others in your community and figure out how to meet people in a new city. Is your religion or culture something really important to you? What do you like to do for fun? You want to find friends with common interests who will enhance your life and support you as a person.
Ask Yourself What You’re Looking For
Before you think about how to make friends in a new city in your 20s or 30s, you need to think about what kind of friendship you’re looking for. Do you want a gym buddy to work out with you on the weekends? Do you need more business connections, or do you just want a group of friends to go clubbing with?
Be Brave
How do you meet people in a new city in your 20s and 30s? You have to start by putting yourself out there – literally! Most friends in life won’t just show up on your doorstep. It might seem scary at first, but you have to go outside your house and try new things to meet new people in a new city.
23 Ways to Meet People in a New City
1. Join a Paint and Sip
Wondering “how do I meet people in my new city in my 30s?” can be a stressful question. Relax and take some of the pressure off by joining a paint and sip in Denver, paint and sip in Chicago, paint and sip in NYC, or any paint and sip near you.
A paint and sip class is sure to be a great way how to meet people in a new city, and it may inspire you to host or join some fun paint party ideas for adults!
2. Try Pottery Classes
Ready to try your hand at a new art form and learn how to meet people in a new city? Pottery classes in Boston, pottery classes in Houston or pottery classes in Los Angeles are the perfect opportunity to laugh and connect with others as you sculpt, shape and decorate your own unique pottery pieces. No matter what city you’ve moved to, there are bound to be pottery classes near you.
3. Sign Up for Dance Classes
Figuring out how to meet new friends in your 20s or 30s is a lot more fun when you’re boogie-ing on the dancefloor. Join dance classes in Las Vegas, dance classes in NYC or dance classes in the Bay Area to get your groove on and have a great time while you meet people in a new city. If you’re a little shy, online dance classes can also help you impress the crowd next time you go out!
4. Explore Cooking Classes
When it comes to how to meet people in a new city, is there anything better than bonding over great food? At cooking classes in Houston, cooking classes in Tucson, cooking classes in Portland or cooking classes near you, you’ll have a great time tasting new foods and chatting it up with your fellow chefs-in-training. Even online cooking classes can help you impress your future dinner guests!
5. Play Online Games
Wondering how to meet people in a new city without going too far outside your comfort zone? Dancing and cooking classes may sound fun, but how do introverts make friends in a new city? Surprisingly, it’s really easy to find friends near you when you join virtual events, like online trivia games, virtual scavenger hunts or virtual escape rooms.
In fact, research released by Pew Research Center shows that about 57% of teenagers have made at least one friend online, and 29% have even made more than five friends through virtual connections.
Anyone can learn how to meet new friends online, just be sure to turn on your microphone and talk to other players during your virtual game nights!
6. Join Flower Arranging Classes
Sometimes learning how to meet people in a new city starts with simply getting outside your comfort zone. In in-person and virtual flower arranging classes, you’ll learn to cut, separate and display beautiful flowers like a pro. Who knows? You might even join a class with your next best friend!
7. Host a Happy Hour
Going to the bar is a classic way how to meet people in a new city, but why not bring the bar to you? In online mixology classes and virtual wine tastings, you’ll learn some fascinating knowledge about your favorite drinks and befriend your online peers. A virtual happy hour can also be one of the best housewarming party ideas, so invite your neighbors or coworkers!
8. Try Glass Blowing Classes
If you’re thinking about how to make friends in a new city in your 30s, the happy hour scene may seem a little overdone to you.
Here’s an idea for how to meet people in a new city that is sure to spark conversation: join a glass blowing class! Invite your acquaintances or go on your own; you’re guaranteed to leave with new friends and unforgettable memories.
9. Experiment With Sewing Classes
Have you ever wanted to make your own stunning, perfectly fitted clothing? Sewing classes are an excellent activity if you’re wondering how to meet people in a new city because they’ll have similar passions and interests. Plus, wearing your own fashionable designs can be a great conversation starter next time you’re out in public.
10. Sign Up for Woodworking Classes
Whether you’re a total novice or a knowledgeable woodworker, you can always learn how to meet people in a new city and have a lot of fun in woodworking classes.
Learn how to cut, carve and create your very own furniture, décor and more while you hang out with like-minded folks. Woodworking classes are a great idea for how to make friends in a new city as a guy, but of course, you can meet people of any gender here.
11. Join a Local Gym
Are you wondering how to make friends in a new city as a guy or girl who’s getting into fitness? The gym might seem like an intimidating place at first, but it’s actually a great answer for how to meet people in a new city.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you’re more likely to feel motivated, be consistent and try new things when you exercise with a friend, so being social at the gym can help you reach your goals faster!
Most people at your local gym are very kind and friendly. If you’re determined to meet people in a new city, talk to people at the front desk, join a scheduled group class, ask someone to spot you or chat with folks in the lobby; you already have one big thing in common.
12. Have a Beach Day
A day at this beach is an excellent choice if you’re stumped on how to meet new friends as a teenager or young adult. Pack up a good book, some snacks and plenty of water, and head over to your nearest beach or lake spot.
Kick back, relax and ask people around you about their favorite bar, nearby restaurants or other ideal spots to meet people in a new city.
13. Visit the Coffee Shop
Coffee shops are one of the most classic places to meet up with friends for a few good reasons: they’re casual and buzzing with activity, and almost everyone loves coffee.
Some coffee shops even host community events or keep a bulletin board with flyers and posters that will show you ways how to meet people in a new city. They have connections all around the city, so get to know your baristas, too!
14. Connect With Coworkers
If you’ve just graduated college or started your first big job, you’re probably struggling with how to meet new friends in your 20s. If you have a full-time job, you see many of the same faces almost day in and day out during company meetings and team building activities. Take advantage of the close quarters and invite your coworkers out to happy hour at a new bar or restaurant you’ve been dying to try.
15. Join a Foreign Language Class
Figuring out how to meet people in a new city seemed so much easier when you were in school, didn’t it? If you want to learn how to make friends in a new city, you can start by going back to school! Learning a foreign language is a great way how to meet friends in a new city, and it could open up opportunities to travel abroad.
16. Attend a Local Festival
Almost every town has local special events, parades, farmers markets or art festivals that make great opportunities for how to meet people in a new city.
Look up your city or county’s website, and try to plan some places to meet up with friends, a coworker or an acquaintance. Small towns can also be some of the best cities for artists to grow their following and meet more creative people.
17. Join a Local Book Club
Thinking about how to make friends in a new city in your 30s? Joining a book club will generally introduce you to a crowd of more mature, introspective adults than going to the bar or club. Come prepared to meet people in a new city by bringing a good introduction for yourself and a list of questions about the book!
18. Try a Networking App
When you’re thinking about how to meet people in a new city, your next great friendship could be in the palm of your hand. Download a friend networking app like Bumble BFF or Hey! VINA to find potential friend matches near you. You could also make more use of Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn; follow your favorite local shops and check out who else follows them.
19. Browse the Hobby Shop
Are you into guitars, arts and crafts for adults, reading, sports shooting or gardening? Whatever interests you, there are bound to be people hanging out at your local hobby shop and also thinking about how to meet people in a new city. Talk to customers around you about their recommendations and any local spots they like to frequent.
20. Look for Conventions
Are you wondering how to meet new friends as a teenager or asking, “how can I meet someone from a different city?” Conventions are great for both scenarios because they allow you to connect with online friends and instantly bond over common interests. Look to your nearest major city for anime or comic conventions, expositions, shows and more.
21. Talk to Your Neighbors
When you share a dog park, hallway or parking lot, you already have something in common. One easy way how to meet people in a new city is to introduce yourself to your neighbors next time you have the opportunity. If you aren’t sure how to break the ice, consider leaving gifts for neighbors like a potted plant or flavored popcorn just to say “hey!”
22. Attend Public Parties
One of the best ways how to make friends in a new city in your 20s is to go out for Halloween, New Year’s Eve, St. Patricks’s Day or trivia night. Don’t be afraid to dress up in costumes or wear an eye-catching outfit to start a conversation. This is also a good idea if you're looking for divorce party ideas after moving to a new city.
If you’d prefer to avoid the bar scene, lots of cities have sober or semi-dry gatherings where you can meet people in a new city and still have fun discussing all your New Year’s resolution ideas.
23. Volunteer in the Community
If you want to know how to meet people in a new city and make a positive impact on the community, try volunteering. Find a cause you really care about and will enjoy doing with others, such as providing meals for seniors or helping stray animals on the street. What you bring to the city, it will give back to you.
Building a Social Life in a New City
Be Patient
One of the biggest factors for how to meet people in a new city and build a social life is to be patient. You don’t want to come across as too desperate or awkward, asking for the socials of every person you meet. Instead, play it cool. Get to know yourself and enjoy your own company and the right people will show up.
Seek Out Mutual Friends
If someone invites you out or to a party, don’t immediately shoot them down. Even if they aren’t totally your cup of tea, they could introduce you to some cool mutual friends. When you’re trying to meet people in a new city, you have to take some social risks.
Send the First Text
Planning how to meet people in a new city involves more than just waiting around. Don’t wait for your friends or coworkers to invite you out all the time — reach out to them with new ideas, even if it’s just to hang out at your place. Here’s a pro tip: people love a photo opportunity, so choose a fun house party theme!
Keep Silver and Gold
As the saying goes, “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold.” After you’ve mastered how to meet people in a new city and you’ve found a group of friends that really clicks, remember to stay in touch with your old friends. You never know when you might need a shoulder to lean on again.
Figuring out how to meet people in a new city can seem scary, but with enough confidence and effort, you’re sure to find a match. Check out group classes near you and really hone in on your hobbies. Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, there’s an amazing friend out there looking for you, too.
For even more fun ideas and inspiration, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
