Want to know how to make new friends in a new city? Need to form new friendships in a new town or country?
Maybe you’re planning to do some solo travel, or move to a new country, state, or city and need to jumpstart your social life? Perhaps you’re in a new environment and missing your social circle back home?
Moving to a new city comes with many challenges, but one of the most difficult is making new friends. If you don’t have a built-in social network like college dorm mates or colleagues at work, it’s tough to meet people and build relationships.
Luckily, there are ways to overcome this hurdle. In fact, you might even find that you enjoy the process of meeting people and exploring your new city. There’s nothing better than a fresh start, after all. If you have recently moved to a new area and you’re looking to get out there and meet potential friends, you’ve come to the right place!
How Long Does it Take to Make New Friends in a New City or Town?
So, how long does it take to make new friends in a new city? It really depends! Some people click with others right away and form fast friendships.
For others, it takes more time to find their social niche. According to a study by the University of Kansas, it takes an average of 50 hours of socializing to move from acquaintance status to casual friend. That may seem like quite a bit, but forming friendships (and maintaining them) takes time and effort.
If you’ve just moved to a new city, don’t worry if you haven’t made any close friends yet. It takes time and patience, a bit of leaving your comfort zone but eventually, you’ll find your people!
Making New Friends in a New City in 2024
It’s 2024, and the world is a very different place than it was just a few years ago. With the advent of social media and the internet, it’s easier than ever to connect with people, even if you’re not in the same physical location.
Most people are on some form of social media, so use it to your advantage. If you’re not sure how try searching for groups or pages that are related to your interests. For example, if you like hiking, try joining a local hiking group on Facebook or Instagram. You can even browse hashtags for your area to explore what’s happening nearby.
For example, if you live in Texas and you are looking to find hikers in your area, you may want to search the hashtag “#HikeTexas”. Social media has become a very powerful tool over the last few years. There is no better way to find great restaurants, talented hairstylists, or new friends!
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22 Ways to Make Make Friends in a New City:
#1. Join a Club or Organization Related to Your Interests
This is a great way to meet people with similar interests as your own. Whether you’re into sports, the arts, or even just local history, there are likely clubs or organizations for you to explore. Doing a quick Google search or checking out the website for your city’s chamber of commerce can give you a good place to start.
I had no idea how many people in my area were interested in rock climbing. After a quick Google search, I found multiple groups around my city for local clubs, organizations, and meetups. If you have a passion or interest, it is likely someone else in your new city does as well!
#2. Attend Community Events
From street festivals to farmer’s markets, there are often events happening in your community that are free and open to the public. Attending one of these can be a great way to meet people and get a feel for the city you’re living in. Plus, you might just find your new favorite place to hang out.
Community events are one of the easiest ways to meet new friends in a new city. Check the local newspaper or Facebook groups to find events that may be happening. The local library is also a good place to look.
#3. Get Involved in Your Child’s School
If you have kids, getting involved in their school can be a great way to meet other parents. You can volunteer for events, join the PTA, or even just attend school functions. This is also a great way to get to know your child’s teachers and classmates’ families.
#4. Get a Pet
Pets are great companions, and they can also be a great way to meet new people. Walking your dog around the neighborhood or taking your cat to the park can be a great way to strike up conversations with people. Who wouldn’t want to chat with someone walking their kitty around?
If you love animals, you might even consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Often, animal shelters greatly need local volunteers to help with simple tasks. Walking dogs and meeting new friends? That’s a win-win!
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#5. Take a New Class
Whether you’re interested in learning a new skill or just want to meet people, taking a class can be a great way to do it. You can take a cooking class, sign up for a dance class, or even take a language class.
You may even find some free classes being offered in your community. If you’re not looking to commit to a class long-term, check out some single-day classes. It’s a good way to socialize and learn at the same time.
#6. Utilize Meetup.com
Meetup.com is a great resource for finding events and activities happening near you. There are meetups for all kinds of interests, from hiking to knitting to getting together for coffee. And, if you can’t find a group that interests you, you can even start your own.
It’s free to create an account on Meetup and they have various membership options available. It’s also an easy website to navigate and they have a great mobile app as well.
#7. Explore New Job Opportunities
While this might not be the most enjoyable way to make friends, it can be a great way to meet people. You’ll likely have at least some things in common with your co-workers, and you’ll get to know them better over time. Plus, you might even make some friends outside of work, too.
If you’re not looking for a career change, you may want to consider a part-time job in an industry you enjoy. For example, if you enjoy gardening, you could work at a local gardening center one day a week during the summer. It’s a great way to meet new people and make some extra cash.
#8. Check Out Your Local Library
Libraries are great places to find resources and meet people. You can attend events, join book clubs, or even just meet people while you’re checking out books. Check out the website for the library of the new city you’ll be spending time in.
Libraries usually have a “calendar of events” page you can explore. All for the price of a library card, which is free!
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#9. Get Involved in Your Religious Community
If you’re religious, getting involved in your community can be a great way to make friends. You can attend services, join a Bible study group, or even just help out with church events. Check the community for the new city you are moving to and explore your options.
#10. Go Out and Explore
If you’re still wondering how to meet friends in a new city, one of the best ways to get to know a new city is to just get out and explore it. Visit different neighborhoods, try new restaurants, and visit local landmarks. The more you explore, the more you’ll get to know your new city and the people who live there.
If you’re not sure where to start, I would suggest taking a look at TripAdvisor. Typically, they will have a list of the top things to do as rated by visitors.
#11. Give Back to Your Community
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make friends. You can volunteer for a local organization, help out at a community event, or even just lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need.
If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, check out VolunteerMatch. You can filter by what type of opportunity you are looking for and connect with people right away.
#12. Connect with People You Already Know
If you’re new to a city, you may already know at least a few people who live there. Reach out to them and see if they want to meet up for coffee or grab a drink. It’s a great way to catch up and get to know them better.
Connecting with people you already know is a good way to meet their friends as well. Then, those friends can introduce you to other people. Meeting new friends in a new city doesn’t need to be complicated!
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#13. Join a Fitness Club or Gym
Working out is a great way to meet new people. You can join a local fitness club or gym, or even just go for a run around your neighborhood. And, if you’re looking for something a little more social, you can even join a sports team or take a group fitness class.
Many fitness centers offer a free one-day or one-week pass to try their facilities. This is a good way to get started and find your new gym in the city.
#14. Poke Around The Local Yardsales
Yard sales are a good way to meet people and find bargains. If you just moved, it’s possible you will need some new things for your home or apartment anyways.
You can strike up conversations with the people who are selling things or even just meet people who are looking for the same thing you are. It’s also a great way to meet the people in your neighborhood.
#15. Pursue a New Hobby
Pursuing a new hobby is an excellent way to meet new friends. You can join a book club, take a painting class, or even just start collecting stamps. You would be amazed at the number of people who are interested in the same things as you.
And, if you’re looking for something a little more active, consider exploring an outdoor hobby. Even if you haven’t been outdoorsy in the past, in a new city you can become an outdoor person. Moving to a new place is a great chance to reinvent yourself.
#16. Visit a Local Park
Parks are great places to meet people and get some fresh air. You can go for a walk, play a game of basketball, or just sit on a bench and people watch. And, if you have a dog, it’s a great way to meet other dog owners too. Check online to see what parks are popular in your new city. It’s possible there may be some events happening that you can attend as well.
#17. Use Affirmations
One way to make friends in a new city is to use friendship affirmations to affirm your intentions. This means that you tell yourself, out loud or in your head, that you are going to make friends in your new city. You can do this every day, or as often as you need to. The more you do it, the more likely it is that you will actually meet new friends because you are putting it out there in the universe.
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How to Make Friends in a New City as an Introvert:
Introverts aren’t exactly known for being social butterflies, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make friends. In fact, introverts can be great at making friends, as long as they find the right environment and approach. I know it feels difficult, but you can learn how to survive as an introvert in a new city.
#18. Find Social Events That Fit Your Interests
It can be tough to put yourself out there and meet new people, but it’s a lot easier if you find social events that fit your interests. That way, you’ll already have at least one thing in common with the people you meet. Rather than attending large social events, find smaller events with a more niche interest.
#19. Join an Online Community
If you’re struggling to meet people in person, you can always try joining an online community. There are message boards and forums for all kinds of interests, and you can even find online groups for people who live in your area. Reddit is a great place to start for the area and city-specific forums.
#20. Use Social Media
Social media can be a great way to connect with people in your area. You can join Facebook groups, follow local businesses and organizations, and even just reach out to people you know who live near you.
Don’t forget about Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and all the other platforms for connecting.
#21. Attend Events with a Friend
If you’re feeling really nervous about attending a social event alone, why not bring a friend along? They can help you feel more comfortable and make it easier to meet new people. If you’re an introvert, you may want to consider bringing your extroverted friend along with you. They can help you strike up a conversation and break the ice with new people in your area.
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#22. Host a Party or Gathering
If you’re struggling to make new friends in your new city, consider hosting a party or gathering. As an introvert, you may feel more comfortable hosting a party where you are in control of the event. You can invite your neighbors, friends, and even people you’ve met online. This can be a great way to meet new people and make an excellent first impression.
#23. Use a Dating App
Dating apps aren’t just for dating anymore. Many of them also have features that allow you to connect with people in your area. You can use them to meet new friends, or even just to find someone to grab a coffee with. For example, the Bumble dating app now has an option, “Bumble BFF”. This is a good way to make friends online.
How to Make Friends in a New City When You Don’t Speak The Language:
If you’re moving to a new city where you don’t speak the language, it can be tough to make friends and meet new people. But, there are still plenty of ways to do it! You can join a language exchange group, take a class, or even just meet local people in your neighborhood.
A language exchange group is a good way to meet people and practice your new language. You can find groups of all kinds of languages, and they usually meet up in public places like cafes or parks. You may even be able to find a group that meets online.
Tips for Meeting People in a New State or City:
#1. Be Open To Meeting New People
Making friends in a new city can be tough, but it’s definitely possible. The key is to put yourself out there and be open to meeting new people. With a little effort, you’re sure to make some great friends in no time.
#2. Try Not To Be Shy
This may be easier said than done, but try not to be shy when you’re meeting new people. Talk to people, ask questions, and be yourself. The more you do it, the easier it will become.
#3. Don’t Be Afraid to be Yourself
When you’re meeting new people, it’s important to be yourself around others. Don’t try to be someone you’re not – people will like you for who you are.
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#4. Be Patient
Making friends takes time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t meet anyone right away. It takes time to develop friendships, so be patient and keep trying. If you’re having trouble making friends, don’t give up. Keep meeting new people and trying new things. Eventually, you’ll find a group of people who you click with.
#5. Have Fun
Making friends in a new city can be a great experience. Embrace it and have fun meeting new people and exploring your new home.
Yes, You Can Make New Friends!
Making friends in a new city doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little effort, you can find people with similar interests and make some great new connections. Of course, it takes time to develop friendships, so be patient and enjoy the process.
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Even if you’re shy or introverted, there are plenty of ways to meet new friends.
Just put yourself out there and see what happens! You might just find your new best friend.
Are you moving to a new city, state, or country? Worried about making new friends? Click here for your ultimate guide to making new friends even as an introvert. #Friendship #ExpatLife #Introvert #MovingAbroad #NewFriendsReady to make new friends in a new city?
More About Guest Contributor
Crystalyn is a writer that is passionate about personal growth and helping others see their potential. When she is not writing, you can find her gardening, reading, and spending time with the people close to her. You can connect with her through her website, MelloWoman.com.
Last Updated on January 20, 2025