How to make friends in a new city? – Have you just moved to a new city and are looking for a way to engage with the local community? Or are you simply looking for new friends for weekend outings or casual conversations?
Whatever the case, this post will provide you with 10 super easy ways to make friends in a new city.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- #1 – Reach out to friends or family members
- #2 – Join local groups or clubs
- #3 – Take classes or workshops
- #4 – Attend local events and social gatherings
- #5 – Have a favourite coffee shop
- #6 – Be open to new things
- #7 – Use social media and apps
- Make New Friends In Small Groups Within Your Community
- How To Find The Perfect Stay In A New City?
- FAQs – How To Make Friends In A New City?

How To Make Friends In A New City?
#1 – Reach out to friends or family members – How to make friends in a new city?
The first thing you need to do is to check if you have any friends or family members living there.
If you do, you can reach out to them via email, phone, or text message to inform them about your move and that you’re looking to make new friends in the area. Then ask if they know anyone who lives in the city and could introduce you.
It’s important to emphasize that you’re looking to connect with people who share similar interests or work in the same field as you. It will help your friends and family members better understand the type of people you’d like to be introduced to and increase the likelihood of a successful match.
#2 – Join local groups or clubs – How to make friends in a new city?
You can look for and join local groups or clubs that interest you. This could be a sports team, a book club, or a volunteer group. Joining these organizations is an amazing chance to meet others who share your hobbies and build friendships.
Local groups and clubs can be found online or through bulletin boards at community centers and local stores. If you are a student, you can look for groups and clubs at your university or vocational school. If you are employed, you can join groups and clubs at your place of employment.

#3 – Take classes or workshops – How to make friends in a new city?
Signing up for classes or workshops on topics you’re interested in is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills.
You can search for classes or workshops online or through local education or community centres.
- If you are interested in the arts, you can take courses in drawing, pottery, or photography.
- If you want to improve your writing skills, you can take writing courses.
- If you need to learn a new language, you can enrol in a language course at an educational centre or university.
This is an excellent place to start if you’re feeling lonely or want to expand your network.
#4 – Attend local events and social gatherings – How to make friends in a new city?
You can attend events and social gatherings to meet new friends in your city.
Events like festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, or social networking meetings are a great way to connect with people with similar interests or personalities.
Besides, the atmosphere at these events is usually very fun and relaxed, making it easy to engage in conversations and learn about new people.
#5 – Have a favorite coffee shop – How to make friends in a new city?
Having a favorite coffee shop or local shop can be the simplest way to make new friends in a new city. By becoming a regular customer, you can get to know the staff and other regulars who frequent the same place.
Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone who seems friendly or who shares similar interests as you. For example, if someone at the coffee shop invites you to join their book club, consider taking them up on the offer. Or you can be a conversation starter – ask for a recommendation on what to order or buy.
Over time, you may find that you have formed a connection with some of the people you have met, and this could lead to further socializing outside the coffee shop or local shop.
Just remember to be friendly and respectful, and not overstep any boundaries or make anyone uncomfortable.

#6 – Be open to new things – How to make friends in a new city?
When it comes to making friends in a new city, one of the most important things you can do is to say “yes” to new opportunities and step out of your comfort zone. This means being open to trying new things even if you could feel a bit nervous or uncomfortable at first.
By practicing taking small steps outside of your zone, you can gradually build up your confidence and expand your social circle. It can be as simple as attending a new yoga class, trying a new restaurant, or going to a networking event.
The more you practice saying yes and putting yourself out there, the more opportunities you’ll have to meet new people and make friends in your new city.
#7 – Use social media and apps – How to make friends in a new city?
Many cities have online forums or social media groups dedicated to bringing people together. Join these groups and connect with others who share your interests or hobbies. You can use Facebook or Google’s search engine to search for groups with relevant keywords like “community”, “connection”, or “your city”.
Besides, you can use online dating or friendship apps like Tinder, Bumble, or Meetup to search for events and social activities in your area and meet new people.

Make New Friends In Small Groups Within Your Community
Making new friends in small groups within your community can be a great way to meet like-minded people and build strong connections.
You can host a meet-up or organize a small group event or gathering, such as a book club, a game night, or a language exchange session with AhaSlides. Our pre-made templates with cool features like live quizzes, live polls, spinner wheel, Q&A, etc. are fun and engaging icebreaker activities, allowing everyone to get to know each other better.
After the event, AhaSlides can help you to gather feedback from participants. This feedback can be used for future events and help you connect with individuals who share your interests.

How To Find The Perfect Stay In A New City?
Finding the perfect stay can depend on many factors, including location, budget, amenities, and personal preferences. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect stay:
- Determine your budget: Start by deciding how much you can afford to spend on rent each month. This will help narrow down your search and ensure that you can afford the options you are considering.
- Consider the location: Decide on a general area or neighbourhood where you would like to live. Consider factors such as proximity to work, public transportation, restaurants, and other amenities.
- Use online resources: Some several websites and apps can help you find the perfect stay, such as Amberstudent. These platforms allow you to search for apartments, flats, or rooms according to your budget, location, and other preferences.
- Check reviews: Before booking a stay, make sure to check reviews from previous tenants or renters. This can give you an idea of the quality of the accommodation, the responsiveness of the landlord or management team, and any potential issues to be aware of.
- Visit in person: If possible, try to visit the accommodation in person before booking. It’s a chance to inspect the apartment’s condition, or any potential problems, and get a better feel for the neighborhood and surrounding area.

Key Takeaways
How to make friends in a new city? It can be challenging at first, but it is possible with some effort and a positive attitude. By exploring the local community, you can expand your social circle and build meaningful relationships with people who share your values and passions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making friends in a new city:
1/ How to make friends in a new city for an 18-year-old?
An 18-year-old can make friends in a new city by joining community activities and events, clubs or groups that align with their interests, and trying new hobbies or sports. They can also connect with other young people through social media or dating apps.
2/ Where do introverts make friends?
Introverts can make friends in places that match their interests and personality, such as book clubs, art classes, or online forums. They may also prefer quieter and more intimate social settings, such as one-on-one conversations or small gatherings with like-minded individuals.
3/ How long does it take to make friends in a new city?
So, how to make friends in a new city? The time it takes to make friends in a new city can vary depending on many factors. However, it’s important to remember that building friendships takes time and effort, so it’s important to be patient and persistent.
FAQs
How to make friends in 2023? ›
- Join a club, house of worship or other group that meets regularly. ...
- Look for friends, not best friends. ...
- Don't put too much stock in social media. ...
- Believe in yourself.
- Use your network to meet friends of friends.
- Don't be afraid to make the first move.
- Connect with your neighbours.
- Get to know your colleagues.
- Practice saying yes.
- Know when to say no.
- Get active in your community.
- Seek out people with similar interests.
- Meet other people. Joining a club, youth group, online forum or getting involved in an activity you enjoy is a great way of meeting new people. ...
- Help other people. ...
- Be a great listener. ...
- Show you're open with your body language. ...
- Make an effort. ...
- Be a good friend. ...
- Choose good friends.
- Old friends. ...
- “Bring a friend” parties. ...
- Traveling. ...
- Taking classes. ...
- Joining hobby and interest groups. ...
- Hanging out in community spaces. ...
- Attending local events. ...
- Volunteering.
Volunteer in your community or at your favorite charity organization. Visit a senior citizen center and participate in social groups and other scheduled activities. Join a group focused on a topic or activity you enjoy, such as card games or a book club. Take a class.
How do I meet people my age? ›- Make time for your hobbies. ...
- Don't be afraid to make the first move. ...
- Join a community or volunteer group. ...
- Have an open mind. ...
- Work on your self-esteem. ...
- Don't forget to reciprocate. ...
- Make the space and time for new friendships.
- Pick up group-oriented hobbies.
- Take part in community events.
- Find friends of friends.
- Connect with coworkers.
- Throw your own housewarming party.
- Check your motivation.
- Start a convo.
- Practice listening.
- Offer compliments.
- Volunteer.
- Be a host.
- Pick up the phone.
- Talk to strangers.
- Be Genuinely Kind.
- Be the "Social Glue" of Friend Groups.
- Be Confident.
- Cultivate a Tolerant and Pleasant Attitude.
- Tell It Like It Is.
- Be Interesting to Talk To.
- Be a Good Listener.
- Avoid Gossip.
People who are uncomfortable with others or prefer to be alone may have a hard time maintaining friendships. Personality issues such as being pushy, too talkative, or controlling can be off-putting to others. Talking to an objective third party such as a therapist can help reveal issues that interfere with friendships.
How do older adults make new friends? ›
- Attend religious services. ...
- Connect with activity groups. ...
- Enroll in continuing education. ...
- Extend social invitations. ...
- Go on a date. ...
- Join support groups. ...
- Starting exercising. ...
- Strike up a conversation.
- Find a new hobby. You don't get to choose your office colleagues, but the beauty of exploring a new hobby or a long-held passion is that you can hang out with like-minded people. ...
- Find a new hobby. ...
- Learn a new skill. ...
- Surf the web. ...
- Volunteer. ...
- Embrace the outdoors.
Check out Meetup.com, which helps you find local groups that get together for a range of activities, from bridge to bird-watching. Your local senior or community center, as well as churches and volunteer groups, are also excellent places to meet new people who might become friends, Cormier says.
What age do you stop making friends? ›Research tells us that, for both men and women, the age of 25 is when most of us start losing friends. “Suddenly, your friends disappear, or you all start taking new life directions as you graduate from college,” Jackson says. “You adopt new values.
Is it harder for older people to make friends? ›As we age, our friend circles become smaller and smaller. Some friends grow apart, others lose touch and often, it's just a matter of growing up. Therapist and friendship researcher Miriam Kirmayer, says over time, it gets harder for adults to form meaningful friendships.
Where is the best place to meet seniors? ›- Community Senior Centers. ...
- Senior Travel Clubs and Cruises. ...
- Seniors Only Fitness Classes. ...
- Golf Courses. ...
- Facebook and Other Social Media. ...
- Gardening Clubs. ...
- We Love Helping Seniors Socialize!
As we get older, we still have a need for closeness and companionship. Many older people find themselves newly single, or simply decide now's the time to find a partner. Whether you're separated, bereaved, or have been single for some time, it's never too late to start a new relationship.
How do you meet people in midlife? ›- Don't Feel Embarrassed. There is no reason to feel embarrassed about being lonely or friendless. ...
- Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people who share your values. ...
- Take a Class. ...
- Reach Out to Acquaintances. ...
- Get into the Habit of Being Social.
- Treat Yourself to a Nice Restaurant. ...
- Meander Through a Museum. ...
- Stop by Community Events. ...
- Go to a Comedy Show. ...
- Enjoy Your Time at the Airport. ...
- Indulge in the Spa. ...
- Visit a Social Hub. ...
- Listen to Live Music.
- Join a group or club. Find a local group where people with interests like yours meet regularly. ...
- Take a class. Sign up for a class at your local college, senior center, or gym. ...
- Look locally. You may be surprised by how many events are happening right in your community. ...
- Volunteer. ...
- Join a social circle.
How do I make friends in a new city with social anxiety? ›
- Fight Negative Thinking.
- Set Small Goals.
- Practice Social Skills.
- Meet New People.
- Say Yes to Invitations.
- Stay in Touch.
- Frequently Asked Questions.
- Join a group or activity that frequently meets. ...
- Reconnect with old friends. ...
- Reach out in a way that makes you more comfortable. ...
- Assume people like you. ...
- Don't worry if you don't “hit it off” with someone. ...
- Actively engage with the people you're around. ...
- Try not to compare friends too much.
Lack Of Confidence Or Social Skills
People with low self-esteem, anxiety, or shyness may find it difficult to approach others or participate in social activities. This results in a vicious cycle where the individual avoids social situations, leading to a decline in social skills and confidence.
Going to church, joining a club or group, chatting on line, calling a friend on the phone, or hanging out with friends are all means of socialization. These are the activities that banish loneliness feelings and promote the sense of safety, belonging and enjoyment that helps people to feel secure.
How to find friends at 23? ›One of the best ways to make friends is through common interests. There's something out there for everybody, from book clubs to soccer clubs. Follow your interests and curiosities because you never know what other like-minded people you'll meet. You can find local clubs online through Facebook and Meetup.com.
How to get people to like you? ›- Use positive body language and make eye contact.
- Be a good listener.
- Ask questions about someone's passions and interests.
- Share stories about yourself.
- Have a sense of humor and show people that you like to have fun.
- Give and receive constructive feedback.
- They're Focused on Others. ...
- They Understand the Art of a Good Conversation. ...
- They Take Control of Their Social Life. ...
- They Have Good Social Graces. ...
- They Practice Acts of Kindness.
Friends may come and go but if you find that more of them are leaving these days rather than staying, the problem may be something you are doing. While one or two friends might decide to move on for their own reasons, a habit of losing friends usually means you have a problem you haven't been real with yourself about.
How do I know if I am a toxic friend? ›You're a toxic friend if you try to distance your friend from others, such as their partner, and if you try to control everything. You might control how you see each other, when you do, what they're permitted to do. You're a toxic friend if you emotionally manipulate them.
Why do I have no friends now? ›The reason you have no friends may be because you are shy, uncomfortable interacting with others, or simply don't go places that would lead to meeting new people. You don't have friends may have a lot to do with your mindset.
What to do when you are older and have no friends? ›
- Don't be afraid to meet new people. ...
- Don't be afraid of rejection. ...
- Find people who have similar interests. ...
- Turn acquaintances into friends. ...
- Volunteer your time. ...
- Work on your shyness or social anxiety. ...
- Be open-minded. ...
- Be open with people about who you are.
Why Is it Actually Hard to Make Friends in Adulthood? Research shows that the most common reason why people struggle to connect with others is due to a lack of trust. It's harder than ever for people to find friends that they can fully invest in emotionally and mentally.
How do you bond with old friends? ›- Engage on social media. ...
- Send a quick text. ...
- Get together with mutual friends. ...
- Work through conflict. ...
- Share memories. ...
- Ask if they want to get together.
According to “The Friendship Report,” a global study commissioned by Snapchat in 2019, the average age at which we meet our best friends is 21—a stage when we're not only bonding over formative new experiences such as first love and first heartbreak, but also growing more discerning about whom we befriend.
How to be friends with an older woman? ›- 01 | Start with simple questions. ...
- 02 | Share about your life. ...
- 03 | Ask open questions that will give them a chance to tell you a story. ...
- 04 | Show that you're making an effort to get to know them. ...
- 05 | Ask for advice & wisdom.
Research tells us that, for both men and women, the age of 25 is when most of us start losing friends. “Suddenly, your friends disappear, or you all start taking new life directions as you graduate from college,” Jackson says.
How do I make friends in later years? ›- Attend religious services. ...
- Connect with activity groups. ...
- Enroll in continuing education. ...
- Extend social invitations. ...
- Go on a date. ...
- Join support groups. ...
- Starting exercising. ...
- Strike up a conversation.
Many people enjoy making new connections as they get older. Whether they are looking for a companion, a friend, a new love or just someone to enjoy a hobby with, it's never too late to make new friends.
What age is friends for life? ›Friends for Life is for children and young people aged 8 to 12 years of age, it consists of 8-10 weekly sessions. The Friends for Life program has been developed to assist children and young people in coping with anxiety, fear, and sadness.
How do I meet other 20 somethings? ›- Get to know your friend's friends. If you're anything like me, when you meet your friend's friends you normally don't take too much interest. ...
- Volunteer. ...
- Go to events. ...
- Reach out on social media. ...
- Make time for the friends you already have.
Where can I find friends when I have none? ›
- Attend a club or organization meeting. Sometimes they will have an open house for potential members. ...
- Take a class. This is another good way to meet new people. ...
- Meet people at work. ...
- Join a social media group. ...
- Get out more.
Nothing is as threatening in the social network of adolescents as the loner. Being a loner occasionally is not unusual, but it is developmentally unhealthy to be alone all the time and to avoid hanging out with a friend.
Why is it so hard making friends? ›When researchers interviewed adults about making friends in a recent study, the most important challenge cited was a lack of trust. That is, people found it harder to put their trust in someone new and fully invest in them as a friend compared to when they were younger.
Where can I meet new friends? ›- Volunteer in the community. ...
- Join an amateur sports team. ...
- Join a gym and try an exercise class. ...
- Join a dance class. ...
- Run a local road race. ...
- Join your local Chamber of Commerce or a Professional Networking Group. ...
- Join a religious group or cultural club. ...
- Join a wine club.
- Focus on quality. ...
- Surround yourself with positive people. ...
- Support others. ...
- Show initiative. ...
- Create a list of different activities. ...
- Schedule regular activities. ...
- Respect boundaries in relationships.
- Find a new hobby. You don't get to choose your office colleagues, but the beauty of exploring a new hobby or a long-held passion is that you can hang out with like-minded people. ...
- Find a new hobby. ...
- Learn a new skill. ...
- Surf the web. ...
- Volunteer. ...
- Embrace the outdoors.
But no matter your age or personality, making new friends is absolutely possible. You just need to know where to look—and put in a little effort. With the expert advice below, even shy or introverted people can quickly turn complete strangers into new friends. Emotional well-being and fitness go together!
Do friends decrease with age? ›“In adulthood, as people grow up and go away, friendships are the relationships most likely to take a hit,” my colleague Julie Beck wrote in 2015. The older you get, the more effort it takes to maintain connections, because you don't have as many built-in opportunities to see your friends every day.
Can you make new friends after 50? ›Many people over 50 form new friendships in online communities and through social media networks. You can use social networks to keep in touch with friends and family members who don't live close to you.