Easy Ways to Meet New People After Moving

Moving to a new city is an exciting, opportunity-filled adventure, but it can also pose challenges in forging new friendships. Because having friends makes us happier in life, it’s worth the time to make new connections, finding people who you enjoy and who have similar interests. Try these eight easy ways to meet new people after moving. 

  1. Re-connect with acquaintances in the area.

Do a little digging on social media and see if any of your old friends, friends of friends, or former co-workers live in your new city. If so, message them and ask them out for lunch or coffee. Just one person in your extended friend group might be able to open the door to other people you will like and enjoy spending time with.

  1. Take walks in your neighborhood.

People who live close to you are some of the easiest people to meet. Get out on your block for a stroll. Smile and wave to your neighbors, and if they seem friendly, introduce yourself. A good conversation starter is a question about the neighborhood that someone who lived there awhile would know. What’s the best grocery store? Is there a gym nearby? What vet do you use? All of these are good icebreaker inquiries.

  1. Hang out outside.

Yardwork, washing your car, and sprucing up your exterior are all good reasons to be outside and visible. Smile and wave to those who walk by, and sooner or later you’re bound to start a conversation with a neighbor. If your subdivision or condo complex has a pool or other public area, that makes it even easier to meet new friends.

  1. Throw a housewarming party.

Make a flyer and drop it by a half dozen or so neighbors’ homes. The event doesn’t need to be fancy; a simple cookout with food and drink provided will do the trick. Be honest and say that you are new to the area and want to meet and get to know them better.

  1. Go to garage sales.

Striking up a conversation at a garage or yard sale is simple and one of the easiest ways to meet new people after moving. Get up early on Saturday and walk or drive through your neighborhood looking for signs. Introduce yourself and tell them you are new to the area. If you hit it off, invite them for coffee or to join you for a cookout.

  1. Get to know your co-workers.

It’s also beneficial to branch out beyond your neighborhood to find new pals. We spend lots of time at work, and you will at least have one thing in common. Choose a few people whom you like at your new job and ask them to lunch, or to join you for happy hour. This will give you a chance to form a personal bond and get to know them better.

  1. Volunteer your time.

Find a nonprofit that’s close to your heart, and sign up for events. Feed the homeless, walk shelter dogs, or choose one of the many other worthy causes. Chances are you will feel good about yourself AND meet some like-minded, nice people with whom you can cultivate friendships. You can easily find places to volunteer with a simple Facebook search.

  1. Get involved.

Sitting in your house feeling homesick is not going to help you make connections. Jump into as many community activities as you can handle. Join a club that interests you, or take a class about a topic that you’re curious about. There are endless opportunities to learn something new and meet people at the same time.

Moving to a new city can be stressful, and leaving your friend group behind is a big part of it. Use some of these tips to find new connections. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and invite interesting people to hang out. You will be able to build a strong network of friends in no time, and settle into your new home comfortably.