How to Make Friends in a New City

Moving to a brand new city without knowing anyone can be very exciting and feel like such a cool new adventure. Two years ago, my (now) husband and I packed up our Boston apartment and drove hundreds of miles down to Charlotte, North Carolina, after a job offer brought him to the Queen City. Nowadays, more and more people are moving away from their hometowns and family to embark on a new journey in a different part of the country or world. While it was wonderful to be living in a new-to-us part of the country, we didn’t know a single person here and it was daunting to think about starting over and having to meet new people in our early 30s. These are some tips for ways to meet people in your fun, new city!

courtesy of Society19

Bumble BFF

I will be the first to admit that it was a little strange to sign up for Bumble and not use it as a dating app. That being said, I have met some really amazing women thanks to “swiping right” on Bumble BFF. The concept is the same as regular Bumble and you can select what you want to use Bumble for, whether it be dating, friendship, or networking. In certain cities, Bumble BFF hosts different types of get-togethers, if bigger events are more your thing for meeting people. Something to keep you in your comfort zone when going on your first Bumble BFF “date” is getting several people together from the app to meet up for coffee or drinks. This can create a more relaxed vibe and allow you to maximize your time and create your girl tribe faster!

courtesy of RootsRated

Brewery Fitness (or other fitness groups)

Brewery fitness classes and run groups are popping up around the country like crazy! A lot of these classes come with a beer or drink included in the ticket price, which is the perfect opportunity to hang out after the class and potentially meet some new friends. If breweries aren’t up your alley, nationwide community Females in Action (FiA) has different running group and boot camps for various cities. These groups are especially supportive and bonding over a tough workout session is a great conversation starter!

Volunteering

If you like to give back in your spare time, volunteering with like-minded individuals in your city can be a great way to be philanthropic while also meeting a new best friend! Whether this is at a local animal shelter, nursing home, or with your local Junior League Chapter, this is a wonderful option to learn more about your new city while meeting others that are also interested in helping others. In addition to being a community for female friendships and volunteering, the Junior League also offers leadership opportunities within the organization to help foster professional growth for its members.

Heather Slugaski is a clinical social worker living and working in North Carolina. You can follow Heather on Twitter @heatherlynnsw.