How to make friends after moving to a new city?

Moving to a new city can be stressful enough – being in a new environment, having to find a new place to live, navigating your way around your new neighborhood and so on. What is even more difficult, though, is finding new friends.

If you have just moved to a new place and you are also struggling, keep reading as this post is perfect for you and will give you some great tips on how to make friends after relocating to a new city.

Use Social Media 

One of the best ways not only to find new friends, but also to learn more about the new area where you will be living in is through social media.

Start by joining the Facebook Groups of your city, neighborhood and then narrow it down to the groups in the area that focus on the same interests as yours.

For example, search for Facebook Groups such as “Hiking in San Diego” or 'Chicago Gardening Club”.

You will quickly realize how many other people are out there with the same interest as yours and also looking to finding new friends. 

There are a plethora of other websites for finding friends, mainly through hobbies. Check out any of these websites for this purpose:

• Meetup.com

• Reddit.com/r/[your city name]

• Discord (servers for your city)

• Twitter (threads about your city, or accounts promoting events in your area)
  

Get to Know Your Neighbors 

A lot of times getting to know your neighbors is overlooked as a way to make new friends. This can be one of the fastest and easiest ways to find new people and get to know them. Start by being friendly and courteous and always greet your neighbors. Even if you don't think you can be friends, it's always nice to trust your neighbors.

If you see them working on something you can help with, ask them if they need assistance. If you see there is potential of making closer friendships with your neighbors, why not organize an informal get together in your home. 

Sign up for Classes 

From yoga and Pilates classes to foreign language classes, the list is endless. Think about what your interests are or even something that you have been wanting to try for a long time but never had the chance – maybe now is the time!

Make a list and then try to find classes in your nearby area. Even if you have to travel a bit further away, do not be afraid. Going to classes is one of the best ways to meet new people. And before you know it, you will be talking about seeing each other for coffee after the class! 

Invest in Your Community 

Last but definitely not least, investing in your community is a fantastic way to feel a lot more connected to the city you have relocated to. There is nothing better than being part of the community and helping it develop even further.

This could be anything from volunteering in the nearby animal shelter to joining up a clean up day. Regardless of what it is, it will definitely make you feel a lot more connected and it will give you a sense of meaning and achievement.

A nice added bonus is the fact that you will meet a lot of new people with similar interests as yours! 

Making new friends after relocating to a new city is not always easy, especially if you lean on the introverted side of life. The most important thing to remember is to take a step outside of your comfort zone, and dive straight into it.

It might be difficult at first, but do not give up. Remember that it takes more than one or two times to get to know someone, so don't fret if 6 months have gone by and you haven't built deep relationships. Time will make it easier to get the feeling of your community, neighborhood, work culture, and more.

Not everyone you meet will become a friend, but one or two will and you will be able to get used to the new area much faster as well!