Adapting to a new environment can be challenging, especially if you’ve moved to another city or state. However, relocating can be easier if you have friends and loved ones to help you through. Making new friends after moving may be daunting, but we put together some ways to find and meet people in a new chapter of your life. If you’re single and looking for a romantic partner, you might even find a friend who can become something more.
You can take a few simple steps to make friends after moving:
1. Attend Local Concerts, Fairs, or Festivals
Attending local events is an age-old way to meet new people. Most local events are free or affordable and allow you to meet people living near you and that may have similar interests. It also gives you an opportunity to get a “feel” for where you live—which is just as important as knowing the street names.
2. Explore the City
Exploring popular areas in the city is a great place to interact with the locals. Visit local museums, parks, and shopping centers to get a feel for the people living in the area. It also has the added benefit of making you better at navigating local streets.
3. Look Up Local Teams and Clubs
Joining a club is a great way to meet like-minded people in your area. Sports teams, book clubs, and yoga groups are perfect examples of clubs where you could meet people with similar interests.
4. Volunteer
Volunteering for a local charity or cause you’re passionate about is a great way to meet people in a low-pressure setting. Volunteering also allows you to meet people that have similar interests as you, and it’s a great way to contribute and make you feel a part of your new community.
5. Use Mobile Apps
There are many great mobile apps that can help you meet people in your area. Some of the most popular apps are Bumble, MeetMe, Meetup, Nextdoor, and Meet My Dog (if you also have a dog that needs some new friends).
6. Get Outside
Go for walks in your new neighborhood, go for a hike, or ride your bike around the area. Getting outside is a great way to meet people naturally, without having to go out of your way to make friends.
7. Hold a Housewarming Party & Invite Your Neighbors
Hosting a housewarming party can help you make new friends after you move. Just invite your neighbors and even some of the people you’ve met at local spots. No need to go all out or spend a bunch of money on catering, just keep it casual with light snacks and beverages.
8. Organize Play Dates
If you have children or pets, you can always coordinate play dates with the people you’ve met in your new neighborhood. Whether it’s a family you exchanged phone numbers with after your kids got along at a playground or another dog owner you met at a dog park, arranging a play date offers the perfect opportunity to get to know them better. Schedule it at a park to make it easy and casual!
9. Get in Touch with Friends of Friends
Ask friends or family members if they know anyone in the area where you’re moving. Meeting up with a friend of a friend is an easy way to make a new acquaintance.
10. Hang out with Co-Workers
Another way to make friends after moving is by spending time with co-workers outside of the office. Accept any invitations to hang out or ask if anyone has recommendations for local restaurants or other spots where you can meet up after work. This can help you get out there where you can not only become friends with co-workers but meet new people as well.
Finding new friends after moving can be challenging, but using some of these tips can help you make your moving process a little less stressful. If you need help managing other parts of your long-distance, out-of-state, or international move, contact our Southern California movers at Affordable Quality Moving & Storage today!
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