How to Make Friends in a New City: The Ultimate Guide

How to Make Friends in a New City (Without Feeling Like a Total Weirdo)

Ever Moved to a New City and Thought, “How Do I Even Make Friends Here?”

Okay, picture this: You’ve just moved into your new apartment. The boxes are unpacked, you’ve found the closest grocery store, and now… you’re standing in line at a coffee shop. Alone. You see the same person there every day, but you’ve exchanged exactly zero words. Are they gonna be your new bestie, or nah? 😅

Moving to a new city can feel scary af, especially when it comes to making friends. But guess what? It’s not as hard (or awkward) as you think! Let’s dive into some fun, easy ways to make new friends without feeling like a total dork.

Why Is Making Friends So Hard as an Adult?

First off, let’s get real for a sec: Making friends as an adult is a whole different ballgame. Back in school, you had built-in friend-making opportunities—recess, group projects, sports teams. But now? You’re out of your comfort zone, and it feels like everyone already has their squad.

But here’s the thing: You’re not alone in feeling this way. Everyone has been the “new kid” at some point, and most people are open to making new friends—they just don’t know how to start. So, let’s break it down.

1. Master the Art of Small Talk (Yes, Really)

I know, I know—small talk gets a bad rap. But hear me out! Small talk is like the appetizer before the main course of friendship. You don’t dive into deep convos right away, right? You start with something light.

• Pro Tip: Next time you’re at the gym, coffee shop, or even waiting for the bus, ask someone a simple question like, “Been here long?” or “Know any good spots around?” Boom—instant icebreaker. 🎤 Drop.

Small talk doesn’t have to be painful. It’s just a way to open the door to more meaningful conversations later. Plus, people love talking about themselves, so asking questions is a win-win.

2. Join Activity-Based Groups (AKA, Find Your People)

If the idea of walking up to random people and starting a conversation makes you want to curl into a ball, I get it. That’s where activity-based friendships come in.

Think about it: People are way more open to chatting when they’re in a shared space, like a cooking class, yoga session, or even a local sports league. You already have something in common, so the conversation flows naturally.

• Example: Love reading? Find a local book club on Meetup or Facebook groups. Nine times out of ten, other people are also looking to make friends, and boom—you’ve just bonded over your mutual love for dystopian novels. 📚

3. Use Friend-Making Apps (Yes, They Exist!)

Okay, we live in the age of apps for everything, so why not use them to make friends? There are actual apps designed for finding friends—it’s kinda like Tinder, but no one’s trying to date you.

• Apps to Try: Check out Bumble BFF, Meetup, or even the Nextdoor app. These apps are super easy to use, and you’d be surprised how many people are also looking for new pals.
• Example: Someone nearby might be looking for a tennis partner, and suddenly, you’re regulars at the local park. Who knew making friends could be just a swipe away?

4. Become a “Regular” Somewhere

This one’s a game-changer. If you visit the same coffee shop, gym, or yoga studio regularly, you’ll start to notice familiar faces. And guess what? They’ll notice you too. Over time, you’ll naturally start saying “hi” and building casual relationships that can turn into full-blown friendships.

• Example: Go to that same brunch spot every Sunday? After a couple of weeks, you’ll get to know the people sitting at the other tables—and maybe even the staff. Nothing says “new friend” like the barista knowing your name and order. ☕️

5. Hit Up Local Events (Because Everyone Loves a Good Festival)

Local events are prime spots for meeting people. Whether it’s a farmers' market, street fair, or trivia night at a nearby bar, people are usually in a good mood and open to chatting. Plus, it’s a great way to explore your new city while making friends.

• Pro Tip: Check out local event listings on Facebook, Eventbrite, or even your city’s website. You’ll be surprised at how many cool things are happening right under your nose.

Why Making Friends Matters (Like, a Lot)

Okay, so why is any of this important? Well, duh! Making friends in a new place is EVERYTHING when it comes to feeling settled and happy. Whether it’s someone to hang out with on the weekend, a new workout buddy, or just someone to text dumb memes to (because, let’s be real, that’s critical), having friends makes life better—and healthier!

• Did You Know? Studies show that loneliness can have the same health risks as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 😱 So yeah, making friends isn’t just about having fun—it’s about staying healthy, too!

Next Time You’re Feeling Nervous, Remember This…

Everyone has been in your shoes at some point. Every person laughing with their group at the local bar or park had to make friends at some point. They’re not that different from you! So, take a deep breath, put yourself out there, and remember: Making friends is just a series of small steps that lead to big connections.

Question to Ponder: Now that you know how to make friends, what about keeping them? Is there a secret sauce to creating deep, lasting friendships as an adult? Stay tuned for my next post to find out. 👀

And there you have it! Making friends in a new city doesn’t have to be scary or awkward. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to building your new squad in no time. So, what’s your first move?