How To Meet People, Make Friends In A New City

Where Do People Meet Friends? How To Meet New People As An Adult, After College

Dating apps are not for everyone and even if you do decide to give online dating apps a try, you should never abandon trying to meet people offline, organically. Even if you meet online, you still have to communicate, plan dates, have conversations, read body language etc. As someone who does this for a living, I help people meet others offline more easily. Read more about me here.

Online dating is not so much a shortcut as it is another channel. The same skills needed to meet people on apps general are needed offline as well. Alternatives to online dating exist but they require patience, focus, effort, self-awareness, ability to put oneself out there in addition to working on oneself and making sure they are ready to date.

Never abandon offline efforts to meet people (friends, events, classes, social functions, art openings, team events, live music venues, trivia nights etc.).

Below is an exhaustive guide on how to meet people in real life (meet people in your area), how to present yourself and make yourself approachable and what things to be aware of to set healthy expectations when venturing out.

Related read: How To Make Friends In The Bay Area

Where Can I Meet People IRL? How Can I Meet Friends In Real Life, Naturally? 

Depending on where you live, how old you are and what you are willing to prioritize in life, meeting people whether for dates or meeting new friends can be tough.

Chances are if you are reading this, you have had some challenges with meeting people due to busy schedules, new in town, social anxiety, remote location etc.

There is no formula or blueprint for success. Doing these things over time will help you increase chances for introductions, but nothing is guaranteed, as there is much qualitative and subjective aspects to tactics.

Seeming too eager or aggressive can make you come off as needy. Sometimes it’s more about being ready, prepared, than it is about actively starting conversations or going to places to meet people.

No one tip I am going to provide is 100% certain; applying all the tips will not work right away. Over time, with practice and persistence you can start to meet people if you are genuine, approachable and interesting.

Practice Talking To Strangers, Make Good Eye Contact, Smile

There is no way around this, many people who struggle to meet others often times struggle with communication. Insecurity, stuttering, eye contact, nervousness etc. – you name it, talking is at the root of many anxiety issues people have when it comes to social skills (so much there is a dedicated Reddit thread r/SocialSkills).

These days, apps are dominating the way people engage with strangers (apps to order food, meals, clothes, coffee, get you to/from work etc.). It’s quite possible to go about your day with minimal human contact and that is rather unfortunate.

Having the guts to talk to strangers is tough, there is no way around it. Rather than talk to random strangers and deal with the fear or rejection or judgment, fine tune your approach to people who are likely to willingly receive what you have to say.

Start with your neighbors, coworkers, church groups, local merchants and community members. Learn to smile. Smiles can disarm unfamiliarity, increase approachability and add some warmth to your personality.

People love to surround themselves with others who can make them feel good about themselves. You need to learn how to give before you can receive.

Related read: Dating In Seattle | Austin | Los Angeles | Silicon Valley | NYC

How To Meet People Naturally: Best Places To Volunteer To Meet Guys, Women

Volunteering at nursing homes is a great start. Many people do not have as frequent visitors as one would like. Making a difference and doing a great deed while overcoming your fear or speech can be a mutually beneficial relationship.

Check job boards, Craigslist, newspaper ads, non-profits, park and recreation websites, event calendars and more for one off or recurring opportunities to volunteer with seniors.

Volunteering with a cause you care about is another way to meet people with similar interests. Whether your passion is education, food, nature, homelessness, environment etc, find a group, venue or organization that is looking for volunteers.

If there isn’t, start your own volunteer cause. It’s much easier to talk to others even strangers over something you both have in common.

Related read: Are You Ready To Date?

How To Meet People Without Online Dating: Go Offline, Activities To Meet Singles

Many activities have been expedited and made more convenient through technology but what’s gained in efficiency has been lost in social engagement, improvisation, spontaneous conversation etc.

Instead of using an app to order food, place an order to go in person and wait for the food or better yet learn to eat alone at the bar or restaurant.

Ask the cashier or bartender what they recommend, what’s popular, what’s seasonal. Need to buy some new clothes? Avoid ordering online and find a local retailer and shop in person.

Ask a worker for advice on fit, color, sizes etc. Instead of taking a private Uber or Lyft, take public transportation. Sit at the end so others are more likely to sit next to you.

Talking to cab drivers, security guards, barbers etc. can help provide a gentle and lesser intimidating ways to talk to people outside your comfort zone. The more you engage with people in everyday situations, the more confident you will be speaking to someone you actually like and are interested in.

Related read: Dating App Hobbies & Interests To Attract Others

Dress with a Purpose, Display Enthusiasm & Interest: How To Meet People Without Dating Apps

Instead of wearing what is comfortable or easy for you, mix it up a little. Your body is a canvas full of space for opportunity when it comes to drawing eyeballs.

Wearing a t-shirt of a local brewery, travel destination, sports team, band etc. can oftentimes bridge the gap when trying to initiate conversation.

Add some flair – wear a nice scarf, get an interesting watch instead of a generic Apple Watch or sport some cool eyeglasses instead of your contacts.

First impressions are everything whether you agree or not – it’s a matter of fact. Dress like you would to meet the person you are trying to attract not like the person you are.

Put some additional effort into your appearance – you’ll never know who you will meet and you don’t want to look sloppy or like a mess in case you do meet someone interesting by chance.

Looking approachable is the first step in becoming approachable. Make sure to your hygiene practices are not self-sabotaging your efforts.

Expand Your Activities, Hobbies – Try Something New (How To Meet People Offline) 

Many folks I come across in my line of work often have few hobbies and interests and of those, most are individual activities (reading, drawing, playing instrument, video games etc.).

I am not advocating stopping these activities but mixing in some new hobbies that are more communal will go a long way to making it easier to find activity partners, relate to others.

Join a gym, take a class, research alumni events in your area, join activities with colleagues at work, ask friends for help with meeting people in your area, look for meetups, get a dog instead of a cat, work from coffee houses or grab coffee instead of getting one at work or home, take a new route every so often, explore a new neighborhood.

While these are easier said than done, many of these are easier to do in bigger towns and cities. Sometimes getting a fresh breath of air can force you to socialize than if you stay where you grew up and never left.

The more hobbies you have, the more likely you are to spend time outdoors increasing chances to meet people AND have more things to talk about with others.

Related read: Attractive Interests & Hobbies

Mix Up Your Routine, Habits; Where To Meet People, How To Make Friends As An Adult

Many people get accustomed to doing things only one way for efficiency reasons be it safety related, what Google Maps says or fastest route available.

In order to get out of your rut, you should start with changing things up when it comes to routes you take to/from work, neighborhoods you hang out at, places you frequent etc.

Research places to explore and use those as a guide to navigate new parts of your hometown. Sit at the bar and communal tables, ask a stranger for directions vs just Googling it. Do something different each day.

How To Attract New Friends: Become A Regular, Meeting Offline; Where To Meet Good Friends

I don’t advise becoming a regular at a singles bar but it doesn’t hurt to dip your toes into a place known for having many singles. These places can feel like a seen and a place for narcissists and shallow folks.

I rather focus on going to places one would enjoy – any bar can be a singles bar on any given night. Usually places that are more relaxed and casual are easier to initiate conversations with others.

Having a familiar face helps established a sense of trust either with the person or said establishment. Knowing what to order, where to sit, what the secret items on the menu are or just knowing a name is all it takes to spark a conversation with someone.

Bonding over dishes, cocktails, music etc. is a great way to make new friends and possible dates.

How To Become A Regular At A Bar – How To Meet People IRL. Organically

1) Go often maybe 2-3 times a month at first then ideally once every month.

2) Go at the same times/shifts so you can keep running into the same bartenders, crowds.

3) Pick your seat wisely – face the crowds or face the bartenders (bar seating is ideal). Pick same areas when you go back. Avoid corner seats where you limit who can sit next to you.

4) Wear something unique whether it’s a hometown shirt or your favorite travel article of clothing. Reference hometowns, travel or other venues when appropriate, i.e. drink reminds you of xyz.

5) Be kind but not overly cheerful. Say thank you, ask questions or recommendations but know when it’s ok to do so (not in the middle of making a drink). I had this drink last time and it was great, do you have anything similar in terms of bitterness? Move over a seat to accommodate a large group. Bring back your glass when ordering a new drink if you are seated at a table.

6) Tip well. If you pay by credit card, your name will be on the receipt.

7) Remember names. Don’t do this right away, it takes time to build a connection. Make a note on your phone.

8) Learn to read people. Not all patrons nor bartenders want to talk every time. Sometimes people have their off days or with to be left alone. Not personal, don’t internalize things.

9) Know the lingo. Spirit-forward, bitter, dry, etc. Order decisively – don’t waste time. Order drinks all at once for our party. If you need help, tell them your preferences, don’t just ask whatever you like. List a style of beer, alcohol base etc. Listen, recall past visits, but don’t distract them from their job.

10) Not every bar is easy to become a regular. Some are too stiff or draw transient crowds. Knowing which places to go and when to go is key.

How To Meet People To Date: Get A Pet, Exercise Outside; How To Make Friends In A Big City, 

Pets help bridge a social gab as strangers naturally want to pet your dog, ask about your dog etc. Don’t go to a breeder, instead go to an adoption agency and find a rescue dog.

When possible, avoid wearing headphones at your local gym and instead join a work out class, cycling or running group, or find a social group online via Meetup. Any chance you can avoid doing something online or indoors and instead go outside and interact with others is a win!

How To Meet Friends In Real Life: Be More Selective Of Your Friends

All too often people fail to meet others or try new things because of their friends or partner. Don’t let negative, boring people drag you down. You don’t need someone to do things with. Learn to go out on your own.

Negative people, boring people or shallow people in your life can be a drain. Surround yourself with positive people, people with large social circles or those that are known to be connectors. Keep in touch with friends on social media or just a quick coffee.

Out of sight, out of mind definitely happens to many people.

Learning How To Take A Compliment, Follow Up On A Questions; How To Meet Good Friends

I have many people make a comment or pay a compliment to me fairly regularly while out an about whether it’s my USC hat, brewery t-shirt, colorful dress socks, my sunglasses, drinks I order etc.

Despite those initial comments, it’s turning those introductory lines into a conversation that helps build a connection.

Expressing enthusiasm, replying with a question, adding context or even thanking someone can continue the conversation beyond that single gesture. Being alert, knowing how to think on your feet and being approachable is key.

Related read: Bumble Compliments

Alternatives To Online Dating, How To Meet People Without Dating Apps

Taking baby steps is an important way to start to meet people. While much of the planning and preparation to be able to be ready to increase your chances for this can take place online, you have to practice leaving the home to maximize your chances for success.

Expanding your passions, interests, curiosities coupled with maximizing your time outside and in public places will help bridge the gap to meeting people even if are not the first to engage in conversation.

Will going to one Meetup, two volunteer events make a difference? Possibly not but over time getting yourself out there will move you closer to meeting new people.

Related read: Alternatives To Dating Apps

How To Start A Conversation With A Stranger? How To Talk To Strangers?

Learning how to read people is the thing most people are terrible at. Before you can talk to strangers, you need to know how to ready body language and read a room. Not everyone wants to talk so it’s important to know when to cut your losses and move on.

Beyond knowing timing i.e. are people in a rush, are people busy on the phone or are people not in the mood to chat, your voice matters (tone, volume) as do the words that come out of your mouth. Sounding too desperate, eager, shy or creepy can derail a conversation.

In my coaching sessions, I highlight how to identify situations in which to approach people, what to say, how to ask questions and how to be aware of social cues and clues.

App To Meet Friends In Your Area, How To Meet Friends In A New City

Bumble BFF, Meetup, or just look for fun events and meet people there. The best meetups will vary by area. Similarly, some may fade away if the organizer steps down or no longer plans events. Check to see how many people are in the group, see when the group is last active, see how many events are thrown, see how many people attend said events, check out photos from the group and see how active the boards are.

It could be there are no meetups in your area or you live in such a remote area, have such unusually hobbies and lifestyle that you will need to try harder to meet people.

How To Make Friends In A New City After Graduating?

Friends are a factor of:

• Shared experiences, interests
• Repetition
• Proximity

 Take classes, join clubs, check out events on your own, explore social clubs, volunteer, go outside, sit at communal tables at cafes, dine at bar areas of restaurants.