Kids have it easy when it comes to making friends. They’re surrounded by like-minded peers every day. School and extra-curricular activities force them to spend time with new people.

It’s so much harder as a grown-up.

To make friends in your adult life, you have to get outside your comfort zone. Most of us have gotten comfortable watching Netflix on the couch with our partner. But, that won’t broaden your friend circle.

Moving to a new city is the perfect excuse to make new friends. It’s not as hard or scary as it seems. Keep reading for seven tips on how to meet people in a new city.

1. Get to Know Your Neighbors

It’s time to crawl out of your hermit shell and embrace the people around you. Your neighbors in this new city are the people in closest proximity to you.

Being able to make friends will make or break your experience in this new city. Consider dropping by to say hi when you see them outside. Or, drop off invitations to all your close neighbors for an open house BBQ.

You can also make friends at your neighborhood joints, like cafes and grocery stores. You may run into the same people in these places often. These are great people to befriend because they live close by.

2. Join Groups

Meaningful friendships come from sharing similar values. To find friends like these, consider joining a religious community you believe in. Churches, temples, and mosques are easy places to make friends.

You can also join groups based on political and social values. If you care about a cause, go to rallies and fundraisers that support that cause. The people you meet there will already have something in common with you.

If you have kids, be open to meeting the parents of your kid’s peers. Other parents share your lifestyle and value family time. These are potential friends you can spend time and bond with.

3. Hobbies and Clubs

Friendships come from doing fun things with new people. Is there a hobby or passion you love doing? See if there are clubs or groups in the new city that focus on them.

For example, many waterfront cities have kayaking and paddle boarding groups. Some have gardening groups that take care of public gardens. Most cities have recreational sports teams for athletic-minded people.

Even going to the gym opens you up to friends. It’s important to create a routine so that your interactions can turn into friendships. Go to whatever hobby or club you like at the same time each week.

4. Use the Internet

The internet is the number one tool for connecting people. There are tons of apps and websites that have the sole purpose of finding your friends in a new city.

Start with Facebook and Instagram. Facebook is always promoting events and gatherings for different interests in your area. Instagram now has the InstaMeet feature to try new things with new people.

There are also websites like meetup.com that provide the digital space to meet new friends. You can screen and build a rapport with people before meeting in person. Other sites like this include Girlfriendcircles.com and Friendsy.com

Another option is putting out a message on your news feed.

Tell your peers that you’re moving to this city and are looking to meet new people. You could get referred to friends of your current friends. Or, new people might respond to themselves.

5. Socialize with Colleagues

If you’re blessed with friendly coworkers, consider becoming outside-of-work friends. You may see these people all day, but if you’re still not sick of them by Friday, that could be a good sign.

Start by going to work events for the employees. Many workplaces have recreational sports teams and fun events. Embrace these opportunities to spend social time with colleagues.

Once you feel comfortable, ask a couple of coworkers to join you for a happy hour after work. Most people have time for a quick drink before heading home. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know each other better.

6. Nightlife

The nightlife in your new city is likely abundant with potential friends. A fun atmosphere mixed with alcohol puts people in a good mood. See if your city has popular restaurants, pubs, and bars.

Go to venues that have social activities going on while you drink. Places with karaoke or trivia make awesome settings for getting to know people. Bingo nights are also super fun ways to meet people.

You don’t need to drink alcohol to make friends this way. But, sometimes liquid courage pushes us to step outside our comfort zone.

7. Reach Out to Old Friends

Remember that girl you sat beside in senior year math class? Turns out she lives in the city you’re moving to! That’s one potential friend you can reach out to.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to old friends and acquaintances. You’ve both changed a lot most likely, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have new things in common. Plus, you can reminisce about the old days.

If you get along well with them, they may introduce you to their friend group. Stepping outside your comfort zone could lead you to an entire group of friends.

You can always screen old friends on Facebook before reaching out. There’s no harm in reaching out and making the first move.

Still Wondering How to Meet People in a New City?

It’s super intimidating to move to a new city without any friends. Friendship is something that brings so much fun and meaning to your life. Don’t let your fear stand in the way of awesome relationships.

If you’re wondering how to meet people in a new city, you’re not alone. Use one of the seven awesome tips above to meet people you have things in common with.

Want more tips for putting yourself out there? Find out more about creating an online profile and meeting new people on the blog.