New City, New Circle: 10 Ways to Make Friends After a Move 

Moving to a new city means finding your grocery store, your go-to takeout spot and, eventually, your people. That last part can take a little more effort, especially when you no longer have classmates or nearby friends making introductions.

One way to start is to build repetition into your routine. Taking the same class or showing up to the same weekly event gives you a chance to become familiar with people before asking someone to hang out.

From joining a gym to finding your karaoke crowd, here are 10 ways to make new friends in a new city.

1. Join a Gym or Fitness Studio
A gym can help you meet people through regular classes and shared routines. Whether you prefer a traditional gym, Pilates studio, CrossFit gym or climbing gym, choose something you actually enjoy enough to keep attending.

Group classes give you a natural opening for conversation. Start with a hello before class, ask how someone liked the workout or introduce yourself to another person who seems new.

Try attending at the same time each week. Recognizing a few faces can make walking into the room feel less intimidating.

2. Find a Run or Walking Club
Run and walking clubs combine a recurring social activity with an easy conversation starter: the route you’re taking together.

Look for a group that matches your pace and experience. If your main goal is meeting people, a casual neighborhood walk or social run may be a better fit than a competitive training group.

Some groups also meet for coffee or food afterward. Leave time for that part of the outing—it can be easier to get to know someone when you’re no longer catching your breath.

3. Become a Regular at a Coffee Shop
Visiting the same coffee shop can help you feel connected to your neighborhood and create opportunities to meet other regulars.

Pick a spot you enjoy spending time in, and work it into your routine. Read there on Saturday mornings, stop by before work or take an occasional afternoon coffee break.

Sit at a communal table when available, put your phone away for a bit and stay open to small conversations. A comment about someone’s book or a question about the pastry they ordered can be enough to start. 

4. Make Karaoke or Trivia a Weekly Thing
A recurring karaoke or trivia night gives you a reason to return to the same place and meet people who enjoy the same kind of night out.

For trivia, ask the host whether any teams are open to another player. Being new in town is a perfectly good introduction, and debating an answer gives everyone something to talk about.

At karaoke, support other singers, ask someone about their song choice or bond over a shared favorite artist. You don’t have to be the best singer in the room to become a familiar face.

5. Join a Book Club
A book club gives you a built-in conversation topic, which can take some pressure off meeting strangers.

Check libraries, independent bookstores and community calendars for groups. Choose one based on what you actually like reading, whether that’s horror, romance, literary fiction or a little of everything.

Pay attention to the format, too. A discussion-based club offers more structured conversation, while a silent reading group may set aside time to socialize before or afterward. Try a few meetings before deciding whether the group feels like a fit.

6. Take a Class That Meets More Than Once

A class that runs for several weeks gives you time to get to know people while learning something together.
Consider an activity you’ve wanted to try:

• Pottery or ceramics 

• Dance 

• Improv 

• Cooking 

• Photography 

• A new language 

• Being a beginner gives you plenty to talk about, from comparing projects to laughing about a mistake. As you get more comfortable, suggest practicing together or grabbing something to eat after class.

7. Volunteer on a Regular Schedule
Volunteering can connect you with people who care about similar causes while giving you a shared task to focus on.

Look for opportunities with a community garden, food pantry, animal shelter, neighborhood cleanup group or arts organization. Choose a commitment that fits your schedule so you can keep showing up.

A recurring shift gives conversations room to develop naturally. You might start by learning someone’s name while sorting donations and eventually make plans outside your volunteer hours.

8. Try a Recreational League or Game Night
Recreational sports and game nights give you something to do together while you get acquainted.

You could join a beginner-friendly kickball, volleyball, bowling or pickleball group. Look for leagues that accept individual sign-ups so you don’t need an existing team to participate.

If sports aren’t your thing, try a board game café, tabletop gaming group or community game night. Ask about events that welcome newcomers and teach the rules. Having an activity to focus on can make conversation feel less forced.

9. Use Local Groups to Find In-Person Plans
Neighborhood groups and friendship apps can help you find people who are also looking for company.

Search for groups built around your location or interests, such as a neighborhood craft circle, a local film club or a group for people who recently moved to the city.

Give people something specific to respond to. “I’m new to the neighborhood and checking out the Sunday farmers market—anyone want to join?” creates a clearer opening than “Looking for friends!”

For a first meetup, choose a public place and keep the plan simple, like coffee or a community event.

10. Turn an Acquaintance Into an Actual Plan
Making friends often means following up with someone you’ve already enjoyed talking to. That could be a coworker, neighbor or familiar face from one of your weekly activities.

Keep the invitation casual and specific:

• “I’m grabbing coffee after class. Want to come?” 

• “You mentioned liking horror movies, want to catch one next week?” 

• “Are you coming to trivia again? We should make a team.” 

• “I’m checking out that market Saturday if you want to join.”

You don’t need to wait until you feel like close friends to spend time together. A short, low-pressure hangout is often how you get there.

How Do You Start Building a Social Life in a New City?
Start with one recurring activity you enjoy and one small invitation. You don’t need to fill every evening or turn every conversation into a friendship. Give yourself time to figure out who you connect with and which places make you want to return.

As you settle in, making room at home can help you get into a routine, too. If moving boxes and extra household items are crowding your space, explore storage options at a nearby Public Storage location—and give yourself room to enjoy your new city.