How to Meet People When Moving to a New City: Tips for Building Your Social Circle

Moving to a new city is exciting. It’s a fresh start, full of possibilities, new places to explore, and opportunities for personal growth. But it can also feel a little daunting, especially when it comes to building a social life. Finding your way in a new place often means figuring out how to meet people and make friends all over again. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to do this.

Here are some tried-and-true methods to help you meet people and start building connections in your new city.

1. Join Local Groups and Clubs

One of the easiest ways to meet new people is by joining local groups or clubs that align with your interests. Many cities offer a wide range of groups centered around hobbies, activities, or causes. Whether you’re into sports, books, board games, art, or community service, there’s likely a group out there for you.

Platforms like Meetup or local Facebook groups make it easy to find these communities. Simply search for groups that match your interests, attend their events, and start interacting with like-minded people. It’s an easy way to find people who share your passions and values, and conversations often come naturally when you're already doing something you enjoy.

2. Attend Community Events

Most cities host a variety of community events, from local festivals and farmers markets to outdoor concerts and cultural exhibits. These events are great opportunities to meet people in a relaxed, social setting. Because they attract a diverse crowd, community events also give you the chance to connect with people from all walks of life.

Many cities have event calendars available online, or you can check social media platforms to see what’s happening in your area. By attending a few local events, you’ll start to feel more integrated into your new community, and you might just strike up a conversation with someone who becomes a new friend.

3. Take a Class or Workshop

Learning something new is not only a great way to enrich your life, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to meet people. Local classes and workshops—whether they’re for yoga, cooking, photography, or language learning—bring people together in a shared experience.

When you sign up for a class, you’ll be surrounded by others who are there for the same reason, which makes it easier to break the ice and start a conversation. Regular classes provide opportunities for repeated interaction, which is key to forming lasting friendships.

4. Volunteer for a Cause You Care About

Volunteering is a fulfilling way to give back to your community while also meeting new people. Many cities have local charities, shelters, or environmental groups that are always looking for volunteers. Not only will you feel good about making a difference, but you’ll also connect with other volunteers who share a similar desire to help.

Volunteering creates an environment where you can bond over shared goals and values. It also often involves teamwork, which naturally encourages communication and collaboration.

5. Explore Local Cafes, Bars, and Social Spots

Sometimes, simply putting yourself out there in social spaces can lead to meeting new people. Local cafes, bars, and restaurants often serve as casual hangout spots for both locals and newcomers alike. If you’re open to it, strike up a conversation with someone at the bar or chat with a fellow coffee drinker.

If you’re not quite ready to approach people out of the blue, try attending trivia nights, live music performances, or open mic events at these venues. These kinds of events offer low-pressure opportunities to mingle and meet others in a fun, informal setting.

6. Get Active Outdoors

If you enjoy outdoor activities, use this as an opportunity to meet others who share your love for nature. Many cities have parks, hiking trails, beaches, or rivers where people gather for outdoor activities. Join a local running group, a cycling club, or participate in outdoor yoga sessions. Outdoor activities are not only great for your health, but they also provide a laid-back atmosphere to meet new people.

Many cities also have recreational sports leagues, where you can sign up to play anything from soccer to softball to ultimate frisbee. These leagues are social by nature, making them ideal for meeting new people and building friendships.

7. Leverage Social Media and Apps

While social media might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of meeting people in person, it can actually be a helpful tool for connecting with others in a new city. Join local Facebook groups or follow neighborhood accounts on Instagram. These platforms often have communities dedicated to sharing events, meetups, or gatherings in your city.

Social media is also a great way to stay informed about happenings around town, giving you plenty of options to get involved.

8. Introduce Yourself to Neighbors and Colleagues

Don’t underestimate the power of introducing yourself to the people you see regularly—your neighbors or colleagues. These are the people who are most likely to be open to building relationships, simply because they live or work close to you. Start small by making an effort to smile and say hello, and over time, initiate longer conversations.

Ask about local recommendations or invite them to join you for lunch, coffee, or a local event. Many people, even those who have lived in the city for years, are often looking to expand their own social circles.

Why Event-Based Friendship-Making Works Best

All of these tips share a common thread: they’re centered around activities and shared experiences. When you’re participating in something meaningful—whether it’s volunteering, attending an event, or taking a class—meeting people comes naturally because you’re not focused on trying to make friends. Instead, you’re focusing on the activity, and friendships develop organically from there.

The problem with many modern friendship apps is that they put the pressure on users to build connections based solely on profiles and short conversations. You swipe through photos, maybe exchange a few messages, and then meet up, often feeling a bit of pressure to make it work. But real friendships don’t usually develop like that—they come from spending time together, sharing experiences, and bonding over common interests.

Enter Invite

If you’ve just moved to a new city and are looking for a way to meet people through activities, Invite is the perfect solution. Unlike traditional friendship apps that rely on profiles and swiping, Invite focuses on creating opportunities for people to connect through shared events and activities.

With Invite, you can browse local events, activities, and hangouts happening around you, and join in with others who are also looking to meet new people. Whether it’s a casual coffee meetup, a group hike, or a trivia night, Invite makes it easy to find activities that align with your interests and connect with like-minded individuals in your area.

Instead of relying on chance or swiping through endless profiles, Invite helps you create meaningful connections through real-world experiences. It’s the perfect way to expand your social circle and build lasting friendships, one event at a time.

So, if you’re new to a city and wondering how to meet people, give Invite a try—it's designed to help you make real connections while enjoying activities you love.

Download Invite today!

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/invite-intentional-connecting/id6566170778

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.invite.app&pcampaignid=web_share

https://inviteapplication.com