How to Make Friends in a New City

by Ann Hayward 07/28/2019

Moving to and making a new home in any new city is an exciting time. You have boxes to pack, plans to make, a new job to learn, a new home to find, and new places to explore. With all the anticipation of the move, you may not have given much thought to making friends in your new city.

The usual suspects

Of course, you’ll have co-workers to befriend, but that could be a small pool from which to choose. And, if you're bringing your family with you, they'll want to make new friends too. While school-aged children will find friends in their classrooms and activities, preschoolers and stay-at-home spouses don’t always have built-in relationships. Here are some places where you might discover new friends.

Gyms

Whether you’re an avid Cross-Fitter or casual Zumba class attendee, you’ll find like-minded members at local gyms. Signing up for a class before or after work puts you in the same location as others with similar schedules. Daytime classes more likely have other parents with small children with which to bond.

Houses of worship

Local churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and meeting houses may offer groups, classes, and organizations for you no matter where your interests lie or what schedule you have. Often, daytime gatherings offer childcare or meetings of like-minded folk focusing on a common cause or charity.

Clubs and groups

If you belong to a club in your current home city, check to see if there are branches or chapters in your new city. Ask your leadership for a letter of introduction to smooth the way into your new home’s group.Members of fraternities or sororities should check out chapters in their new city too. 

Hobbies and interests

If you have a hobby or a developing interest in learning about one, craft and hobby stores typically offer classes and workshops where you can meet people with comparable interests.

And if you’re shy?

Making new friends isn’t necessarily easy if you’re naturally introverted or shy. A couple of helpful hints:

  • Be a listener. You don't have to impress everyone you meet with your conversational skills. Just pay close attention to what they want to talk about and ask a few leading questions: "How long have you know about …?" or "Where did you first become interested in …?"
  • Smile. A ready smile attracts people to you and makes you appear friendly (which, when you’re trying to make friends, is a good thing to be).

Make friends of friends’ friends

Remember, while you may not “gel” with everyone you meet, this person might have a friend that is your new-best-friend in waiting.

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About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]