New York City is an amazing place to live. It’s full of culture and excitement. But when you’re new to the city and looking to meet new friends, it can be overwhelming to find ways to make the most of it. Whether you’re looking for long-term friendships or a romance, meeting new people in NYC doesn’t have to be hard. Here, we’ll show you 10 ways you can begin expanding your social network and make new friends in the Big Apple.
Attend a Meetup
Number one on the list has to be attending a Meetup, which are free or low-cost events taking place in almost every type of category imaginable. You can search for Meetups from popular topics like crypto-investment and banjo lessons to more niche ones like voice acting and vegan cooking. Here, you’ll have the chance to talk with people in person and find friends who share similar interests.
Join Online Forums and Facebook Groups
If attending real-life events like a Meetup doesn’t sound like something you’d be interested in, there are plenty of online groups and forums to browse. You can join in on conversations within Facebook Groups, Reddit threads, and popular community sites such as Quora or The Mighty. Here, you’ll be able to find people with similar interests and start building connections.
Sign Up For Co-Living
Co-Living is a great option for NYC transplants looking for a community of people to live and socialize with. Although it’s more expensive than moving into a standard apartment, many co-living spaces offer extra amenities such as yoga classes and potluck dinners, making it easy to connect with other like-minded people in your living space.
Look for Events and Activities on Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a great resource for finding both paid and free events happening in the city. You can browse through listings for happy hours, cooking classes, yoga retreats, and more. Here, you’ll be able to find events that match your interests and meet new people who have similar passions.
Take an Online Course
Online courses are a great way to meet new people while deepening your knowledge in a certain area. Sites like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare all have a wide selection of courses to choose from and offer video conferencing options for getting to know your classmates.
Volunteer and Give Back
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people while giving back to the community. Look into local organizations and volunteer opportunities around NYC. Not only will you have the chance to make new friends, but you’ll also feel great about helping out.
Follow and Engage With New Yorkers on Social Media
Social media is a great way to get to know people from across the city and across the country. Follow influencers and local accounts to get an insider’s perspective of NYC and engage with people who share similar interests.
Explore and Visit Popular Hangouts
Exploring popular neighborhoods or hangouts around town can be a great way to meet new people and make connections with like-minded local residents. Places like the High Line, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge are perfect spots to explore and find new friends.
Go to Happy Hours After Work
Looking to meet people in a more relaxed and social surrounding? Then happy hours are the perfect way to kick off the evening. Check out local bars and restaurants that host happy hour specials to chat and socialize with other locals after work.
Attend Locally Hosted Trivia Nights
Trivia nights are one of the best ways to have fun with friends and meet new people in NYC. Whether you’re into music trivia at bars or themed trivia nights at local pubs, these events can be a great way to make friends and learn something you never knew before.
Meeting new people in NYC doesn’t have to be hard. There are plenty of ways that you can find and make connections in the big city, from attending Meetups and courses to exploring popular hangouts. Try out the tips listed above and make the most of living in the big apple.
