The friends you make in New York City

Living in any given city can be an incredible experience, and New York City certainly delivers in many different ways: from the art and culture, to the diverse cuisine; from its bustling streets, to its remarkable skyline. But one of the best experiences of living in NYC is the huge variety of people you can meet – for it is said that, in New York, you can find some of the friendliest, most open-minded and diverse people in the world. Whether you’re looking for lifelong friends or just a good time, you can never go wrong in the Big Apple.

Types of Friends You Can Make

If you’re newer to New York City, it can be an intimidating place to make friends. With the hustle and bustle of life in the city, there’s no doubt that making connections can be difficult, but ultimately, there are endless possibilities when it comes to meeting people and starting a connection. Here’s a look at a few types of friends you can make in New York City:

1. Locals: The locals of New York City can be a great source of friendship and advice, as they generally know the ins and outs of the city and can point you in the right direction. From places to eat that won’t break the bank to great bars for a good time, locals are some of the best friends you can make in NYC.

2. Work Buddies: Whether you work in an office building, a restaurant, or anywhere in between, having someone in your corner with similar interests and schedule can be incredibly freeing.

3. Roommates: If you’re lucky enough to have a roommate or two that you get along amazingly with, these can be some of the best friends you’ll make in New York City.

4. Neighbors: Because NYC often has much more of a sense of community than other cities, forming relationships with your neighbors (at least in your apartment building) can be much easier than elsewhere.

5. Friends of Friends: Beyond your job and roommates, your friends’ extended network can be a great resource for meeting other interesting people.

6. Online Networks: If you’re feeling especially introverted, technology can give you a hand in the friend-making game. Platforms such as MeetUp, Eventbrite, and Couchsurfing connect like-minded people in the city and make meeting unique individuals effortless.

Where to Meet New Friends

Though trying to make friends in New York City can seem like a difficult task, there are actually a variety of places to meet other people. Here are some of the best places to make friends in the Big Apple:

1. Restaurants and Bars: Many NYC-ers hype the idea of eating alone, but you can also go with a friend or two and use it as a chance to meet others. Stopping by a bar can also be a great way to make friends, as it is typically a more casual and relaxed atmosphere.

2. Concerts, Performances, and Events: This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but attending events such as concerts, theatre performances, and festivals gives you a great opportunity to meet new people. Events are a great equalizer for meeting people, as everybody is there for the experience.

3. Nightlife: Though it’s really not recommended to start a relationship with someone from a club or bar, talking to some strangers can be a great way to start conversations and maybe even form a good friendship.

4. Gyms and Classes: It may be intimidating to join a gym or start a class in the city, but ask around for recommendations and find one with a friendly vibe. This creates a great environment for meeting friends that you can regularly see again.

5. Social Networks: Though we can’t recommend this enough, social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram make connecting with people much easier and more accessible. A great way to get to know people is to comment on posts, like people’s pictures, and share your own stories.

Tips for Making Friends in NYC

Though NYC is one of the best cities to make friends, it is still an intimidating task. Here are a few tips to make meeting new people a lot more enjoyable and easier:

1. Set Goals: Setting boundaries for yourself and prioritizing who you want to meet can help you stay focused and less daunted by the process; this will provide a great opportunity to meet your friends and stay within your comfort zone.

2. Make an Effort: Though it can easily be seen as intimidating, reaching out and initiating conversations can be incredibly rewarding and open new opportunities for friendships.

3. No Judgment: Don’t judge any of your new friends or be overly critical. Doing so will make it difficult for anyone to connect with you.

4. Stay Open-Minded: Different people bring different perspectives to the table, and embracing different lifestyles, cultures, and beliefs can help create interesting conversations, experiences, and friendships in the city.

5. Join a Club: Exploring the city will help you meet people and one of the best ways to do this is to join social clubs, hangouts, and other activities that point you in the right direction.

Ultimately, meeting friends in New York City isn’t as daunting a task as one might first think. With the right attitude and the right effort, anyone can build a strong network of friends and open themselves up to experiences that’ll be invaluable.