How Do I Make Friends in Town?

Making new friends is simple, but requires you to talk to others.

Moving to a new town is always challenging. Making friends is among the fun and exciting potential changes you will experience, but it is always awkward to be the new girl or guy in town. Fortunately, there are ways to make new friends in town without experiencing the potential worries.

Visit a Local Church, Temple or Religious Chapter

Not only can a church, temple or a religious group be a source of personal comfort, but it can also allow you to make new friends who share a common belief system with you. Since the meeting takes place in a set location and for a specific purpose, you already have on hand a topic to talk about. Many religious organizations also host social events for their parishioners, making them ideal places to make new friends.

Participate in Local Recreation

A friendship can be built on common interests like sports, singing or local events. To meet like-minded people, explore local organizations relating to your interests. For example, go to a local gym, join a sports club or go to a county fair. If the local community college offers an interesting class like pottery or painting, attend the class. Not only are you sure to meet other people, but participating in recreational activities together gives you a subject via which to start a conversation.

Attend Community Events

Community events are gatherings of neighbors for a specific reason. Such events are often listed in local newspapers and consist of anything which takes place in the community for recreation or enjoyment. For example, a fair benefiting a local charity might be held on a warm spring weekend; attend the event to meet your new neighbors.

Socialize with Coworkers

Since you spend a majority of your waking hours during the week at work, your coworkers are often the people who spend the most time with you. Inquire about their favorite local hangouts, including local restaurants or nightspots, and ask if they would be interested in getting together as a group. Set a date to spend an evening talking and getting to know each other outside of work.

References

• Relocation.com: Tips on Getting to Know the New Neighborhood
• Apartments.com: Getting to Know Your New Neighborhood
• TheSite.org: Making New Friends