How to make friends in NYC?
Making friends, especially as an adult, is no easy task, but livening in the city that never sleeps has its perks when it comes to meeting new people, and we’ll show you some easy ways to do it with our list of 10 ways to make new friends and meet people in NYC in 2017.
I’m definitely not the “show up to an event alone” type of person, but I have had some luck meeting new people since moving to New York City. For the most part, I’ve met new friends through old ones, by going out for an event or to dinner. Whether I’m going to someone’s birthday party, a sporting event, or a workout class, I’ve been able to meet new people by tagging along with a friend. A lot of others are not afraid to use apps and social media to meet new people, which works out for them a more often than you would think. So, if you’re a little too shy to just jump out there, maybe starting on social media is the best bet for you.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com
Summer is quickly approaching, which means New Yorkers, and tourists alike, will flood the city’s streets during the long, hot days. There’s so much going on in and around the city in the summer, it’s hard to keep track of all the events. From concerts and music festivals, to rooftop bars and beaches, there’s something fun for everyone. While it may not be for everyone, showing up at these events alone is one way to meet new people and make new friends. If you’re not so comfortable with that, there are also a number of social clubs and hobby groups in NYC to join, where everyone is in the same boat when it comes to trying to meet new people.
If you really want to get the ball rolling, you might also be interested in 10 Things To Do In NYC This Weekend, so do check that article out as well.
The moral of the story is that you don’t have to be a social butterfly to meet people in a city as big as New York, especially with the internet. Now, it’s easier than ever to meet people who share your same interests and hobbies. To be honest, there is no single best way to make friends, it’s really all about what you’re comfortable with and what works best for you. There are plenty of ways you could try to make new friends, and we will merely be listing ten ways we think will be the easiest. This list of ways to make new friends and meet people in NYC in 2017 will not be in any particular order, and you are free to try any or all of the techniques mentioned in the list at your leisure. For our list today, we sought help from a simple Google search, and the Class Curious database.
Let’s get you on your way to making new friends and expanding your social horizons with our list of 10 ways to make new friends and meet people in NYC in 2017.
10. Take a quirky class
If you have the time to sit back and relax during the weekends, then we recommend that you take a quirky class. You can find tons of information regarding all sorts of classes at Class Curious. So take advantage of services the website provides, and get yourself enrolled in any type of class that you like. You will definitely meet like-minded people there, and breaking the ice will not be a problem since you definitely have some common interests and you can use that as a conversation starter. Now, let’s see what else we have on our list of ways to make new friends and meet people in NYC in 2017.
Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com
9. There are apps for making real life friends
Often people grill the internet for inducing the lack of interest for face-to-face interaction among people. However, the fact of the matter is, there are a lot of apps and websites that solely facilitate real life interaction among people living in an area. To get started you can check out CitySocializer. It’s really simple to sign up and use, and you get to meet people who are just like you and actively looking to make new friends in their area. The interactions are arranged to be in a group environment, to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable.
Michaelpuche/Shutterstock.com
8. Join a team
If you are good at athletics, then you would really be at home on a team of your preferred sport. You will definitely meet new people and make friends, and on top of that you will stay healthy and fit. If you are thinking about taking up exercises, then joining a sports team is also a very good alternative. You can check out CBS Local for starters to find a suitable team for you. The only drawback to this method is that, if you are not the sports kind of person then, this may not work for you.
Louis W/Shutterstock.com
7. Join a book club
If you are an avid fan of books then there are plenty of book clubs where you can meet new people, while also getting to read some great new titles. Now, if you share the love for this kind of “old school,” but very effective entertainment medium, then take a look at CBS Local for potential book clubs. If reading is not your thing, let’s continue down the list of 10 ways to make new friends and meet people in NYC in 2017.
Billion Photos/Shutterstock.com
6. Take tour at the Citipups
If you like puppies then this is the perfect place for you to meet new friends. No wonder, it’s on our list of ways to make new friends and meet people in NYC in 2017. I mean, people like people with dogs, and pets are pretty good for stirring up a lively conversation. With Citipups you, new people, and puppies can hang out for an entire afternoon if you want. You are free to spend time with any puppy you want to and as long as you want to. You will find others doing the same at Citipup, and there you have it a perfect opportunity to make friends and hang out.
Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.com
5. Be regular
Still not sure how to make friends in NYC? No problem, we have more suggestions for you!
If you come across a pub or a casual eatery that you like, then become a regular there. You may not know anyone there at the beginning, but as you become a regular over there other regulars will start mingling with you, and the staff as well. This worked for me when I moved to a new place, and I did not know anyone there. I hung out at a local eatery during the evenings, and first, the staff became friends with me, and then the other regulars as well. Now, it has become one of my hang out spots with friends.
Copyright: oliverhuitson / 123RF Stock Photo
4. Reach out to your current friends
You can always reach out to your friends and see if you can hook you up with their friends who live in NYC. As I mentioned before, New York City is a big place, and it is likely that your friends will have a few of their friends living in New York City as well. All you need is to ask them if they can arrange for you to meet their friends and voila!, you just made new friends. I am sure in a busy place like The Big Apple, anyone would love to meet new people and immerse themselves in fun and relaxing conversation on the weekends.
Copyright: stockbroker / 123RF Stock Photo
3. Introduce yourself to neighbors
We are continuing our list of ways to make new friends and meet people in NYC in 2017 with our number three – iIf you are living in NYC, then you are bound to have quite a few neighbors around you. It’s a good habit to know your neighbors and have them know you. While a big city can seem a bit intimidating at first, if you extend your hand of friendship towards others, you will be surprised to find out how many of your neighbors will accept it with pleasure. Now, knocking on the doors of your neighbors may not be your thing, but try something new. It will only take one try to find out who is open to friendship and who is not.
wernerimages/Shutterstock.com
2. Visit social events
I am sure you have accounts on social networking websites. Now, even though most of the activity on these sites is virtual, if you look for it, you will find groups arranging in-person meet & greets on a regular basis that you can attend. You can also learn about these events from your local newspaper as well. Keep an eye out for events that you like and just show up in time. Most of these events will have timing that does not mess up your schedule on work days, so no worries there as well. Now, let’s see the number one on our list of ways to make new friends and meet people in NYC in 2017.
Kamil Macniak/Shutterstock.com
1. Talk to people you work/study with
The first thing you need if you want to make friends is a commitment to your goal. Making friends is not that easy these days, as most people have trust issues and you cannot blame them for that. If you want to make new friends, you will get opportunities, however you just have to be open to trying new things. Sometimes things will get awkward and not everyone will be friend material for you. You’ll never know though if you don’t talk to people around you. Suggest going out to lunch one day and see where things go from there.
SFIO CRACHO/Shutterstock.com
This concludes our list of 10 ways to make new friends and meet people in NYC in 2017. We sincerely hope that you liked reading our list and that you’re feeling more confident in tackling the social world of the big city and on your way to meeting new people. We hope that we’ve answered your question – how to make friends in NYC – entirely.
