7 Ways to Make Friends in a New City (That Actually Work!)

Moving to a new city can be exciting — a chance for reinvention, to become your best self, and get a fresh start. 💪

But it can also be pretty exhausting and daunting, leaving you feeling isolated and alone. 😮‍💨

But you’re here, which means you want to make new friends in your new home.

You made the right choice: we know what makes the best friendships — it’s what we do!

So we’ve got tried-and-tested tips and hacks to find your new besties, wherever you are.

Sure, some are golden oldies, but others… well, they’re a bit ‘out there’, but trust us, they work.

Want to find out how to make friends in a new city? Read on, we got you.

In this article: 📝

Is it possible to make friends in a new city?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to make new friends after a move to a different city.

But here’s the tricky bit: making friends as an adult is about putting yourself out there and creating opportunities to connect.

Forget the pressure to find your "lobster" BFF right away. 🦞

Focus on building genuine connections, and friendships will blossom naturally.

How do I start socializing in a new city?

So how do you meet people in a new place?

Well…

1. Just say “hi”: Don't underestimate the magic of a simple hello. Strike up a conversation with your barista, the person walking their dog in the park, or your neighbor unloading groceries. You might be surprised how friendly people can be!
2. Become a local regular: Make your favorite coffee shop, bookstore, or park your go-to spots. Familiarity breeds connection! Over time, you'll start recognizing faces and sparking conversations with fellow regulars.
3. Be patient: Building friendships takes time. Don't get discouraged if you don't click with everyone you meet. Keep putting yourself out there, and eventually, your crew will find you.
4. Join your local Peanut Group: There are loads of local Groups on Peanut, with women, like you, who are looking for friends. Join us today to find your new besties.
5. Say yes! New city, new possibilities! Say yes to invitations, even if they're a little outside your comfort zone. Explore that quirky art walk, join a work happy hour, or check out that board game night at the local coffee shop. You never know who you might meet!
6. Find your people: Think about your hobbies and interests. Are you a bookworm? Join a book club! Do you secretly love cheesy rom-coms? Hit up a movie night meetup. Surrounding yourself with people who share your passions is a guaranteed way to find common ground.
7. Join a fitness group: Your local gym will have loads of classes, so you’re bound to find something that sounds fun. Even if you’re not a gym bunny, something as easy as a local walking group can be a great place to meet new people.

Where is the best place to make friends in a new city?

Honestly, the best place to make friends in a new city is wherever you feel comfortable putting yourself out there.

If you’ve got hobbies, find places nearby where you can do that hobby — you’ll find your people there.

If you’re more of a homebody, try a friend-finding app like Peanut, where you can connect with other women 1:1 or in Groups.

If you want to get out and get chatting, search for local events so you can see more of the community.

The world’s your oyster!

Is there an app to make friends in a new city?

Yep, there certainly is: Peanut.

Swipe through profiles, connect with other women in your area who share your interests, and build a support system that get you.

The best bit? There are hundreds of local Groups on Peanut, so you’re sure to find one near you, so you can chat with other women near you and find your new bestie.

Here are just a few of the most popular local Peanut Groups:

Local Groups in the US

• New York City
• Texas
• Los Angeles
• California
• Florida
• Chicago
• Philadelphia
• Pennsylvania
• Houston
• North Carolina
• Phoenix
• Denver
• Georgia
• New Jersey
• Dallas
• Portland
• Washington, D.C.
• San Diego
• Atlanta
• Virginia

Local Groups in the UK

• London
• Birmingham
• Manchester
• Leeds
• Liverpool
• Nottingham
• Bristol
• Croydon
• Glasgow City
• Cheshire West And Chester
• Sheffield
• Cardiff
• Edinburgh
• Milton Keynes
• Newcastle Upon Tyne

Local Groups in Canada

• Toronto
• Calgary
• Winnipeg
• Vancouver
• Québec
• Ontario
• New Brunswick
• Halifax
• Fredericton
• Moncton
• Victoria
• Charlottetown
• Regina
• Saskatoon
• Edmonton
• St. John's

Local Groups in Australia

• Melbourne
• Sydney
• Brisbane
• Perth
• Adelaide
• Canberra

Don’t see your new city listed? We’ve got loads more local Groups on Peanut.

And you can start your own, too!

Want to find women in your new city who love Bridgerton as much as you do? Start a Group!

Love festivals but don’t have anyone to go with in your area? Start a Group!

Want to find other moms in your area to chat to about all the ins and outs of motherhood? Start a Group!

So there you have it!

Making friends as an adult in a new city might seem daunting, but it is possible, and it’s so worth it.

And if you want a helping hand, there are millions of women on Peanut who are looking for their next bestie, just like you.

Now get out there and find your friends — who knows, you might even find your ride-or-die BFF along the way. 🫶