Moving to a new city can be full of excitement and adventure, but it can also be a scary endeavor. After all, you may be leaving behind friends and family and heading to a city where you don’t know anyone. Being uprooted from your social circle and support network is never easy, and making new friends as an adult can be tough. This can be especially true if you will be working long hours at a new job. It’s important to keep in mind that making new friends is a process, and one that requires intentional effort on your part. With that in mind, here are some great ideas for meeting new people and forming lasting friendships in your new city.

Use Your Network of Existing Friends

Once you know you will be moving, it’s time to reach out to your existing friends for assistance. Ask your current friends if they know anyone in your new city, perhaps an old college friend or an old coworker. It’s even possible that your existing friends have a family relative or professional contact who lives in the same city. With a little luck you might be able to get a few contacts right off the bat.

Look to Social Media

As you prepare for your big move, it can be helpful to seek out old friends through social media. You just might discover that an old high school buddy lives in your new city or a coworker that you used to work with years ago. Social media is a great way to reach out to multiple friends and acquaintances to see if you can make any connections.

Join a Facebook Group

Thanks to social media, meeting new friends is easier than you might think. A great way to get started is by searching for a Facebook group with your relevant city and perhaps an activity that you are interested in. Then, type a short introduction explaining that you are new to the city and looking to meet new friends. Be sure to mention a few activities that are interested in to help you connect with like minded people who share similar interests. Once you have made a connection, that friend can then introduce you to their friends.

Talk to New Coworkers

Your workplace is a great place to get started when moving to a new city. Whether you work at a coffee shop, a restaurant, or a corporate office, you are instantly connected with people who share something in common with you. Strike up a conversation with your coworkers and ask for recommendations for restaurants, bars, shopping, hiking, or cool tours. Chances are they might invite you to join them at one of these fun places.

Talk to Your Neighbors

Take a walk around your neighborhood or strike up a conversation with your neighbor as you check your mail. Better yet, host a housewarming party and invite your neighbors. This is a great chance to tell them you are new to the city and ask them for recommendations for things to do or places to check out. If you continue seeing them on a regular basis, chances are they might invite you over or exchange numbers so you can hang out sometime.

Attend a Church

If you are a person who attends church, this can be another great way to meet like-minded people. In addition to talking with fellow church members, many local churches host special events and activities where you could meet other people.

Join an Adult’s Sports Team or Group

Many cities host adult’s sports leagues as well as running and cycling groups. Depending on your interests, find a group or team that are interested in and sign up to join. Whether you join an adult softball league, running group, hiking group, or tennis team, you are likely to meet an entire group of people who share the same interest as you.

Volunteer

Consider joining a local volunteer group. Not only is this a great way to meet new people, but you will also be learning about your new city and doing good for others all at the same time.

Join a Gym or Yoga Studio

Why not take care of the mind and the body all at the same time? Sometimes good friendships happen effortlessly when you start seeing the same people multiple times. Gradually, you will feel more comfortable initiating conversations with the person next to you at the gym or in your spin class. It’s relatively easy to invite your workout partner to join you for a drink or a coffee after class.