New in Boston? 5 Easy Ways to Make Friends as an Adult
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Let’s be honest, moving to a city like Boston can be both exciting and overwhelming. Many of us arrive with big dreams, whether it’s starting a new job or beginning studies at a dream college. And truly, you should be proud of yourself for making it here.
Still, moving anywhere is a change, and it comes with its own challenges. Even with exciting opportunities ahead, it often means leaving behind the people who matter most. Feeling lonely, out of place, or even scared is completely natural.
Boston moves fast, and at first, it can feel cold or competitive. With so many people focused on success, the pace may not match your vibe right away. And since New Englanders are known for being reserved, making connections can take a little extra effort.
We all crave people around us. A group of gals to cheer with at Red Sox games. Someone to text for nail salon recs. A friend to call when you just need to vent after a long day.
Making friends can be challenging, especially if you’re an adult trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. And while it’s normal to miss your bestie, sister, or girl squad back home, this new chapter is also a chance to find new allies.
So, how do you actually meet people in Boston? Ideally, you’d like your friends to share some similar passions as you, so it’s a good idea to start digging there. What do you like doing? How and where would you rather spend your time? Chances are you’ll find your tribe there, too.
To help you get started, here’s what we recommend.
Volunteer your time: Volunteering boosts your well-being and connects you with people who share your values. We’ve even heard stories of someone landing a job through a volunteer shift! Even if that’s not the case for you, you’ll walk away with a stronger sense of community. Boston Cares is the largest volunteer agency in New England, which makes it a great place to start browsing for volunteering opportunities. They offer many opportunities that make volunteering easy for every schedule.
Start a new hobby: It’s a classic tip for a reason: hobbies bring people together. Boston has endless options, so get creative. Into team sports? Pickleball is booming. Prefer arts and crafts? Try one of the free watercolor or sketching classes around the city. The real key is consistency. Stick to the same yoga studio or dance class each week, and you’ll start seeing familiar faces.
Join a running club: Running is practically part of Boston’s DNA, but you don’t need to be a marathoner to join. There are clubs for every pace and neighborhood. Groups like We’re Not Really Runners, Davis Square Runners, and Midnight Runners make it easy to get moving and meet people at the same time.
Meetup through events: One of the best parts of Boston life is that there’s always something happening, so you’ll never run out of events to check out. Girlfriends Boston organizes various events every month. One of the benefits our members appreciate the most is that, because of the nature of our community, people keep coming back. Once you see familiar faces at a few events, it gets much easier to turn acquaintances into friends.
Try online communities: If you’re not ready to start meeting people face to face just yet, there are great online platforms you can turn to. Many groups now use Discord or WhatsApp to chat and organize casual meetups. Prefer one-on-one connections? Apps like Bumble BFF make it easy to meet potential friends nearby. Girlfriends Boston Facebook group is open to everyone, and with nearly 15,000 members, it’s a great place to get local recommendations and connect with women who share your interests.
We know that moving to Boston isn’t always easy, but building friendships here is worth it. We encourage you to start small, stay open, and remember: you’re not the only one looking for connection.
And if you’re looking for an easy first step, our community is here to welcome you. Join Girlfriends Boston whenever you’re ready. We’re here to show you the best side of Boston.
Here’s to new beginnings!