You moved to LA with the hopes of building a life for yourself. The idealistic weather, miles of beaches, diversity, culture, arts, music, tech, shopping, and bustling nightlife attracted you to this ever-evolving California city. It’s been a few weeks since your move, and although you’re still settling in, you’re ready to start exploring what LA has to offer. The only problem is, you’re miles away from your friends and family and have no idea where to start.
You could do the whole loner thing, but it’s a lot more fun when you have someone to tag along with. So, what do you do? Where do you go to find like-minded individuals that you can build lasting relationships with? Honestly, the skies are the limit in LA, but here are a few suggestions on how to connect with others and make a social life.
Become The Friendly Neighbor
Your neighbors are likely the first people you’ll meet when you arrive in LA. After getting settled in, find a creative way to introduce yourself. While saying hello in passing is one way to get the job done, going the extra mile helps you make an excellent first impression and opens the door for new friendships. You can hand out baked goods, care packages, or cards to your closest neighbors. If you’re known for hosting, there’s also the idea of having neighborhood gathering.
Get To Know Your Co-Workers
If you were fortunate enough to secure a job in the LA area, take the opportunity to get to know your co-workers. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. During your downtime, discuss your interests and ask about things to do in the neighborhood. Once you feel comfortable with your co-workers, you can then invite them to go out exploring or visit your home.
Join A Gym
Going to the gym is an excellent way to maintain your health and wellness. It’s also an opportunity to meet locals and build a social life. Whether you join gyms in Orange County or LA, it’s a chance to socialize with like-minded people and get to know more about the area. As you attend more frequently, you’ll get a feel for who you’d like to know better. Then, you can have deeper conversations, go out together, and cultivate a lasting friendship. As a bonus, you’ll also have a workout buddy to keep you on track with your health goals.
Community Involvement
Working with programs in your community to assist the underserved is a positive way to meet new people. There are various ways you can give your time, resources, and talents to help make your community a better place to live. You can volunteer at a local church or soup kitchen, read books or tutor at a nearby school, or join boards and committees for city or non-profit organizations. As you get involved, you’ll come in contact with people from all walks of life.
Online Groups
Modern technology has made it easier than ever for people from all over the world to connect. If you’re having difficulty meeting LA locals in person, perhaps you can link with people online. There are all types of pages and groups you can join depending on your location and interests. Browse these groups and follow them. As you check these pages often, you’ll start to see people that you might be interested in connecting with on a more personal level.
Los Angeles is a great place to live. It’s also a big city with a large population. If you’ve just moved here, the idea of meeting new people and building a social life might seem intimidating, especially if you’re far from those you love. Fortunately, there are several ways you can connect with others, learn about this fantastic city, and build a social life. Keep in mind that it can take time to warm up and meet people, but as long as you’re persistent in your efforts, eventually, you’ll build friendships that last a lifetime.
