I knew no one when my husband got a job offer in Savannah, GA. I had never been to Savannah or even could pick it out on a map. While we were packing up our apartment in sunny Southern California, I was pretty worried about my future lack of social life. I had happy hours and hang outs with friend’s most nights of the week and now I wouldn’t know a soul. Frankly, I was excited for a change and some time alone without a calendar to dictate my every move but I am a social butterfly and the alone time can’t last forever.

I will preface that when we moved I still planned to work for my same company remotely and did for about 6 months. This severely stunted my ability to make natural friends in a workplace, or at least have everyday social interaction. I also didn’t have a child which allows for moms groups and other support systems. These are my creative ways that I tried to make friends in a new town.

How to make friends in a new town?

1. Paint Nite

I went to two or three different Paint Nite’s by myself within the first few months of moving. Most women go there with friends, but each time I walked away with a phone number (or two!) of a potential friend. I had a few casual hangouts, someone to see a movie with me, hung out and watched TV. Eventually the friendships made at Paint Nite fizzled out mostly because lack of common interests (we can’t always drink wine and paint). But it was a GREAT way to get some social interaction and practice talking to strangers with a goal to find someone with something in common.

2. Join a Gym

Depending on your budget, try to make some room for a gym and go to classes! I was extremely intimidated at first but the 10 minutes before the class starts is a great social hour and come up with a questions like “Have you been to this class before, do you like it?” Always always use the classic, “I just moved here!” and follow it up with a question about a good happy hour or thing to do in town to get their opinion. Others have used the “I just moved here” on me and I used it for about 2 years! It’s the best ice breaker and bonus you’re getting a workout in! I’d also recommend buying groupon for free yoga classes or barre, etc. Try out a few spots and see what types of crowds they get. I ultimately chose my local YMCA.

3. Rising Tide – Tuesdays Together

Check the Rising Tide Society Website for local Tuesday’s Together groups in your area. Tuesdays Together meet-ups are gatherings for small business owners who have a desire to share their knowledge, learn from their peers, and grow together. They’re big into Community over Competition, which I love! Even if you don’t have a business, MAKE ONE! You don’t have to go forming an LLC (necessarily), but have a side hustle of something you can sell on Etsy or photography. You don’t have to be full throttle into your business but it gives you some commonality and I’ve met wonderful people and lasting friends in this group. I’m still active in the Savannah meet-up!

4. Follow Local Businesses and Women on Social Media and SHOW UP!

This may seem silly to you, but I followed a few local wedding photographers who were very social, small businesses and a bakery in town and commented/interacted with almost all of their posts. I’ve actually forged connections and friendships this way by being genuine and interested in their business. If they keep seeing your name pop up with comments in response to their captions, or answering questions they pose they’ll start to recognize YOU. I’m not guaranteeing this is a path to make friends but it gets you invested in your new home.

When I started following Auspicious Bakery they were in the process of getting their own bake house and were still at Farmers Markets, I was their champion and went to the Farmer’s Markets to support and buy their delicious breads and pastries and strike up conversation. They recognized me from my comments and social media! They’ve grown incredibly but always remember my name when I walk through the doors. The key is to pick genuine accounts to follow and people who you could actually see a potential friendship with.

5. Church

Find a church. I know this can be difficult; it’s a lot of trial and error and seeing what you like and what the church offers in return. It’s hard when you walk into a church of hundreds of people, but start with focusing on the message and the environment then look for ways to get involved, a small group or a service project. This is the newest area I’ve found amazing friends. It took me 2 years of moving to Savannah to find a church home I connected with, but Trinity UMC has given me connections to people that I desperately wanted.

Form relationships with the Pastor or Young Adult leaders, they want the interest of new people, you just need to make yourself known and tell them what you’re looking for. I started volunteering and it has een two years with Trinity and I am leading social events, greeters, hospitality and outreach. I really chose to hone in and focus on this aspect of my life and has brought me amazing friendships in return.

In the end…

When I started looking for work and landed a job, it was in a small office but there were a handful of people around everyday. Through work I then met my first true friend in Savannah, she was a subcontractor doing video production and we instantly clicked. (Crazy story how we met, it involves my knees bleeding from a fall, Liz helping clean me up and the United States Secret Service.) Liz then introduced me to her amazing group of friends and the rest is history. I found my stride between those lovely folks, Tuesdays Together and now Church. My friends have evolved in the 4 years I’ve been living in Savannah to a tight knit community with like minded individuals and a blossoming social calendar.

Keep hanging in there, moving to a new town is daunting, especially if you don’t know anyone, but as long as you put effort in you will eventually find what works best for you.