Introduction
Moving to a new city is both exciting and overwhelming. You get the thrill of fresh opportunities—new restaurants, neighborhoods, and experiences—but at the same time, you may feel a sense of isolation because you don’t know anyone yet. The good news is that you don’t have to face this transition alone. So how to make friends in a new city? With the help of modern apps and a few practical strategies, you can start building a social circle faster than you might think.
This guide will walk you through four popular friendship apps—Bloop, Fachat, Tandem, and Bumble BFF—and also show you real-world methods to meet people and turn new acquaintances into lasting friends.
Why Making Friends in a New City Feels Hard
Before diving into the “how,” let’s acknowledge the challenge. When you’re new in town, you don’t have the built-in network of school, family, or long-term colleagues. Everything—from finding a local café to knowing which gym to join—requires effort. On top of that, making new friends as an adult feels different from childhood or college. You need intentionality. That’s where technology and small but consistent habits can help.
Step 1: Use Apps to Break the Ice
Friend-making apps can give you an entry point. Instead of waiting for chance encounters, you can instantly connect with others who are also looking for friends.
1. Bloop: Casual and Instant
Bloop is designed for quick, fun conversations. If you’ve just moved and want to practice small talk without pressure, Bloop can be your starting point. You can meet people who are equally open to new friendships and don’t mind lighthearted chats.
- 🎥 1v1 video chat with real people worldwide
- ❤️ Watch short intro videos, tap heart to start chatting
- 🔄 Spin & match feature with 4 recommended users
- 🛡 Privacy protection: report & block tools available
- 🌐 Supports multiple languages with instant translation
- 👥 Add friends and continue chatting later
👉 How to use effectively: Try starting with a simple question about local life—“What’s your favorite spot for brunch here?” It’s a natural way to learn about the city while opening up conversation.
2. Fachat: Build Confidence Through Video Chat
If you’re a little shy, video chat apps like Fachat can help you warm up socially. Starting 1v1 chat and talking face-to-face, even through a screen, makes interactions feel more real than text alone.
- 🎥 Random 1v1 video chat with strangers
- 🔄 Swipe between different pages for profiles and matches
- 💖 “OnCam” page: like or skip within 10 seconds
- 📲 Available on Web, Android, and iOS
- 🌍 location filters to connect globally
- 💌 Add friends and chat with them anytime
👉 Pro tip: Treat it like a low-stakes rehearsal. Practice being yourself, showing interest, and asking follow-up questions. That way, when you meet people offline, you’ll feel more relaxed.
3. Tandem: Language Exchange Meets Friendship
Tandem is popular among language learners, but it’s also a great way to connect with people globally or locally. If you’re an expat, Tandem lets you improve the local language while meeting potential friends who want to practice yours.
- 🌐 Match with people who want to learn your language
- 🎤 Practice speaking, writing, or chatting
- 📚 Correct each other’s messages for better learning
- 💬 Choose 1v1 chats or group conversations
- 🗺 Find partners based on interests and goals
- 🛡 Strong safety policies and verified profiles
- 📲 Available on iOS and Android
👉 How to use effectively: Instead of just sticking to text, try voice messages or short calls. They feel more personal and make it easier to transition into real-life meetups if you’re in the same city.
4. Bumble BFF: Swipe for Friendship
Think of Bumble BFF as the friendship version of a dating app. You can swipe through profiles of people in your area who are also actively looking for new friends. This takes away the awkwardness of guessing whether someone is open to meeting up.
- 💛 Swipe-based design like Bumble dating, but for friends
- 👩👩👧👧 Great for women and professionals moving to new cities
- 🌍 Build platonic connections in your area
- 📝 Create a profile highlighting hobbies and interests
- 💬 Chat and plan meetups safely
- 🔒 Safety features: block & report anytime
- 📲 Available on iOS and Android
👉 Pro tip: Be honest in your profile. Mention your hobbies—whether it’s hiking, gaming, or cooking. Shared interests give you an easy conversation starter.
Step 2: Move Beyond the Screen
Apps are great for introductions, but true friendships deepen in person. Here’s how to transition from chatting to meeting up:
- Suggest casual meetups – Coffee shops, local parks, or street markets are safe, low-pressure options.
- Start small – A one-hour meetup is less intimidating and easier to commit to.
- Pick neutral spaces – Public places keep things comfortable and safe for both sides.
👉 Example: If you met someone on Bloop who also loves food, you could say, “I’ve been wanting to try that new dumpling place near the station. Want to check it out this weekend?”
Step 3: Join Local Communities
You don’t need to rely only on apps. The fastest way to feel like a local is to join activities where people naturally gather.
- 🏋️🏃Gyms and sports clubs: Group fitness classes, climbing gyms, or even recreational soccer teams make socializing easy because you already share an activity.
- 💃🍳Workshops and hobby groups: Art classes, dance lessons, or cooking workshops attract people with similar passions.
- 👥🪢Meetup or Eventbrite groups: From language exchanges to hiking trips, there’s usually something happening in your city.
👉 Consistency matters: Showing up regularly helps people remember you, and over time, casual faces turn into familiar friends.
Step 4: Practice Everyday Connection Skills
Sometimes friendships don’t start with grand gestures—they begin with small interactions.
- 😊Smile and be approachable: A simple hello can spark conversation.
- 🗣️Use small talk strategically: Comment on your surroundings (“This park is so peaceful in the morning”).
- 👥Follow up: If you enjoyed talking to someone, suggest seeing each other again: “I usually come here on Saturdays too—want to grab a coffee next time?”
👉 Mindset shift: Think of it as planting seeds. Not every chat will lead to a friendship, but the more seeds you plant, the more likely some will grow.
Step 5: Be Patient but Persistent
Friendship doesn’t happen overnight. You may meet people who aren’t a great fit, and that’s okay.
- Don’t take it personally if a conversation fizzles out.
- Keep trying different methods—apps, meetups, hobbies—until you find your circle.
- Remember, many people in your city are also looking for connection; you’re not alone in this.
Final Thoughts
Making friends in a new city may feel daunting, but it’s absolutely possible. Start with apps like Bloop, Fachat, Tandem, and Bumble BFF to break the ice. Then, take the next step by joining local communities and practicing small but meaningful connection habits.
The combination of digital tools + real-life effort will not only help you make friends, but also build a sense of belonging in your new city.
FAQs
- What is the 11 3 6 friendship rule?
The “11 3 6 rule” suggests it takes about 11 different meetups to turn an acquaintance into a friend, 3 weeks to establish comfort, and 6 months to build trust. It reminds us that friendship takes time and consistency.
- How can I stay safe while meeting new people in a new city?
Always meet in public spaces, let someone know your plans, and use apps with strong privacy features such as reporting and blocking options. Some apps, like Fachat, also allow users to disable screen recording for added safety.
- How do I find groups or communities in a new city?
Check Meetup, Eventbrite, Facebook groups, or local community centers. Many cities have clubs for sports, arts, language exchange, and volunteering, making it easier to meet like-minded people.
- How do I make friends in a new city as an introvert?
Introverts may find it easier to start online—apps like Tandem or Bloop allow one-on-one conversations instead of large gatherings. Joining small hobby groups, book clubs, or volunteering can also provide low-pressure ways to meet people.
- Are these apps free?
Most offer free basic features.but some features require a paid subscription.
