Whether you've just relocated or are trying to expand a social circle that's drifted thin, the same principles apply. We'll use NYC as the example below — but the types of venues and strategies here have equivalents in every major city.
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Where to Meet People in New York City
Social Sports & Activity Leagues
Volo NYC – Co-ed leagues for kickball, cornhole, and skeeball with post-game socializing.
ZogSports NYC – Volleyball, soccer, and more in a fun, casual setting.
NYC Social – Organized sports leagues with after-game meetups.
November Project NYC – Free group workouts for fitness and friendship.
Mile High Run Club – Run and connect with a community of active New Yorkers.
Wellness & Mindfulness Activities
Othership NYC – Sauna sessions, breathwork, and ice baths with community connections. These wellness activities can be particularly beneficial for managing your social energy while meeting like-minded people.
Ethel's Club – Inclusive wellness and cultural events for people of color and allies.
WeWork & Creative Co-Working Spaces – Networking and community events in shared workspaces.
Meetup & Interest-Based Groups
Meetup NYC – Thousands of hobby, networking, and social groups.
Fun Events for Newcomers & Locals NYC – Rooftop parties, speakeasy nights, and trivia hunts.
Green Tile Social Club – Mahjong pop-ups and interactive social events.
Well-Read Sistas Book Club (Instagram) – Conversation-driven book clubs in Harlem.
Parks & Outdoor Social Spaces
Central Park – Fitness groups, dog meetups, and seasonal events.
Bryant Park – Movie nights, board games, and outdoor classes.
Domino Park – Riverside picnics, volleyball, and casual gatherings.
Bookstores, Cafes & Cultural Spots
Housing Works Bookstore Café – Cozy volunteer-run bookstore with social events.
McNally Jackson Books – Book clubs and author events, perfect for those seeking introvert-friendly social environments.
Bluestockings Cooperative – Radical community bookstore and activism events.
Prime Produce Guild Hall – Creative workshops and collaboration events.
Volunteering & Community Service
New York Cares – The city's largest volunteer network.
God's Love We Deliver – Meal preparation and delivery programs.
City Harvest – Rescues and redistributes food while building community.
Social Bars & Rooftop Spots
Employees Only – A speakeasy-style bar popular with social crowds.
The Up & Up – Stylish, intimate bar for mingling.
120 Fifth Rooftop – Rooftop venue for social events and casual networking.
Why Introvrs Helps You Make Friends in a New City
Even with all these options, finding meaningful friendships in a new city can feel overwhelming. The city's intense social scene can lead to social energy depletion, and navigating NYC's social pressure without guilt can be challenging. That's where introvrs steps in to make it simpler and more enjoyable.
Shared Interests – Meet people who really get what you're into, from hobbies to lifestyle.
Life Stage Matching – Connect with others who are in the same chapter of life, whether you're fresh out of college, starting a new career, or settling into a new neighborhood. This approach addresses many of the common challenges in making friends as an adult.
Values-Based Matching – Connect with people who share your personal values and life stage, not just people who happen to be nearby. The depth of the match makes the friendship more likely to stick. Learn more about how our matching system works.
Final Thoughts
The categories above — sports leagues, wellness activities, parks, bookstores, interest groups, and volunteering — aren't specific to New York. Every major city has equivalents. The same framework applies whether you've just moved to Austin, Chicago, London, or anywhere else: find recurring activities built around shared interests, show up consistently, and let repeated contact do its work. NYC just happens to have an unusually dense concentration of options.
From sports leagues and wellness activities to parks, bookstores, and volunteering, NYC offers countless ways to meet people—if you know where to look. However, it's important to set healthy social boundaries to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the city's social demands. Understanding the science behind social energy can also help you navigate these connections more effectively. Pair these opportunities with introvrs, and you'll start building the authentic friendships that make the city feel like home. Ready to get started? Join our waitlist to be among the first to connect. For more support during major life changes, explore our guide on finding community during transitions.