Easy ways to meet your neighbors and community members

No matter where you live — a single-family home, an apartment, or somewhere else altogether — building friendships with those around you can help you feel more connected and fulfilled.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, meeting your neighbors can feel intimidating. But don’t stress, there are a variety of ways to introduce yourself — virtually, in person, at an event — take your pick.

Tips on how to introduce yourself to new neighbors

It may seem old-school, but one of the easiest ways to spark new connections is by personally introducing yourself when you see your neighbors out and about. Don’t know where to start? Use our Conversation Starters cards or try these quick questions:

  • How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
  • Tell me about your family.
  • What is your favorite part about living here?
  • Do you have any hidden gems? Is there a restaurant or shop that you love to visit?

How to meet your neighbors using social media

Many neighborhoods use social media to stay connected. Social media sites like Nextdoor.com and Facebook allow you to post messages to a shared wall (virtual bulletin board), post pictures, share events, and more.

Remember, not everyone is comfortable using social media, so it’s best to use these resources in addition to other options.

Community events

Check out your city’s website or google “community events, [your city’s name and state], site: gov” to find events, classes, and entertainment in your area. Many events are free and offer a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors and community members.

Don’t sit on the sidelines. Once you’ve picked an event to join, be sure to introduce yourself to fellow attendees.

Community education classes

Want to learn a new language? Have a passion for sewing? Ready to give volleyball another try? Many municipalities offer classes and activities where you can meet new people while learning something new or practicing a hobby you already love.

Cities often mail paper booklets listing upcoming Community Education classes bi-annually, so keep an eye on your mailbox. You can also find information on your city’s website or by googling “community education, [your city’s name and state], site.gov”

TIP: Adding site:gov to your google search filters the results to only include government pages. These sites offer the most succinct information and are usually ad-free.