How To Instantly Make Friends In A New City
Top Tips For Making New Friends & Meeting New People
Before moving to London, I used to spend ages fantasizing about how amazing It was going to be. A brand new life in a vibrant city, surrounded by equally amazing people.
However, I didn’t stop to think about the downsides. Whilst I was making all these grand plans in my head, I soon realised that I had no friends to share these experiences with.
I even knew a few people living there but life is much faster here, people are busier and already engrossed in their established lives.
So, I had to think on my feet. How the hell can I make friends in this new city!?
After some trial and error (and many nights home alone watching Netflix) nearly 2 years later, I can honestly say I’ve found my tribe (and growing)
So check out my top tips on how to make new friends now!
1. Get a Local Part-Time Job
My first piece of advice if you are looking to make friends in a new city is to get a fun (or bearable) part-time job within your local area.
You don’t realise how often you end up staying within your area despite living in a city, so it is fantastic to be able to make some friends that live close by so you can grab a quick coffee or drink with, spontaneously and with ease.
One day, when I was having a drink with a hometown friend in my new local pub, I decided to ask if they were hiring. Luckily they were and by the following week I was a member of the bar staff, working a few hours at the week and weekend.
Within a few weeks I was establishing connections and meeting some great people who are some of my closest friends today.
This really made my first year of living in London a little less scary and a lot more fun.
So, to anyone moving to a new place and wants to make new friends, I highly recommend getting a part-time job in your local area. Let’s face it, you’ll have free time. It is a great way to meet new people, and who can complain at a little extra cash?
2. Online Dating
OK, so I wouldn’t 100% recommend this method to making 'real' friends as it can end up being more drama then it is worth. But, if you’re really bored and there is no one left on the planet to hang out with, then there is no harm in heading to the dating apps!
When you first move to a new city, I can vouch that this is one of the quickest ways to meet new people that will and can show you around your new home.
It is a reason to go out and explore, and hey, it’s not so bad if it leads to a little romance.
I went on a few dates when I first moved to London and although still single, it did lead to some fun (and not so fun) experiences that are all good stories to tell today.
The downside to this is that they are only your ‘friends’ for a little, as it is extremely rare that your Tinder date is going to turn into your long-term BFF.
So, be safe, be cautious, but have fun! However, don’t rely on dating apps as your only way of meeting new people because the end goal is to find your true squad!
Overall, going on a few dates did allow me to kill some time and have fun in a new city but it is not something I continue to use today.
3. Bumble BFF
Sorry boys! This is only girls allowed.
I was kind of nervous to try Bumble BFF at first, I felt like I was reaching a new low. The whole concept of online dating for friends felt strange.
After thinking about it, I was willing to meet random guys on a romantic/sexual basis which is way more sketchy than meeting up with a potential new friend.
So, once I got over the initial fear. I have to say there are some cool, genuine people on the app that are all in the same position as you, new to a city and looking to make like-minded friends.
The best thing I realised about Bumble BFF is that, in your hometown you rarely get to pick your friends, it just happens by school and association (if that makes sense)
However with Bumble BFF, you are actually able to pick your new friends based on mutual interests.
The lovely girls I have met on Bumble BFF, I can honestly say are amazing and I have managed to bond with them quicker than any other people I have met throughout the years.
Today, I feel grateful to have such great friends that I can truly talk to and have so much in common with.
I would recommend all girls to get off the dating apps and start dating friends on Bumble BFF!
4. Group Events
Technically I can’t speak from experience using this method but i have included it, as it is something I am going to try out next.
However, If you want to make friends in a new city, try hitting up events listed on EventBrite and joining groups on platforms such as MeetUp and Facebook to discover like-minded individuals.
By joining groups and attending events based on your interests will put you in a better position to meet new people on your wavelength.
MeetUp is a great platform where groups are created based on particular interests within your city and they regularly hold events, seminars and workshops to bring people together.
Try it out today! There are loads of groups for entrepreneurs, fashion, fitness, spirituality, art, dance and even groups to get together for fun and nights out.
This seems like a great way to network and meet people within your same field, because sometimes you have to create opportunities for yourself!
EventBrite is also a good platform to discover local events. Although this isn’t designed for strangers to connect, by attending events based on your interests and with a little bit of courage to start a conversation, you could be on your way to meeting new people and making friends.
Ready to meet new people?
So, there you have it! My top tips for making amazing friends in a new city!
Remember making friends takes time, so don’t get too down on yourself.
When you put out the right energy, the right people will come to you.
Learn how to enjoy your alone time and take yourself out of your comfort zone if you want to make some lasting connections.
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Los Angeles Billionaire Moves to Nevada After California Threatens to Tax Wealth
When a prominent Los Angeles billionaire quietly packed up and moved to Nevada, it wasn’t just a personal lifestyle change — it was a political statement. The move came shortly after California lawmakers revived proposals to tax extreme wealth, targeting the state’s richest residents as a way to fund public services and address inequality. Now, that single relocation has become a symbol in a much larger debate: Do wealth taxes strengthen states — or drive their most valuable taxpayers away? The Trigger: California’s Wealth Tax Proposal California has long wrestled with how to fund its ambitious social programs while addressing widening income inequality. In recent years, progressive lawmakers have floated proposals to introduce a wealth tax, aimed at individuals with net worths above a certain threshold — often tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. Unlike income taxes, which apply to yearly earnings, wealth taxes target accumulated assets such as stocks, real estate, and business holdings. Supporters argue that this approach ensures the ultra-rich contribute a fairer share to public infrastructure, education, and housing. Critics, however, warn that wealth taxes are difficult to enforce and easy to avoid, especially in a mobile economy where residency can shift across state lines. The Los Angeles billionaire’s move appears to validate those concerns. Why Nevada? Nevada has become a magnet for wealthy individuals — and the reasons are straightforward. The state has: No personal income tax No capital gains tax Business-friendly regulations A growing financial and tech services sector For high-net-worth individuals, relocating to Nevada can mean saving millions of dollars annually. For someone facing the possibility of a wealth tax layered on top of California’s already high income taxes, the financial incentive is hard to ignore. In this case, the billionaire reportedly established legal residency in Nevada, purchased property, and shifted business operations — all steps that tax experts say are increasingly common among ultra-wealthy Californians. A Broader Trend, Not an Isolated Case This move is far from unique. Over the past decade, California has seen a steady outflow of wealthy residents to states like Nevada, Texas, Florida, and Arizona. While climate, housing costs, and lifestyle play roles, tax policy has become a central factor. High-profile departures — from tech executives to hedge fund managers — often spark political backlash. Critics argue that the wealthy are abandoning the state that helped them succeed. Defenders counter that states should not penalize success to fund unsustainable spending. The Los Angeles billionaire’s relocation has once again brought this tension into the spotlight. The Political Reaction in California California lawmakers defending the wealth tax proposal insist that fear of capital flight is exaggerated. They argue that the state’s economic advantages — including access to talent, innovation hubs, and cultural influence — outweigh tax concerns for most entrepreneurs. Some lawmakers also point out that California already relies heavily on its highest earners, with a small percentage of taxpayers contributing a large share of total revenue. In their view, asking the ultra-rich to contribute more is not radical — it’s necessary. Opponents, however, see the billionaire’s move as a warning sign. They argue that when even a single wealthy individual leaves, the state can lose not only tax revenue but also investment, philanthropy, and job creation. What This Means for State Finances The departure of one billionaire may not immediately dent California’s massive budget, but the long-term implications are harder to ignore. Wealthy individuals often: Pay a disproportionate share of state taxes Fund startups and venture capital Support universities, museums, and nonprofits If enough high-net-worth residents follow the same path, critics warn, the tax base could shrink faster than lawmakers expect. Supporters of the wealth tax counter that public investment funded by higher taxes could improve quality of life for millions — potentially attracting new residents and businesses in the long run. A National Debate Over Wealth and Mobility This story extends beyond California. Across the U.S., states are competing for residents — especially wealthy ones. Tax policy has become one of the most powerful tools in that competition. While progressive states push for redistribution, low-tax states market themselves as havens for capital. The Los Angeles billionaire’s move underscores a key reality of modern economics: wealth is increasingly mobile. Assets can move digitally, businesses can relocate headquarters, and individuals can change residency with relative ease. This mobility complicates efforts to tax extreme wealth at the state level, fueling calls for federal solutions instead. The Ethical Divide At the heart of the controversy lies a philosophical question: Should wealthy individuals feel a moral obligation to remain and pay higher taxes in the states that enabled their success — or are they justified in seeking the most favorable financial environment? Supporters of wealth taxes argue that extreme inequality threatens social stability and that those who benefit most from the system should help sustain it. Opponents argue that punitive taxation discourages innovation and rewards capital flight, ultimately harming the very communities lawmakers aim to help. The billionaire’s move doesn’t settle the debate — but it sharpens it. What Happens Next? California’s wealth tax proposals are still evolving, and it remains unclear whether a final version will pass. Even if enacted, legal challenges and enforcement hurdles loom large. Meanwhile, states like Nevada are likely to continue benefiting from California’s policy uncertainty, attracting wealthy residents and businesses seeking predictability. For policymakers, the challenge is balancing fairness, revenue needs, and competitiveness in a system where borders are increasingly porous. Final Thoughts The Los Angeles billionaire’s move to Nevada is more than a headline — it’s a case study in how tax policy shapes behavior. It highlights the difficulty of taxing wealth at the state level and the unintended consequences that can follow even well-intentioned reforms. As California debates its economic future, one thing is clear: in a mobile, interconnected economy, policy decisions don’t just redistribute wealth — they redirect it. Whether wealth taxes become a solution or a cautionary tale will depend on how lawmakers respond to the signals already being sent.
By Muhammad Hassanabout 5 hours ago in Humans
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