With over 8.9 million residents and countless newcomers arriving each year, New York can feel both exhilarating and occasionally overwhelming. Whether you've come for work, study, or adventure, building a network—social, professional, or both—is key to finding your footing. The city's fast pace and diversity mean there are endless ways to meet people, from community activities and shared-interest groups to networking events and digital platforms. Here are some practical ways to create lasting connections and feel at home in the city that never sleeps.
Meeting people in New York
It may sound obvious, but the best way to expand your social circle is to meet the maximum number of people. Meeting people can happen spontaneously at bars or other gathering places, but joining groups, volunteering, or starting a new hobby is a great way to interact with a wide circle of people.
If you are moving to New York alone, flat-sharing is also a great way to fast-track friendships. Try to find accommodation with people whom you connect with socially, and take into account whether your housemates are of a similar age or enjoy similar things to you, as this will make it easier to become friends. As soon as you have connected with a few people, make concrete plans or organize a catch-up—a huge part of building friendships is developing shared experiences that you can build on over time. Follow up on encounters, especially if you feel a strong sense of connection or rapport with them. When meeting friends of friends, make the effort to talk to them and forge your own connections. If you make an effort and put yourself out there, you will soon expand your social circle, though it's definitely pretty scary to begin with.
Community life
Participating in your neighborhood activities can be an excellent way to expand your circle. Belonging to a community is important in the United States. Americans often refer to the “sense of community”, the feeling of belonging to a group. You can be part of local groups by finding a local volunteer network or working at a co-op, community garden, or other initiative.
Try to find people who share your interests. If you like sports, register for a social team or join a club. If you enjoy writing, partake in group writing projects and workshops. Some of these meetings will be listed on sites like Meetup.com, whereas you might find other events and workshops on noticeboards, Facebook, or by chance.
Language exchange meetups are also popular in NYC, with English–Spanish, English–French, and English–Mandarin sessions at venues like KGB Bar and Coffee Theorems in Brooklyn. Cultural centers, such as the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) and Japan Society, host networking nights and social events around art and language.
Networking apps
We live in an era where connection can happen instantly through our devices. Although social media platforms, such as Instagram, and dating apps, such as Tinder, have many flaws, they also allow an easy expansion of your social circle.
If you sense a rapport with someone online, a real-life meeting can be the next step for forming genuine friendships. Though apps are often seen as places for forging romantic encounters, there are other apps that focus on friendship, like Bumble BFF. Bumble is very popular among New Yorkers, who use it as a dating app. Bumble BFF is also very popular for making friends. Other trending apps include Geneva (for community-based groups), Hey! VINA (for women), and Nextdoor, which connects neighbors and volunteers. Professionals may prefer Shapr, a career-oriented networking app now widely used across major U.S. cities.
Expat community
Surrounding yourself with only expatriates can be counterproductive, but it can also be beneficial to hang out with people of similar backgrounds who share your language, culture, and references. It is normal to feel nostalgic occasionally, and you may sometimes be homesick. In such moments, your expat friends will know what you are going through and will be there for you. There are many groups on social media dedicated to expats in New York. Members are welcoming and regularly schedule meet-ups, outings, etc. The Expat.com forum is also a good starting point. You can also join expat groups on Facebook and Reddit, such as Expats in NYC 2025 and Digital Nomads NYC, which regularly host in-person and online events.
Professional networking in New York
Essentially, networking involves cultivating a roster of professional connections, an essential step for career growth, business establishment, or project development. In New York, numerous networking events, meetings, and conferences are happening daily.
Hybrid networking has quickly become the norm, allowing participants to join events both in person and remotely. Newlab in Brooklyn Navy Yard and TechUnited:NJ are examples of the forums that are being used by professionals in tech, media, and creative industries.
Establishing a professional network demands proactive, even assertive, engagement: stepping beyond your comfort zone, introducing yourself, exchanging details, and following up via email or a call. However, maintaining a cordial demeanor and avoiding excessive opportunism or persistence is vital, as you have to strike a balance between being assertive and being unpleasant.
Social media for professionals
Everyone has heard of LinkedIn: this online professional social network is used by every New York company to post offers and check out the profiles of potential candidates. Surprisingly, social networks whose primary use is not job-oriented, such as X or Instagram, can also lead to interesting meetings. If you follow creators, businesses, or leaders in your field on these apps, you may gain insight into events, openings, and gatherings that are of relevance to you.
Within a company
Networking is a nonstop activity in New York, and it is essential to participate in networking events in fields you are interested in, particularly if you are looking to move on from your current job or if you are a freelancer looking for connections.
Even within an existing company or organization, expanding your network is essential. It is important to bond with your colleagues and build strong relationships, even with individuals you may struggle to connect with. Companies regularly organize events and activities to strengthen group cohesion and develop a professional network. Also, do not hesitate to sometimes participate in social activities organized by your colleagues, whether it be lunch or after work. Many internal connections now happen (or are sustained) through platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams. Participating in work chats is an easy and low-stakes way to get to know people. Some channels will be work-focused, but many workplaces also have informal chats, where people share memes, ask for advice, and joke around—remember you are still technically in the workplace when using these forums, so make sure you keep it appropriate.
The best networking practices in New York
Get out of your comfort zone
By definition, someone who lives in a foreign country has already left their comfort zone, but the work does not stop there if you want to immerse yourself in your new city fully. In a city like New York, there will be many movers and shakers, dynamic people with potentially intense personalities; it can be easy to feel intimidated or overwhelmed. At a party or a social event, do not hesitate to be outgoing and initiate conversations. New Yorkers are easygoing. They like sharing and will not judge you for grammar mistakes or for being shy.
Make a good impression
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This American proverb brilliantly sums up the importance of looking good when meeting someone for the first time. This is true for romance and friendship, but even more so in the professional department. If you have an interview, particularly with a renowned New York company, it is essential to make a good impression. Be neat and polite, wear professional attire, and avoid jeans and sneakers.
Use social media
It is almost a reflex among New Yorkers to exchange Instagram handles with someone you have just met and with whom you think you can connect. This can seem superficial, but you will not regret it when you want (or need) to reconnect with the person. It takes a few seconds and allows people to stay in contact in the long term without exchanging numbers.
Surround yourself with people of the same nationality as you
In New York, there are numerous opportunities to meet people of different nationalities. Nonetheless, many foreigners make the mistake, whether out of shyness or comfort, of surrounding themselves with people from their own countries. It is great to have a community of people you are at ease around, but this can prevent new, enriching encounters.
Do not consume alcohol in a professional setting
If you are participating in a networking event in New York or a social activity among colleagues, try to limit your drinking to one or two drinks. Do not fall into the trap of drinking a few glasses to feel more comfortable. When tipsy, you are less focused and uninhibited and can seem unprofessional. Americans tend to stay in control, particularly in a professional setting.
Useful links:
NYC Chamber of Commerce networking calendar
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