Whenever you move to a new city, there is so much to do, from changing your address to getting a new license plate, plus establishing your new “spots,” like the grocery store, dentist, library and more. And amidst all of these changes, you’re also trying to establish yourself from a social perspective. Believe it or not, it can be difficult to meet friends as an adult, as we are usually not plugged into a natural community, like children are in school and other programs.
But have no fear! There are several ways to meet new friends in Fort Collins, with a number of resources and groups designed for this exact purpose. Plus, we’re sharing tips for some of the best locations in town for meeting like-minded individuals!
Join a Meetup Group
To meet others with similar interests as you, consider joining a Meetup group in Fort Collins. There’s something for everyone, including beer aficionados, runners, foodies, entrepreneurs, musicians, and more — and you can filter your search results by category, proximity, day of the week, etc. There’s even a Meetup group dedicated to making friends in Fort Collins — and it has a large number of members, so you can meet a variety of people at the various get-togethers offered on a regular basis.
Become a Fort Collins Newcomers Club Member
Did you know there’s also an entire club dedicated to making new friends in the area? That’s right — since 1937, the Fort Collins Newcomers Club has been helping new residents make friends and learn more about their new community. This non-profit social organization has hundreds of members and many interest groups, including food and drink, music, theater, socializing, recreation, games, tours and more. Applicants must reside in Fort Collins or surrounding communities (Ault, Bellvue, Laporte, Masonville, Nunn, Severance, Timnath, Wellington or Windsor) and apply for membership within two years of moving here. Membership is $15 a year per person and grants you access to the club activities only available to members.
Join the Find Friends in Fort Collins Facebook Group
You can also join the Find Friends in Fort Collins Facebook group. This is a space where members living in Northern Colorado can post about themselves in order to find and connect with others with similar interests. Once you are accepted into this private group, introduce yourself by sharing a little about yourself, like your age, town, how long you’ve lived here, interests, etc. and find others in a similar position!
Go to a Brewery
When in doubt, a brewery is always a good place to meet new people. Go with your significant other, a friend, or by yourself, and you’ll be surprised at the conversations that can arise — especially if you sit at a communal picnic table or at the bar, where you’ll be in close proximity to other people. Just strike up a conversation with someone about which beer they chose, compliment their dog, or make a comment about the weather — as cheesy as it sounds, all of these icebreakers can lead to a more in-depth conversation!
Get a Dog
Speaking of dogs, there is simply no better conversation-starter than a dog. Just take one for a walk around the block or to the dog park and you’ll strike up many conversations, mostly starting with questions like: “Is it a boy or girl?” “How old?” “What’s their name?” or “What type of dog is that?” Everyone loves talking about dogs — so bring your dog to the dog park or brewery to meet other dog lovers in the city. And if you don’t have a dog, you might consider adopting one from a local shelter! Check out our dog owner’s guide to Fort Collins and these dog-friendly breweries in the city.
Volunteer With a Local Non-Profit
A community is at its strongest when there is an active spirit of giving back amongst its members. And Fort Collins residents are known for being incredibly generous and kind, lending out a helping hand without hesitation whenever someone is in need. As a result, our region is home to several nonprofit organizations and charities with missions focused on serving and supporting the underserved and vulnerable in our communities. If you’re looking for ways to give back and meet others with a community-focused mindset, look no further than these philanthropic organizations we support through GroupGives. There are many ways to give back, whether you’d like to contribute money, resources or your time.
Join a Gym
The gym community is strong (no pun intended). If you’re looking for some fitness fanatic friends, consider joining one of the many gyms, yoga studios, or CrossFit boxes in Fort Collins. That way, you can establish a regular workout routine while being a part of an exciting, supportive community. Signing up for weekly classes is one of the best ways to develop long-term connections with other gym or studio members you’ll see on a consistent basis.
Attend Community Events
Community events provide a welcoming, social experience, as those who attend events are typically open to striking up a conversation. And the city of Fort Collins hosts a number of fun, exciting events all year long, including summer concert series, beer festivals, 5Ks, trick-or-treating events, holiday lighting events, and so much more. Follow our blog to stay up-to-date on what’s coming up next — no matter your interests and life stage.
Welcome to Fort Collins!
Let us know if there is anything we can do to help make your transition to Fort Collins as smooth as possible. Our relocation team is especially equipped to answer any questions you might have. And if you’re still renting and looking to put down more permanent roots in the city, contact us to be connected with one of our agents!
Comments