10 Places To Meet New People And Start A Great Relationship

Do you know the best places to go to meet new people? If you find yourself interested in meeting someone new and going on a first (and hopefully second and third) date, you may be stumped on how to meet new people.

Personally, I live in a small community and after living here for ten years, I find it hard to meet new people in town. The good news is, there are always untapped markets even within your own community, regardless of where in the world you live.

Sometimes it takes a heartbreak to shake us awake & help us see we are worth so much more than we’re settling for. ~ Mandy Hale (Tweet this)

My list of interesting places to meet new people

Here are some of the best places to go to meet new people (and hopefully your potential next first date). Who knows? Maybe the relationship will blossom into something beautiful. Here are the beginnings of your love story.

1. The coffee shop

Though it is sort of cliché, meeting someone at a coffee shop is a stereotype for a reason. Your local coffee shop (or coffee shops) are certain to be packed full of other members of your community. Bring a book to read, or your laptop to work on a project. Sit near someone that interests you and hopefully a conversation will naturally spring up!

A cup of coffee with a friend is happiness and time well-spent. ~ Anonymous (Tweet this)

2. The dog park/regular park

If you have a dog, head to the dog park with just yourself and your pup. Leave the headphones at home so you invite more conversation, and the rest will work itself out. Dogs will interact with each other, which will very quickly invite conversation between you and the other dog’s owner. If you are without a dog, reading at the park is not only a relaxing activity, but it will allow you to do a bit of people watching. Spark up a conversation with someone and see what comes of it.

3. The bookstore

It may seem like a romantic comedy meet-up—cute, but bookstores are actually great places to meet new people. If you are not bold enough to strike up a conversation with someone just perusing books, join one of your local bookstore groups. ‘What are those?’ you ask. Most bookstores offer writing groups, book clubs, and live author events. Start going to the events and you will begin to see familiar faces. The rest will be history.

4. Church or places of worship

Though not for everyone, churches are the perfect place to meet other faith-based individuals. If you have never been to church and feel intimidated by it, start slowly by joining a church group. Most churches offer ministry groups to join based on age, interest, or single status. You will quickly feel comfortable at the church of your choice. Meeting someone will be the obvious next step.

I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit. ~ Khalil Gibran (Tweet this)

5. Language school

Though language schools may not be the first thing you think of when you think of romance, I can convince you otherwise. Language schools are not only about learning a new language. They are also about expanding your horizons, opening your mind to a new culture, and learning an entirely new skill.

When you are in a vulnerable place (like a classroom), chances are everyone else is feeling similar to you, which helps everyone be more “themselves.” Start a study group, or buddy-up with someone you feel comfortable with. Who knows? You could be on your way to a first date.

6. Sports teams/groups

Most communities have walking groups, hiking groups, or adult sporting leagues to join. Check your local events calendar or be preemptive and start your own. By using Facebook or other community-based social-networking sites, it should be relatively easy to create a new group. Your friends invite their friends, and soon, you will have a new team. One of the best ways to meet new people is through a shared common interest!

7. A hostel

If you are traveling through another country, or even your own on a two-day trip, check into a hostel. Hostels are the perfect way to meet new people and experience a new point of view. Even if you are about to embark on a long-distance relationship, some people are worth it. You never know who you will meet.

8. Volunteering

Speaking of similar interests, meeting people while volunteering is a great way to ensure your passions will line up with your potentially new partner’s. Volunteer opportunities are incredibly easy to come by. Animal shelters, youth advocate centers, and homeless shelters are all very common in all communities across the world. Fight for a good cause, and meet someone special along the way.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. ~ Gandhi (Tweet this)

9. Meet-ups

There are plenty of websites dedicated to introducing community members to one another. Similar to online dating, but less pressure, Meetups are a great way to meet new people. The meetup.com website has specific categories to match your interests, or you can join a more broad group if you feel inclined! Meetups run worldwide, so search your community area, and you will be on your way to meeting a new special someone!

10. The farmers’ market!

Chances are, if your town has a local farmers’ market, you will meet someone there. Talk to local vendors, interact with your neighbors, or rent your own spot if you have a talent to showcase. Farmers’ markets are universal for being feel-good, relaxing, cultural places to go.

Make your first date the best. Keep this checklist of best places to go on a date for your next first date. You are sure to meet new people—hopefully more than one! Maybe also, hopefully, someone you fall in love with.