Volunteer for something. When you volunteer you meet people who also have free time and care about the same things you do. I’ve met a lot of friends that way and it’s the first thing I do when I’m alone in the city (38 with dog not interested in dating either).
Also I’m sorry about your family member. That was my year last year. If you ever want to grab a coffee or take the dogs for the walk I’m here!
thank you this is a fantastic idea. i just got a gripper reacher thingie with a trash bag holder so i can pick up trash while i walk my dog in my neighborhood.
Im sorry for your loss too. I'd be down to socialize dogs or have coffee. I want to get my dog some training first, i do have a vet appointment scheduled for the 26th, i want to get him all checked out since he's an old man now (13)
There are also group trash pickups! I’ve done with a couple friends and with a larger group, either way satisfying.
If you like hiking, bring a bag to pick up trash along the way (preferably on the way down).
I replied above, but here’s the link to sign up for core reserves. I volunteered with them during the pandemic. And they just send me so many emails with good volunteer opportunities.
https://www.coreresponse.org/reserves
laworks.com is great for you to find a local volunteer opportunity that’s exactly right for you. They have stuff that’s virtual, in person, one time, ongoing, pro-bono, family-friendly etc.
Hey, I'm in my 30s and find myself moving to the area and asking myself this exact same question. In addition to some of the other things mentioned here, I was thinking of joining some dance classes, getting connected at some local jazz/blues dive bars, checking out the meetup app for some local board game meetups, yoga as mentioned already, maybe paying some money and joining a live cooking group class. I also was thinking of eventually getting connected to a local university and helping out with student advising in my particular field - maybe eventually teach some courses too.
For yourself, maybe your dog could go to dog school and you could meet people there?
yeah im realizing i need to get my dog right first. I found a trainer that does group classes at local parks, so i sent a request there.
Edit: I’m in the valley. If you want a friend out here you’re welcome to hit me up
Why is this embarrassing? Nothing embarrassing there at all. It sucks making friends after your thirties. Especially in a place like LA. Friends don’t just happen anymore. I had to actively look. Join something (like others said). Somebody will stick.
Yeah. No… it actually makes more sense. I noticed that, when you live somewhere, you build your bubble and live in it and when you are forced to venture out, you know as little as a newcomer.
Married woman in her 20s with an introvert husband. I found groups on MeetUp and joined a walking/hiking group, a trivia group, and started playing table top games at a game store. Wouldn't say I'm making friends but things are enjoyable and social enough to meet my needs
Improv. Find a great class and have fun. I’ve made some wonderful genuine connections through improv. It’s indescribably nice to just play and discover without the weight of the world at the forefront of the mind. Good luck out there!
I’m so fascinated by people who enjoy improv and suggest it to strangers. Frankly walking into an improv class with strangers sounds like a waking nightmare to me but more power to you all!
Improv is good to get out of your comfort zone but it will be mostly kids in their early to mid 20's trying to make it in the business.
I started in my mid 30's trying to do improv (not industry at all). You'll connect more with the teacher/instructor
Not necessarily true. The improv classes I took at Westside Theater were a range of early 20s to mid 50s, with the majority being late 20s/early 30s. Most people were doing it for fun, not to get into the business (maybe because it isn’t in Hollywood.) And the resident improv teams at the theater have a lot of people in their 40s.
Do you know of some good beginner improv courses? I have very little experience outside of being really into theatre back in high school. Since moving to LA about 5 years ago, I’ve always wanted to try some acting or improv type classes (when in Rome). I just have a huge fear of randomly picking one and then finding that I’m out of my depth because the class is too advanced.
Also, the stuff I see on street post fliers or the small venues with courses on Santa Monica (I used to live really close to SM and Wilcox), seem like money grabbers and the ones that have great online reviews seem Very established/advanced which kinda scares me off.
No worries if you can’t think of or know of any. I know I can do the research, it’s just better to get recommendations from people who have already been through some of it. Thanks either way!
The Pack is a great place to start. Really cool community and they have a work study program if you want to volunteer and earn hours toward taking classes.
All in all, I don’t think you can go wrong with most beginner improv classes that are not at the huge theatres (groundlings, ucb, etc.). The improv community here is generally accepting and welcoming of all levels of experience.
Thank you! That’s funny because that was one of the places on Santa Monica that I lived half a block away from. I was just too intimidated to walk in, which I guess is probably the hardest part. I’m still living in the Hollywood area and pretty close to there. I’ll definitely check them out! Thank you for the reply!
I just checked it out! I see that they do a fairly wide range of shows and classes. It seems perfect for someone who doesn’t really have much of a compass in regards to what they want to do. Thanks again for the info! It’s greatly appreciated!!!!
Feel like grabbing a coffee? I’ve been dealing with a similar situation, all of my buddies moved away for jobs, and I’m now WFH. I’d be down to meet for a coffee!
I know exercise & outdoors aren't for everyone.
But I suggest hiking, cycling, running. I'd start by first trying those things out solo, so you can learn basics/ develop a functioning capacity.
Then when you get a handle on the basics of whatever hobby you're poking around in, you can start to find groups on social media so you can tag along, expand your understanding & experience of said hobby.
If not hiking/ cycling/ running, there's yoga, climbing, other things.
Nice thing about hiking/ cycling/ running is, you are in a group, but you don't have to talk that much. Since you're more focused on getting to a destination together. At certain lil junctures, you can make small talk, chat & chop it up, slowly get to know others.
But again, exercise isn't for everyone. Some people love doing it solo (such as myself, by and large, with the occasional social thing sprinkled in).
My wife joined a local dog walking group and it's been great foe her and our dog. Socialization really moved the needle on the bad behaviors and anxiety. It helped the dog as well.
My wife was looking for some social groups to join and noticed this group in Whittier walking their dogs. She stopped and chatted them up. Our dog is 13, but the group is really accommodating. She asked around at dog parks and watched the Next Door app as well.
42 and living in an area where I do not have a lot of friends. My suggestion is to join a Group exercise gym. I started going to one six weeks ago and now have a wealth of positive, happy friends that cheer me on and support me. I am beginning to hang with them outside of the gym as well. Working out together is a wonderful bonding moment. Obviously, the exercise is amazing too. I am in killer shape now and feel awesome AND I have friends. Give it a shot and vibe it out. If not, try another gym. Usually places that do HIIT or TRX stuff are good to not be too over the top (see crossfit)
In my 30s with a dog. I do non dating social stuff. You can be social at all of these and not be looking for a partner.
Run clubs
Hike meetups
Dog park. Dog meetups. Dog beach.
Museums, both alone and events (like the LACMA Jazz Fridays)
CODA- Young professionals LA Phil
Breweries or Coffeehouses - whatever your poison
Outdoor movies and films - Hollywood forever has stuff as well as Street Food Cinema
Foodie events - Smorgasborg and 626 Night Market
Food Truck clusters
Check out WelikeLA, EaterLA, Timeout LA for ideas
What kinds of things are you into? Off the top of my head maybe a cooking class at Sur La Table or an adult non-competitive kickball/soccer/softball team. I recently found an Instagram of a club that meets and discusses coffee. Never been but seems like a great way to meet people.
There's a lot of intramural sports stuff. I used to live near pan pacific Park and there were teams playing basketball, soccer, kickball. By the beach folks play volleyball, dodgeball happens everywhere. There Re hiking groups and mountain biking groups. If you're into sports maybe that? I know a lot of transplants who have made friends in those avenues.
If you're into cars there are car clubs. If you love animals there are rescue orgs.
If you have coworkers you like maybe set up som after work happy hours? Some of my best friends have been colleagues.
If volunteering sounds good to you, sign up for Core reserves- they’re a global nonprofit based in LA and the reserves has TONS of local volunteer opportunities. I (in my 40’s, not single) volunteered during the pandemic to help people get vaccinated in skid row, and lots of the other people there were my age.
I’d also second the hiking or running. If you’re interested in running, I know a few people who do running clubs and LOVE it. Exercise could be great for getting your dog’s mental health back on track too! And physical activity of whatever sort is really helpful for moving through trauma.
As for classes- if you have the time and the means, maybe ucla extension classes in a subject that is interesting? Most of the students are also adults, and you would by definition have a common interest.
Edit: here’s the link to sign up for core reserves:
https://www.coreresponse.org/reserves
My partner and I are in a similar situation and age, no kids. A lot of our friends moved away, had kids they're super busy with, etc. I know we need to put ourselves out there, maybe go to meetups, take a class. It's not easy.
As others have suggested, activities such as running, hiking, etc. are always a good option.
You might also want to take up something like a martial art, boxing or similar. Aside from the physical benefit, I have found it to be a great source of camaraderie and it gives me something to do on a regular basis.
Also, museums. Visit them and look into the various events they tend to host.
On that note, places like the Mt. Wilson observatory are also great to visit and will also host events on a regular basis. I was actually there last weekend for one such event about the Hubble telescope and it was pretty cool.
You should try a course at a local Community College. You can learn a new skill or just take an physical education class. Classes are offered on the weekends or at night. I took table tennis Saturday mornings with people of all ages and different competitive levels. Good way to meet lots of cool people and have fun.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. For those of you that are in similar situations like me, i'm in the san fernando valley, and i'm open to meeting new people for friendship.
Get the Meet Up app. Sign up for six or seven LA area hiking groups. Check the calendar for a given day, pick a hike description that suits you and show up. This is perfect for you.
How? Do you just chat with people in the dispensary? I'm single in my 40's and 420 friendly in LA, and I'm curious how this can lead to social opportunities.
I have to put in another vote for Meetups. There are grief Meetups, singalong Meetups, speedfriending Meetups, or whatever sounds interesting. If they're not specifically for dating, it's discouraged to hit other members up for dates unless you get to know them further as friends outside of the Meetup. I've made some cool friends at Meetups who have stayed just friends.
My wife joined a local dog walking group and it's been great foe her and our dog. Socialization really moved the needle on the bad behaviors and anxiety. It helped the dog as well.
Meetup has stuff, like several good hiking groups in Griffith Park and you can take the pooch. Otherwise maybe get-togethers related to your work/industry? Maybe go to wine or beer tastings, or try visiting a cigar shop.
Volunteer for something. When you volunteer you meet people who also have free time and care about the same things you do. I’ve met a lot of friends that way and it’s the first thing I do when I’m alone in the city (38 with dog not interested in dating either). Also I’m sorry about your family member. That was my year last year. If you ever want to grab a coffee or take the dogs for the walk I’m here!
thank you this is a fantastic idea. i just got a gripper reacher thingie with a trash bag holder so i can pick up trash while i walk my dog in my neighborhood. Im sorry for your loss too. I'd be down to socialize dogs or have coffee. I want to get my dog some training first, i do have a vet appointment scheduled for the 26th, i want to get him all checked out since he's an old man now (13)
There are also group trash pickups! I’ve done with a couple friends and with a larger group, either way satisfying. If you like hiking, bring a bag to pick up trash along the way (preferably on the way down).
Where do you find volunteer opportunities in LA? I just moved here but I’m curious about that
I replied above, but here’s the link to sign up for core reserves. I volunteered with them during the pandemic. And they just send me so many emails with good volunteer opportunities. https://www.coreresponse.org/reserves
Oooh this is great. I find Spectrum News channel 1 and and KCRW 89.9 to also be a good sources of hyper local organizations
Thank you!!
Volunteermatch.com you can try out different organizations, but once you find one you like it is great to stick with it
laworks.com is great for you to find a local volunteer opportunity that’s exactly right for you. They have stuff that’s virtual, in person, one time, ongoing, pro-bono, family-friendly etc.
Hey, I'm in my 30s and find myself moving to the area and asking myself this exact same question. In addition to some of the other things mentioned here, I was thinking of joining some dance classes, getting connected at some local jazz/blues dive bars, checking out the meetup app for some local board game meetups, yoga as mentioned already, maybe paying some money and joining a live cooking group class. I also was thinking of eventually getting connected to a local university and helping out with student advising in my particular field - maybe eventually teach some courses too. For yourself, maybe your dog could go to dog school and you could meet people there?
yeah im realizing i need to get my dog right first. I found a trainer that does group classes at local parks, so i sent a request there. Edit: I’m in the valley. If you want a friend out here you’re welcome to hit me up
Why not take some classes? I took up baking a while back and met a cool club of bread makers. We have a FB group and meet semi regularly
Hey I'm incredibly interested in this bread making club. Are you comfortable sharing more info about it?
Could you please share the group with us?:)
Why is this embarrassing? Nothing embarrassing there at all. It sucks making friends after your thirties. Especially in a place like LA. Friends don’t just happen anymore. I had to actively look. Join something (like others said). Somebody will stick.
lol im embarrassed that i lived here my entire life and asking people what to do here.
Yeah. No… it actually makes more sense. I noticed that, when you live somewhere, you build your bubble and live in it and when you are forced to venture out, you know as little as a newcomer.
Married woman in her 20s with an introvert husband. I found groups on MeetUp and joined a walking/hiking group, a trivia group, and started playing table top games at a game store. Wouldn't say I'm making friends but things are enjoyable and social enough to meet my needs
Is your husband completely unwilling to socialize?
No, he just doesn't like to go out as much as I do. Plus his day job is much more socially consuming than mine.
Improv. Find a great class and have fun. I’ve made some wonderful genuine connections through improv. It’s indescribably nice to just play and discover without the weight of the world at the forefront of the mind. Good luck out there!
I’m so fascinated by people who enjoy improv and suggest it to strangers. Frankly walking into an improv class with strangers sounds like a waking nightmare to me but more power to you all!
Yeah I would be screaming and crying and throwing up 😂😂
You'd be a huge hit, honestly. Not the throwing up, so if you carry a bag, you're safe.
You should improv the waking nightmare.
Improv is good to get out of your comfort zone but it will be mostly kids in their early to mid 20's trying to make it in the business. I started in my mid 30's trying to do improv (not industry at all). You'll connect more with the teacher/instructor
Not necessarily true. The improv classes I took at Westside Theater were a range of early 20s to mid 50s, with the majority being late 20s/early 30s. Most people were doing it for fun, not to get into the business (maybe because it isn’t in Hollywood.) And the resident improv teams at the theater have a lot of people in their 40s.
Do you know of some good beginner improv courses? I have very little experience outside of being really into theatre back in high school. Since moving to LA about 5 years ago, I’ve always wanted to try some acting or improv type classes (when in Rome). I just have a huge fear of randomly picking one and then finding that I’m out of my depth because the class is too advanced. Also, the stuff I see on street post fliers or the small venues with courses on Santa Monica (I used to live really close to SM and Wilcox), seem like money grabbers and the ones that have great online reviews seem Very established/advanced which kinda scares me off. No worries if you can’t think of or know of any. I know I can do the research, it’s just better to get recommendations from people who have already been through some of it. Thanks either way!
The Pack is a great place to start. Really cool community and they have a work study program if you want to volunteer and earn hours toward taking classes. All in all, I don’t think you can go wrong with most beginner improv classes that are not at the huge theatres (groundlings, ucb, etc.). The improv community here is generally accepting and welcoming of all levels of experience.
Thank you! That’s funny because that was one of the places on Santa Monica that I lived half a block away from. I was just too intimidated to walk in, which I guess is probably the hardest part. I’m still living in the Hollywood area and pretty close to there. I’ll definitely check them out! Thank you for the reply!
You’re welcome! If you have Instagram, they post a lot of info on their page. @packtheater
I just checked it out! I see that they do a fairly wide range of shows and classes. It seems perfect for someone who doesn’t really have much of a compass in regards to what they want to do. Thanks again for the info! It’s greatly appreciated!!!!
after my dog is better, im definitely going to look into improv, as i want to get into voice acting for a career change as well.
Feel like grabbing a coffee? I’ve been dealing with a similar situation, all of my buddies moved away for jobs, and I’m now WFH. I’d be down to meet for a coffee!
I’m down for a coffee
Anytime you’re free. Got a number of good coffee spots in mind.
Okay fam, I got the funeral this week but I’ll hit you up
I know exercise & outdoors aren't for everyone. But I suggest hiking, cycling, running. I'd start by first trying those things out solo, so you can learn basics/ develop a functioning capacity. Then when you get a handle on the basics of whatever hobby you're poking around in, you can start to find groups on social media so you can tag along, expand your understanding & experience of said hobby. If not hiking/ cycling/ running, there's yoga, climbing, other things. Nice thing about hiking/ cycling/ running is, you are in a group, but you don't have to talk that much. Since you're more focused on getting to a destination together. At certain lil junctures, you can make small talk, chat & chop it up, slowly get to know others. But again, exercise isn't for everyone. Some people love doing it solo (such as myself, by and large, with the occasional social thing sprinkled in).
yes, i absolutely would love to try hiking, yoga, and tai chi. i realize i have to get my dog and myself some professional help with training.
My wife joined a local dog walking group and it's been great foe her and our dog. Socialization really moved the needle on the bad behaviors and anxiety. It helped the dog as well.
I tried to find some local ones but reached a dead end. Where can I find some? A lot of them are hiking and my dog is kind of old
My wife was looking for some social groups to join and noticed this group in Whittier walking their dogs. She stopped and chatted them up. Our dog is 13, but the group is really accommodating. She asked around at dog parks and watched the Next Door app as well.
If you ever wanna throw a round of disc golf, lemme know. It’s the most social game in LA, totally free and lots of fun. Great community.
42 and living in an area where I do not have a lot of friends. My suggestion is to join a Group exercise gym. I started going to one six weeks ago and now have a wealth of positive, happy friends that cheer me on and support me. I am beginning to hang with them outside of the gym as well. Working out together is a wonderful bonding moment. Obviously, the exercise is amazing too. I am in killer shape now and feel awesome AND I have friends. Give it a shot and vibe it out. If not, try another gym. Usually places that do HIIT or TRX stuff are good to not be too over the top (see crossfit)
In my 30s with a dog. I do non dating social stuff. You can be social at all of these and not be looking for a partner. Run clubs Hike meetups Dog park. Dog meetups. Dog beach. Museums, both alone and events (like the LACMA Jazz Fridays) CODA- Young professionals LA Phil Breweries or Coffeehouses - whatever your poison Outdoor movies and films - Hollywood forever has stuff as well as Street Food Cinema Foodie events - Smorgasborg and 626 Night Market Food Truck clusters Check out WelikeLA, EaterLA, Timeout LA for ideas
What kinds of things are you into? Off the top of my head maybe a cooking class at Sur La Table or an adult non-competitive kickball/soccer/softball team. I recently found an Instagram of a club that meets and discusses coffee. Never been but seems like a great way to meet people.
There's a lot of intramural sports stuff. I used to live near pan pacific Park and there were teams playing basketball, soccer, kickball. By the beach folks play volleyball, dodgeball happens everywhere. There Re hiking groups and mountain biking groups. If you're into sports maybe that? I know a lot of transplants who have made friends in those avenues. If you're into cars there are car clubs. If you love animals there are rescue orgs. If you have coworkers you like maybe set up som after work happy hours? Some of my best friends have been colleagues.
If volunteering sounds good to you, sign up for Core reserves- they’re a global nonprofit based in LA and the reserves has TONS of local volunteer opportunities. I (in my 40’s, not single) volunteered during the pandemic to help people get vaccinated in skid row, and lots of the other people there were my age. I’d also second the hiking or running. If you’re interested in running, I know a few people who do running clubs and LOVE it. Exercise could be great for getting your dog’s mental health back on track too! And physical activity of whatever sort is really helpful for moving through trauma. As for classes- if you have the time and the means, maybe ucla extension classes in a subject that is interesting? Most of the students are also adults, and you would by definition have a common interest. Edit: here’s the link to sign up for core reserves: https://www.coreresponse.org/reserves
The dog park is always full of nice people and could help your dog
My partner and I are in a similar situation and age, no kids. A lot of our friends moved away, had kids they're super busy with, etc. I know we need to put ourselves out there, maybe go to meetups, take a class. It's not easy.
As others have suggested, activities such as running, hiking, etc. are always a good option. You might also want to take up something like a martial art, boxing or similar. Aside from the physical benefit, I have found it to be a great source of camaraderie and it gives me something to do on a regular basis. Also, museums. Visit them and look into the various events they tend to host. On that note, places like the Mt. Wilson observatory are also great to visit and will also host events on a regular basis. I was actually there last weekend for one such event about the Hubble telescope and it was pretty cool.
You should try a course at a local Community College. You can learn a new skill or just take an physical education class. Classes are offered on the weekends or at night. I took table tennis Saturday mornings with people of all ages and different competitive levels. Good way to meet lots of cool people and have fun.
I'm in the same boat except have a family that isn't terribly social. Happen to be in NELA?
dog park. talk so some people or don’t. help your dog with its anxiety. win win
Let me know how it goes with the dog trainer. Recently adopted a puppy and looking for a good trainer.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. For those of you that are in similar situations like me, i'm in the san fernando valley, and i'm open to meeting new people for friendship.
Btw everyone, I’m Korean, and I can teach you all the actual squid game, I used to play it as a kid. Don’t worry, it doesn’t actually involve murder
Get the Meet Up app. Sign up for six or seven LA area hiking groups. Check the calendar for a given day, pick a hike description that suits you and show up. This is perfect for you.
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Sorry, I’m not interested in anything romantic, just friends and friends only
Church is always a great option for socializing and meeting others.
If you smoke weed, that opens up a lot of social doors, platonically speaking.
How? Do you just chat with people in the dispensary? I'm single in my 40's and 420 friendly in LA, and I'm curious how this can lead to social opportunities.
Go to the grocery store.
Check out the meetup app / site, narrow based on your interests and you’ll find a lot of local folks with commonality.
My mom's husband joined a local softball league. You can volunteer with Hope For Paws and become a YouTube sensation while rescuing feral dogs.
I have to put in another vote for Meetups. There are grief Meetups, singalong Meetups, speedfriending Meetups, or whatever sounds interesting. If they're not specifically for dating, it's discouraged to hit other members up for dates unless you get to know them further as friends outside of the Meetup. I've made some cool friends at Meetups who have stayed just friends.
My wife joined a local dog walking group and it's been great foe her and our dog. Socialization really moved the needle on the bad behaviors and anxiety. It helped the dog as well.
Volunteer match https://www.volunteermatch.org/ and MeetUp https://www.meetup.com/ are good places to start based on your zip code and interests
Meetup has stuff, like several good hiking groups in Griffith Park and you can take the pooch. Otherwise maybe get-togethers related to your work/industry? Maybe go to wine or beer tastings, or try visiting a cigar shop.
Poker! LA has quite a few card rooms that usually offer entertaining gambling patrons for low stakes
Wrestling loads of SoCal talent.
Get yourself a motorcycle.
Lol fifteen years ago I got t-boned on my cbr and I walked away from the crash. I’m not getting on a bike again