I’m a Bay Area native but I think we could all use some new friends as we move through various phases of life. The Bay Area is a notoriously transient place. I’ve talked to many a transplant who’ve admitted that The Bay Area isn’t the easiest place to make friends.
Here’s a guide with some idea on where to meet some new squad members to go stumbling around with next time National Rose Day rolls around. Cheers!
Ask your existing network.
First thing’s first, ask around. A closed mouth doesn’t get fed, so take a deep breath and put up that Facebook status. Ask your existing friend network if they know anyone in the Bay Area since you’re moving there, or have recently moved there. Set up coffee dates. Cultivate friendships. Let those friendships snowball into other friendships.
Get fit.
One of my favorite jokes is, “if you’re vegan and do Crossfit, which one do you talk about first?” The Crossfit junkies I’ve known have admitted that it’s become a huge hub for their social life. One acquaintance met her last two boyfriends there. Those who suffer together, become besties apparently.
It doesn’t have to be Crossfit. Soulcycle and Barry’s Bootcamp are well-known workout cults here. Your local Lululemon definitely has a run club. If you really want to take it up a notch, get a side gig manning the front desk of your favorite exercise studio. You’ll learn names and start chatting up the regulars fast.
Join a co-working space.
Freelancing and remote work have exploded in the past few years. The millennial response is coworking spaces. More specifically, female-only coworking spaces.
You might consider checking out The Ruby in San Francisco. The Assembly and The Wing are sadly now defunct.
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Want to meet like-minded friends? Six Degrees Society is an organization that holds networking events for women. Instead of either having no one to talk to or being stuck talking to the same person for an hour, you get two “matches” based on your professional background or personal interests (as provided in your bio) so you’re guaranteed to meet at least that many people!
Professional headshot sessions, a mixology class, and a whiskey tasting are some examples of Six Degrees Society options.
The Young Professionals of San Francisco is also a great bet for anyone who wants to build their professional network. YPOSF offers monthly mixers.
Join an adult sorority.
I’m certain both of these organizations would balk at the thought of being stereotyped this way, but I’m going for brevity and prevision here.
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Both the Junior League of San Francisco and Spinsters of San Francisco are philanthropically-minded groups for women to make friends and volunteer.
Here’s my post on the provisional year you’ll face if you join the former. I also have an overview of the latter. Spinsters doesn’t have a provisional year course. Their recruitment cycle kicks off every year from January through June and ends with a New Member Tea in August (my favorite Spinsters event!).
Find your local college alumni chapter.
Keep that diploma working for you. Many colleges have alumni chapters in various cities. Alumni chapters often hold mixers and activities which are great for adding to your personal and professional network.
Try an intramural team.
Volo City (formerly known as SF Social Sports) has some fun options that go beyond your typical intramural activities like skeeball, pickleball, cornhole, bocce ball, and glow-in-the-dark kickball. Some other good companies are Zog Sports and Play Recess.
If you live outside of San Francisco, check with your local parks and rec center. Many of them offer intramural softball, bocce ball, and soccer teams.
Pursue your interests.
Here are some additional clubs and societies for the arts lover.
Bravo for the San Francisco Opera
Encore for the San Francisco Ballet (update: this has been renamed the Young Patrons Circle)
Young Professionals Board for the San Jose Sharks Foundation
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