Whenever you visit a new city or move to a new place, one of the most important aspects of your experience is your interaction with locals. Making friends—whether they become lifelong friends or are simply great people to hang out with a few times a year—is a fun and exciting way to enrich your life. If you are in Wilmington, North Carolina, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get out there and meet new people no matter what your age or interests. Below are some tips to help you to make the most of your time in Wilmington by forging friendships that will enhance your experience in this beautiful city.
Make an effort to reach out to people you see regularly
As you settle into coastal life, there are some tasks that you will find yourself repeating, such as going to the store, walking around your neighborhood, or even frequenting your favorite bars, restaurants, and museums. When out and about it is a great idea to take notice of the people around you, and you will probably start to recognize these faces as you return to your favorite spots in the city. If this is the case, make a point to introduce yourself to the woman you see at the grocery store every Tuesday or the man you run across at the local brewery every Saturday. A quick hello and a kind smile can open up the door for further conversation and the beginnings of a new friendship.
Join an interest group
Interest groups are great resources for individuals who are new in town and are looking to make friends. The great thing about these groups is that they allow you to interact with people who share your interests, whether you are joining a group for reading, knitting, athletics, food appreciation, etc. There are numerous different aspects of Wilmington to explore and there are certain to be other people who share your love for whatever part of this city you are most interested in! Try searching online for groups who meet for monthly dinners, weekly workout sessions, hikes, trips to the shore, etc. If you can’t find a group that holds your interest then start your own!
Meet your neighbor
When moving into a new neighborhood you are automatically provided with numerous friendship opportunities in the form of your neighbors. From the people living just next door to those around the block, these are individuals who most likely share some of your interests and are, like you, loving the Wilmington community. By simply saying hello and making an effort to chat with other members of the community you can forge new friendships without even having to leave your neighborhood.
In addition to friendly chats with neighbors in passing, you might consider attending community events, such as pool parties or barbeques, that allow all of the residents of the area to get together, relax, and get to know one another. Additionally, you can meet new people by spending time out and about within your area, such as at the pool, at community fitness classes, at the tennis courts, etc.
If you are looking to make new friends in Wilmington there are certainly plenty of opportunities to choose from! Just remember to have fun and make the most of every experience and you will be able to enjoy yourself while forging new friendships.
