Moving to a new city can be exciting but also challenging when it comes to meeting new people and making friends. If you’re new to Charleston, there are plenty of great ways to meet people, make connections, and build community.
Join a local Meetup group
One of the easiest ways to meet people with shared interests is through Meetup.com. The website and app help you find local groups that get together for activities like hiking, book clubs, social events, and more. There are tons of active Meetup groups in the Charleston area focused on everything from young professionals networking to families with kids.
A few groups to check out include:
- Charleston Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Charleston 20s-30s Social
- Charleston Sports & Social Club
- Charleston Board Game Meetup
Joining a few groups related to your hobbies or interests is a great way to meet like-minded people in a casual, low-pressure setting. Attend a few events and start conversations to make connections. Consistently joining the same groups can lead to building friendships over time.
Volunteer in the community
Contributing your time and talents to a local cause you care about is rewarding in itself, but it also introduces you to other volunteers and the organizations they support. Getting involved with volunteering gets you interacting with new people who likely share your values.
Some places to volunteer in Charleston include:
- Charleston Animal Society
- Habitat for Humanity
- Charleston Parks Conservancy
- Reading Partners
- Carolina Youth Development Center
As a bonus, the volunteering experience looks great on a resume and often leads to making professional connections as well.
Attend community events
Charleston hosts tons of public events all year round, from food festivals to holiday parades to art gallery openings. These types of community events draw all different types of locals and are the perfect chance to mingle.
Some upcoming events to check out include:
- Southeastern Wildlife Exposition – mid February
- Flowertown Festival – early April
- MOJA Arts Festival – late September to early October
- Charleston Restaurant Week – January and August
To find more local events, check the Charleston City Paper events calendar online regularly. Get out there, enjoy yourself, and be open to striking up conversations with those around you.
Take a class
Local classes and workshops are a great way to pick up a new skill while meeting people who share that interest. Charleston has no shortage of options, from cooking classes to language lessons to craft workshops.
A few examples to get started:
- Charleston Cooks – cooking and baking classes
- Volvo Car Stadium – fitness classes like yoga, cycling, etc.
- Charleston Art Works – art and craft workshops
- Charleston County Parks & Recreation – sports leagues and outdoor programs
Taking a class also gives you something in common to chat about with your classmates. And you’re likely to see the same people regularly over the duration of the class, allowing friendships to form naturally.
Check out local haunts
Bars, cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and other third places are go-to spots to spend time and strike up conversation in Charleston. If you frequent the same spots, you’ll begin recognizing and bonding with other regulars.
Some ideas to get started:
- Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer
- The Daily by Butcher & Bee
- Page’s Okra Grill
- South End Brewing
- Blue Bicycle Books
- Eclectic cafe
Visiting these places at slower times of day (like weekday mornings) and sitting at the bar or community tables can make it easier to mingle. Get to know the spot’s “regulars” and chat up folks you see again and again.
Join a sports league
If you enjoy being active, joining a local sports league introduces you to teammates and opponents alike. It’s a fun way to get your workout in while expanding your social circle.
Charleston has many recreational sports leagues to choose from, such as:
- Charleston Beach Volleyball
- Lowcountry Tennis Association
- Charleston Sports & Social Club
- Charleston Bicycle Club
- Charleston Soccer League
Most leagues have different divisions based on skill level, so you can find the right fit. Between practices, games, and post-game team bonding, you’ll get to know fellow players throughout the season.
Join a faith community
If you practice a religion or are open to exploring your spirituality, places of worship provide community and social circles. Charleston has diverse religious centers to choose from.
A few options to consider:
- Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Catholic)
- Emanuel AME Church (African Methodist Episcopal)
- Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue (Reform Judaism)
- Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian)
Look for congregations that offer young adult ministries, social hours, service groups, or classes to easily meet fellow members.
Get to know coworkers
Your colleagues provide a built-in social network. Make an effort to chat with coworkers and get to know them better during the workday. Attending offsite happy hours or work events also builds camaraderie.
Consider joining professional organizations like Rotary Clubs, Toastmasters, or industry-specific groups to expand your network as well. Talking with colleagues in more social settings often leads to friendships outside the office.
Let family and friends connect you
Don’t underestimate the power of your existing network. Reach out to family, friends, past colleagues, and classmates who have lived in Charleston longer. They may be able to set you up to meet people from their own circles.
Even just going to dinner or attending an event with your connector can help introduce you to new people organically. Starting with a common bond makes breaking the ice much easier.
Be a regular at dog parks
If you have a dog, heading to one of Charleston’s several dog parks is a great way to meet fellow pet owners. Visiting the same dog park means seeing the same friendly dogs (and owners) over and over again.
Some top dog parks in Charleston include:
- Laurel Island Dog Park
- James Island County Park Dog Park
- Longpoint Dog Park
- Folly Beach Dog Park
Chatting while your dogs play together is a casual, low-pressure way to make conversation and potential friendships. Try going at the same times to see familiar faces.
Say yes to invitations and introductions
When you’re new in town, it can be tempting to turn down social invitations in favor of nesting at home. Fight the urge! Say yes when colleagues, new acquaintances, neighbors, etc. invite you to events and outings. This could be dinner parties, birthday drinks, group hikes, potlucks, or any type of gathering.
Also take up offers when someone says they’d like to introduce you to a friend or invites you to join them for existing plans. Following up on introductions shows you’re eager to connect with new people.
Smile and make eye contact
Something as simple as smiling and making eye contact with strangers opens the door to meet new people around town. Hold the gaze just briefly to convey warmth before looking away.
Make it a habit when you’re waiting in line at a store, sitting down at a restaurant, passing on the sidewalk, riding public transportation, and any other daily scenario. You never know if that friendly eye contact may lead to a conversation.
Talk to your neighbors
Never underestimate the power of neighborhood relationships. Introduce yourself to neighbors living close by, either in your apartment building or houses on your street. Meeting for neighborly chats helps strengthen community.
Get to know the familiar faces you see while walking the dog, getting the mail, etc. Wave, say hello, and stop to make small talk when you see each other coming and going. This can gradually lead to deeper conversations and neighborly favors like keeping an eye on each others’ homes.
Strike up conversations out and about
Your daily routines present plenty of opportunities to chat with strangers and introduce yourself. Start conversations at places like the gym, grocery store line, walking trails, waiting areas, and more. Commenting on the shared situation you’re both in is a natural icebreaker.
If you hit it off chatting in line together, take the next step. Say something like “It was great talking with you! I’m new in town – would you want to continue the conversation over coffee sometime?” Making a plan to meet up later shows you’d like to build a connection.
Go on dates with locals from dating apps
If you’re single, asking locals out on coffee, fun outdoor dates, or even just a drink can introduce you to new people and potential partners through dating apps. Make it clear you’re new to town and excited to explore the area to filter for interested matches.
Some popular dating apps in Charleston include:
- Tinder
- Bumble
- Hinge
- Match
Even if the date doesn’t turn into a romantic prospect, you’ve likely made a new connection in the area.
Check out the college scene
Nearby colleges like College of Charleston and The Citadel attract thousands of students from around the country. Hangouts in campus areas make it easy to mingle with the college-aged crowd.
Some good spots near campuses include:
- Blind Tiger Pub
- Pt. Hope
- Trio
- The Griffon
Strike up conversations to get insider tips from students on the best local spots and events.
Frequent coffee shops and cafes
Coffee shops and cafes provide a casual atmosphere conducive to striking up conversations, especially if you go regularly. Sit at communal tables versus solo seating when possible.
Some top spots for mingling over coffee in Charleston:
- Kudu Coffee
- Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
- Second State Coffee
- Black Tap Coffee
- Coffee Club on Folly
Having a laptop or book helps make sitting solo feel less awkward. But glance up and engage others around you between working.
Join Facebook groups
Facebook groups centered around local interests, hobbies, and demographics are a great way to connect online first before meeting in real life. Search for Charleston-based groups that match your interests.
Some examples:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts of Charleston
- Young Professionals of Charleston
- Charleston Foodies
- Charleston 20s & 30s Social
Once you join relevant groups, get active posting introductions, comments, event invites, and meeting suggestions. Then follow up offline to turn online connections into in-person friendships.
Conclusion
Making new friends as an adult can seem daunting, but Charleston offers many diverse options to meet people. Getting yourself out there regularly to events, haunts, and activities you enjoy will lead to bonding over shared interests. Don’t get discouraged if it feels awkward at first – relaxing and being your genuine self makes connecting easier.
Remember that meeting new people is a gradual process that takes consistency over time. But making the effort leads to creating meaningful relationships and enjoying all this vibrant city has to offer.