We get it: moving to a new city is daunting. To ease some of your worries about moving to Pittsburgh, we’ve compiled a list of six resources for you to get started making new friends.
1. Join professional organizations
If you’ve moved to Pittsburgh for work, we suggest joining a professional organization. There are opportunities for everyone in every industry! If you were a member of another chapter, you should look into transferring to your local Pittsburgh chapter.
Check out this website for a list of some professional organizations or ask co-workers about industry specific organizations to join.
Joining a professional organization not only opens professional development and networking opportunities, it also allows you to bond with other people in similar career paths. Showing up and getting involved is the first step to meeting new people.
Now that bars and restaurants have opened back up and pandemic restrictions have somewhat eased up,, head to happy hour with your coworkers and get to know them better. Once you’ve broken the ice, it could open doors for you to hang out with coworkers outside of work hours.
If you’re looking for something to do with your newly made work friends in Pittsburgh, check out our ultimate Pittsburgh weekend itinerary.
2. Join Facebook Groups
Never underestimate the power of Facebook. We’re not kidding when we say there is a group for everyone. Interested in the outdoors and hiking? There’s a Pittsburgh Facebook group for that. Photography? Check. Even gaming.
Most users are active and will post about getting a group together to do something. Once you join the groups, keep an eye out for meet ups and other happenings.
And when in doubt, check Reddit.
3. Meet people using Bumble BFF
If you didn’t know, Bumble (yes, the dating app), has a BFF feature. When you create your account, tap “BFF” and you’ll be on your way to swiping right on your next bestie.
We’re sorry we can’t help with curating the perfect profile, but we trust you’ll make it great. The Bumble BFF feature is exactly like the Bumble Date feature. If you see someone you think you might get along with, swipe right.
Don’t cross this option off immediately. Check out one of the many success stories of people finding their best friends on Bumble.
4. Attend in-person events
Another way to make new friends in Pittsburgh (and in general, really) is to consistently attend something. When you surround yourself with likeminded people, it’s only natural you’ll gravitate toward one another.
If you enjoy working out, consistently go to the same gym or studio and you’ll eventually get to know people by name. If you like pottery, sign up for a pottery class and vice versa with other activities.
Yep, it’s that simple (kinda). Consistency is key, as they say.
5. Register for the Pittsburgh Sports League
The Pittsburgh Sports League is another option to make friends in Pittsburgh. If you enjoy any of these activities, be sure to sign up!
- Bar Games
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Dodgeball
- Esports
- Flag Football
- Kickball
- Pickleball
- Running Club
- Sand Volleyball
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
They also hold other tournaments and activities such as golf, skiing and service projects.
Visit the Pittsburgh Sports League’s website for more information.
6. Volunteer in the community
Speaking of service projects, another great way to meet people in Pittsburgh is to volunteer. There are many businesses and nonprofits you can volunteer with including Pittsburgh Cares, Pittsburgh Food Bank, and 412 Food Rescue.
The Birgo team has partnered with Light of Life Rescue Mission and other local Pittsburgh food banks. We can say from first hand experience that nothing is better than serving your community and building lasting relationships at the same time.
For a list of Pittsburgh organizations by area of interest, click here. There’s something for everyone on this list, including those with interests surrounding
- Art
- Refugees
- Environment
- Education
- Animals
- Hunger
- LGBTQ
- Seniors
- Military
- Health
- Jobs
- Community
Conclusion
Moving can be daunting, especially when you don’t know anyone in your new city. After reading our blog, we hope we’ve provided you with some resources to one up your social game by making new friends in Pittsburgh. Now go out and start socializing!
