Making Mom Friends in a New Town

Making friends as a mom in a new town can feel impossible, but it doesn’t have to be.

This blog is packed with real-life tips and encouragement to help you find your people.

Let’s be honest, moving to a new place is hard. But moving to a new place and trying to make friends? That can feel downright impossible.

When you leave behind an already-established community, your mom tribe, your neighbors, your go-to coffee baristas, it’s totally normal to feel a bit lost and lonely. The question, “How am I going to find and make new friends here?” can be one of the most daunting parts of starting fresh.

Whether you're extroverted, introverted, or somewhere in between, I promise: you are not alone, and there are ways to find your people.

My Personal Approach: “Social Stalking” (Yes, Really!)

Okay, hear me out. I call it social stalking, but it’s not as creepy as it sounds. I’m an extrovert, so my strategy is to dive right in and start researching local businesses and people who also seem to love those spots. Instagram has actually been one of my favorite tools for this.

For example, when we moved to our last town, I came across a woman’s profile through a local brewery’s page. It looked like had a lot in common, so I did the bold thing and slid into her DMs:

“Hey! Just moved to town and it looks like we have a lot in common and would make great friends. Want to grab a beer sometime?”

She replied almost immediately with,

“Absolutely!”

She had just relocated too. We met that night for a casual drink, and we’ve been close friends ever since.

Sometimes you just need to take the first step.

Not an Extrovert? Here Are Other Ways to Find Your People:

Making friends doesn’t have to mean putting yourself out there on social media if that’s not your thing. There are so many great ways to meet people, especially other moms, without needing to overextend your comfort zone.

Here are a few tried-and-true ideas:

1. BumbleBFF

Yes, it’s like dating, but for friendships! You create a profile, set your preferences, and swipe to connect with potential friends in your area. I’ve met several amazing women this way who I would’ve never crossed paths with otherwise.

2. Mom Life at the Park

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple “hi” at the park. Kids are great icebreakers, and striking up a convo with another mom watching her toddler go down the slide for the hundredth time can lead to a really sweet friendship.

3. Take a Class

Art classes, pottery workshops, or even a wine & paint night, these kinds of events are perfect for meeting people who share your interests. Bonus: you leave with something you made and maybe a new friend, too.

4. Join a Fitness Studio or Gym

Whether it’s yoga, barre, CrossFit, or a local walking group, moving your body is a great way to meet others while doing something good for your mental health, too.

5. Check Facebook Groups + Community Boards

Most towns have local Facebook groups where people post about meetups, events, and playdates. Keep an eye out and don’t be afraid to post your own “just moved here! Anyone want to grab coffee?” message.

Making new friends as an adult is weird. There’s no denying it. But it’s also so worth it. That little bit of vulnerability, that one message, that one “want to meet up?” can lead to friendships that last for years.

If you’re in the middle of a move, or just feeling a little disconnected, give yourself permission to try something new. There are other women out there just like you, hoping for connection too.

You never know who’s waiting to be your next lifelong friend, maybe even over a beer.

Have you made a new friend in an unexpected way? I'd love to hear your story in the comments!