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Recently moved to Houston for work and I’m still learning how the city “works” socially.

I don’t really go to bars or nightlife spots, so I’m curious what non-bar ways people here use to meet others and build a social life. It seems like a lot of folks already have established circles from growing up here, school, or long-term work connections, so breaking in as a newcomer feels harder than expected.

For those who moved here as adults: What actually worked for you in Houston?

all 46 comments

[–]DontPanic42H2G2 11 points12 points13 points  (1 child)

Meetup.com is a great place to start.

Hint: Do not be afraid to show up to an event that only has a couple of people signed up. Quite often the regulars will stop replying. On the flip side, reach out to the host and see what the head count typically is.

Also, do not let one subpar experience define a group. Give something a shot, but also remember that with a rotating cast of people, things can vary.

Anyhow, best wishes!!! There are groups here that dont really drink and are incredibly welcoming to strangers. Activities such as gaming and athletics are wonderful outlets.

[–]RealConfirmologist 16 points17 points18 points  (3 children)

I've met some of my best friends through my hobbies.

I started riding a bicycle in 2014 and built up my strength enough to join some regular cycling groups. If you can ride for an hour at 16 MPH or so, you can fit in with dozens of groups in Houston and you can make friends easily. People from all walks of life and young and old ride bikes in Houston.

There are plenty of other hobbies that make it easy to make friends. Houston has a couple of 4-part harmony chorus groups, countless chess meet ups, run clubs, etc.

There's a free web site meetup.com that will show you where people meet to participate in a wide range of activities.

If none of this helps very much, you can always do a search on Google: "Houston Reddit how to meet new people besides going to bars"

[–]DontPanic42H2G2 0 points1 point2 points  (0 children)

Minor plug for cycling regardless of what your pace is...

Ready2Roll will start up at the end of the month. Fully supported rides with varying distances and speeds. You do not need to actually ride the MS150 to join. It is a great way to get on a bike, learn to ride in a group, and meet other people.

(Not affiliated with Ready2Roll but love the series and it is a great way to get into group cycling. Also, we dont care what bike you have so long as you get out there and ride! It is a really supportive group <3 )

[–]Corguita -1 points0 points1 point  (1 child)

There's also like 15 different ways you can be friends with bike people.

There's the fitness/sporty rides, there's the social/party rides, there's the coffee/ice cream/food themed rides, there's the urbanist/activist overlap, etc. There's a bike group there for all fitness, age, genders, sexualities and political leanings.

Quick google, facebook and/or instagram searches will show you just how many of these groups are.

[–]RealConfirmologist -1 points0 points1 point  (0 children)

So true!

Just look at all the Houston-area teams that participate in the MS-150 rides every year. 1st day is Houston to LaGrange, with several starting points including one that gets you almost 100 miles the 1st day. 2nd day ends in College Station, Kyle Field at A & M. Huge party afterwards.

There's no minimum speed for the MS ride, and every year there are riders who didn't train or prepare at all. They're seen walking their bikes up the steeper climbs. Not as many seen doing that on the 2nd day!

[–]justadude1974 0 points1 point2 points  (0 children)

A great way to make friends fast is to start driving like you’re from Houston now. Next time you’re on a highway with heavy traffic, and you’re in the far left lane, wait until about 200 yards before the next exit and then just start crossing. 🤣🤣🤣

Big town, takes time. Keep showing up is all I can say.

Put forth the effort and it will yield incredible rewards. I’ve met some of my best friends in the ten years I’ve lived here. This place has some of the best food and best people on the planet. The weather and traffic can suck a bag of dicks though.

Matter of fact, we sold our house this am and are moving back to our home state (it’s a neighbor state) in 30 short days and somehow, I’m a little sad.

Houston is a great place if you take advantage of it.