Moving to a new town is a pain.
You've spent years in your old haunts, establishing your place.
Now that you've moved, it's time to start from scratch!
How do you transition from spending nights home alone to partying at the town hotspots?
Here are some tips!
Find the town drunk
When trying to locate the best (or dive-iest) bar in town, your best bet is to find your town drunk.
Whether he's a wino or a seasoned 40-ounce sommelier, he knows the best bars and prime times to be there.
Hello, happy hour!
If he can't point you in the right direction, you'll probably still get a fun story out of him -about that one time an owl stole the Mayor's hairpiece during the Fourth of July parade.
Google/Yelp
In this case, Google and Yelp are your friends.
Any socially-based review sites that you use regularly will come in handy.
If you're looking for a bar that has a specific beer on tap, Google it.
Looking for a local rock climbing gym?
Google it.
Google is the answer to many problems, and this is one of them.
Wander around aimlessly
What better way to get to know your town then go for a drive or walk around on your own?
You might end up finding that perfect coffee shop that makes a cup of Joe just the way you like, or a book-store with weekly readings.
You never know what you'll find along your travels, so get out there and take a look! (Just make sure you look both ways before crossing.)
Follow some people around (but not in a creepy way).
Follow some people around (but not in a creepy way)
OK, now listen.
Don't go around stalking strangers in a panel van looking for a good time.
Instead, if you're out at a bar, restaurant or elsewhere, pay attention to what others are saying - again, not in a creepy way.
Maybe there's a group of people at the other table talking about an awesome meetup at the bar/pub/dive down the road... heed their advice and check it out.
Ask a local
You might feel weird going up to strangers, but aren't all strangers just friends you haven't met yet?
Speak up in your next gym class, ask a coworker, or approach the person behind the counter at your favorite breakfast place - what's there to do around town?
Facebook
You're on Facebook for a reason, right?
Join a group, post a status or like a page until you find your next regular hangout.
Look for local business pages and see if they're running any special events you can attend.
Ask a coworker
If you've moved for work, ask one of your new coworkers.
Maybe even suggest a happy hour at a place of her choosing.
If she's around your age and has the same interests, why not?
You might have found your new work spouse :)
Takeaway
- Finding new hangout spots takes curiosity and a little initiative.
- Online reviews help narrow down popular local venues.
- Exploring on foot helps you discover hidden gems.
- Conversations with locals often lead to the best recommendations.
- Social platforms make it easier to stay informed about events and hotspots.
Note
Be open to exploring new places, but always trust your instincts.
Stick to public, well-reviewed locations at first and give yourself time to find spaces that genuinely fit your personality and interests.
Bottom Line
Starting fresh in a new town does not mean starting from zero.
With a mix of online research, local conversations, and hands-on exploration, you can quickly discover places that feel familiar and welcoming.
The more you engage with your surroundings, the faster your new town begins to feel like home.
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For more tips on settling in, exploring your city, and making the most of your move, check out our detailed moving guides