I frequently see people on social media asking how to make friends in Nashville. It used to be so easy as kids! While we Southerners tend to be plenty friendly and talkative in the grocery line, sometimes it’s harder to make real relationships. Whether you’re new to Nashville or have been here a while, here are some tips.
Pick something you feel passionate about — food insecurity, unhoused folk, children, animals, etc. — and find a local organization within that area to volunteer for. Hands On Nashville is a great place to find volunteer opportunities, and you can sort by issues that interest you. I also frequently post volunteer activities on City Cast Nashville’s events page. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, and volunteers tend to be pretty darn friendly!
🧶 Follow Your Interests
Search for clubs, groups, and classes that interest you. Love arts and crafts? Many library branches have craft meetups and activities. A runner? Join a running group! Reader? Join a book club at one of our local independent bookstores. Hiker? Join a group hike at one of our parks. This is going to take a little bit of research on your part, but your people are out there.
🏙️ Get Out of Downtown
Downtown is populated by tourists, and while some of us might occasionally venture there for a show or event, it’s not a great place to make friends. If you enjoy listening to live music, try one of these music venues outside of downtown. If you like a drink after work, go to your neighborhood bar instead of Lower Broadway. If you hang out there regularly, you’ll start seeing some familiar faces.
🍼 Advice for Parents
I know it’s often isolating to be a new parent, and that it’s harder to get out and make friends with children in tow. I found many new friends as a mom by attending my local library branch’s children’s storytimes. You might start seeing familiar faces by going to a neighborhood playground instead of one farther away. There are also several local parenting Facebook groups, where parents can ask if anyone wants to hang!
I’m definitely biased here, but we just had our first City Cast Nashville members-only event, and it was so much fun! I made new friends, and I hope everyone else did, too. Becoming a Neighbor costs $10 a month, and we have regular meetups throughout the year.
