Illustration by Ryan Snook
We asked readers how they’ve met people in the St. Louis area, whether they’ve just moved here or are seeking new friends. “No idea. I’ve been here for two years, and it’s been a major struggle,” one person replied. “Yes, I need this advice! My husband and I just moved here from Los Angeles, and we’d love to make some,” one person said. Another suggested that you don’t meet new people in St. Louis—you just already know them from your high school.
So where to start? Here are some pointers from folks who’ve been there.
Make it a family affair. When Spencer Page asks business clients how to integrate into the city, they tell him “they have met their friend groups through their children’s school system.” Or consider taking your fur babies to local dog parks, where you can mingle with other dog parents. Nikki Gonzalez, who recently moved here from San Diego, has made friends with help from her 5-month-old golden retriever, Louis. “It’s an easy introduction when he starts playing with someone else’s dog,” she says.
Get moving. Want to get fit and meet friends? Consider running clubs, gym classes, or a sports league. Nathaniel Madonna has grown closer to colleagues since joining an adult soccer league at Vetta—though he admits that the team is more about fun than winning: “I bond by chirping from the bench and making people laugh. Or by sharing my beer.” His advice? “Don’t take the game so seriously.” Sara Billotti suggests hiking or biking, because there are “so many people in parking lots to chat with.”
Give back. When she moved here from Southern California, in 2005, Carrie Gallagher Crompton “had zero friends and knew nothing about St. Louis except for the Arch.” Then she remembered the Junior League, a volunteer organization that includes about 500 women across the area. “It provided that instant network,” she says. Emma Klues, who works with Great Rivers Greenway, also suggests volunteering: “It’s a great way to meet people who have similar values and interests.”
Enjoy a night out. Activity-focused options have sprouted up in recent years, among them Westport Social, the Up-Down, and Start Bar, which all offer games (including classic and arcade) and drinks. Or consider local breweries, such as The Grove’s Urban Chestnut or Maplewood’s Schlafly Bottleworks, which often host popular events—ideal opportunities to casually mix and mingle.
Consider social apps for more than dating. After moving here from New Mexico, Bailey Schaumburg hung out at coffeehouses and bars, hoping to meet others. “I wanted everything to feel neat and cute, like, we pass each other on the street, wave ‘Hello,’ and then we’re the best of friends.” Initially, they resisted social apps like Tinder and Bumble. Then they reconsidered: “I met one of my best friends through the app Her. We were both just looking for friends.”
