Finding Community in a New City: Making Friends in Dallas 

One is the loneliest number—especially when moving alone to a new city. Leaving behind a job, family, friends, and familiar places can be difficult. In between finding a new grocery store, hunting down the closest dog park, and figuring out how to commute to your work, you need to make new friends.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs tells us that love and belonging are critical to our safety and happiness as humans. No matter how deep into Goblin Mode we go, we cannot live our lives completely alone. So, moving to a big city like Dallas without knowing anyone there feels intimidating.

But, you don’t have to prepare for your move alone. AptAmigo can help you find the perfect neighborhood to live in and the perfect apartment there because where you live in Dallas might determine how and how easily you make friends. 

Related: What to Expect When Moving to Dallas Alone

What Are the Locals in Dallas Like?

With 1.34 million residents just in the city of Dallas proper, there are plenty of people to get to know. Dallas is the third most populated city in Texas and ninth in the United States. The median age is 32.4 years for males and 33.5 years for females. Dallas also ranks twelfth in the US for its large gay, lesbian, and transgender population.

Locals will vary widely depending on where in the city you live. Downtown is flooded with Fortune 500 companies and serious, ladder-climbing professionals. The Medical District is home to multiple hospitals and all the healthcare personnel needed to operate them. Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts District attract artists and entertainment-seekers. Even the suburbs express different personalities depending on which direction you head.

Overall, the people in Dallas are warm and welcoming. There’s something to be said about the old-fashioned Southern charm you’ll find here (though, just know that if someone says, “bless your heart,” they aren’t complimenting you). While people abound, it can be difficult to actually meet them and make friends. So, here are some ways to make friends, both online and in person, in Dallas.

Where & How to Meet People in Dallas

Online Resources for Making Friends in Dallas

• Gaming: The world wide web may connect us all over the globe, but it can also connect you with people right in your neighborhood, so search for local gamers to spend some time with online.
• Work: A lot of work happens remotely these days, so you may end up connecting with your coworkers virtually or even via messaging apps. Getting to know your coworkers is important since about 34% of people find most of their friends through work.
• Meetups: Meetup.com is a great place to find your next group, whether they meet online or in person. Promoting activities and interests from book clubs to rock climbing, there’s a meetup for everyone.

Making Friends in Dallas in Real Life

• Bars & Restaurants: Find a Dallas eating, drinking, or social group (like this DFW Foodies Group on Facebook) and go meet up with them at your local watering hole or taco truck.
• Outdoor Activities: Outdoor recreation lovers rejoice when you get together for intramural athletics, recreational sports, or other Events & Adventures (good for dating, too) around Dallas.
• Conventions: From the Quilters Guild show to Fan Expo Dallas (like a ComicCon), there are plenty of events and conventions for those with diverse hobbies and interests where you can meet people.

Looking for Love in Dallas (or Not)

Of course, you might be looking to find an extra special friend and start dating in your new city. That works in Dallas as well! A report from Bumble shows that Dallas is the tenth-best city in the nation for dating.

You can go the traditional route with general sites and apps like Bumble, Tinder, OkCupid, Coffee Meets Bagel, Match, eHarmony, and others. Specialty sites, such as those for people over 50, those for people with pets, and even super specialty apps like Farmers Only and Allergic Attraction are also available and popular.

Or, opt for a more personal meetup with local services and speed dating. Companies such as Dallas & Fort Worth Singles and The Dallas Dating Company are ready and waiting to match you up with your new Dallas beau.

As you prepare for your move to Dallas, keep in mind that we provide some great resources to guide you through the process. For instance, learn what to do before moving here, and find out the cost of living so that you can budget accordingly.

Finding Your Dallas Neighborhood

A lot of your experience in Dallas will depend on where you live. As we mentioned, every neighborhood has a different feel, and you’ll connect with the people there differently. AptAmigo offers neighborhood guides for places like Uptown (great for young professionals), West Dallas (an up-and-coming neighborhood), and Knox-Henderson (a perfect mixture of family-friendly and entertainment).

How to Find Your Dallas Apartment

Finding the right place to live is critical to your experience in Dallas. Even if you’re moving to the city alone, you don’t have to be alone for apartment hunting. Contact AptAmigo today! Our apartment-locating specialists will listen to what you want and help you choose the perfect neighborhood and building to get it.