Anyone who has moved to a big city will tell you that a higher population does not always equate with easily meeting new people. Major metropolitan areas, with all their hustle and bustle, can still be isolating–but they don’t have to be. You just have to know where to look!
A big city posed just beneath the warm California sun, San Francisco is the ideal place to meet new people. But with less people in crowded bars and less opportunities for meet-cutes, you might have to adjust your people-meeting strategy in order to find community in the Bay Area. That’s where we come in! From apps, to classes, and everything in between: here are the easiest ways to find community in San Francisco.
Drop in to a class
While not everyone in a group fitness class is there to meet people, any class is bound to give you that community-like camaraderie if only for an hour or so. Whether your goal is to improve your flexibility and achieve zen at Yoga Tree Valencia, or to earn your post-workout smoothie at Barry’s Bootcamp, San Francisco’s group fitness scene lets you do it all. Establishing a routine will likely put you in the same group of regulars, but if your aim is to meet all the new people then dipping your toes in the group fitness pool with ClassPass is the way to go.
Do some good
Sometimes the best way to find community is to give back to it. There are ample volunteer opportunities in San Francisco, but HandsOn Bay Area is dedicated to helping you find the right cause. Working mostly with schools in need and nonprofits, HandsOn has completed over 2,000 volunteer projects and mobilized nearly 30,000 volunteers. Looking for a more specific cause? Try Rebuilding Together, an organization dedicated to conducting home safety repairs for elderly and disabled San Francisco residents, or Musicians On Call–whose mission is to bring bedside “concerts” to bedridden children and seniors. Making friends while making a difference? Sounds good to us.
Log on
“The apps” have gotten a bad rap as of late, but Meetup is attempting to shift the narrative. A community-focused platform, Meetup connects people with shared interests (online and IRL) and is perfect for those looking to find community in a new place. Find your tribe, and attend any number of events for any interest you can think of–from video game competitions, to group hikes. The app is also great for career networking whether you’re a freelancer, looking to move up the corporate ladder, or trying to find your passion.
Find Common ground
Far and away the easiest way to find community in San Francisco is by living at one of our Bay Area homes. Included amenities like WiFi, onsite laundry, professional cleanings, and household supplies are a major draw, but what separates us from the rest is our emphasis on community. Our homes boasts shared spaces which provide endless opportunities for spontaneous meet-ups, and Common-curated events make getting to know the neighbors fun. With the Connect by Common app, you can coordinate with members across the country—meaning your community can be as big as you want it to be.
Common makes finding community easier than ever—no matter where you are. Check out our San Francisco homes and see why our members love the community they have found at Common.
