Hi there! I'm 22(f) and have recently moved back to Warren County after college. The few people I consider close friends live in different states and I'm not even sure any of my old "acquaintances" are still around or even anyone I would consider reaching out to. Aside from my boyfriend, I don't feel like I have anyone to spend real time in person with and have grown extremely lonely. I was hoping to find a job where I could meet people, but as fate will have it, I currently work at a small place with no other co-workers close to my age. I guess what I'm looking for are any meetup groups or just general ideas from people on what to do/ where to go to meet more people my age in this area of NJ. My main interests are art, music, food, and wellness. Please shoot any ideas my way! Thanks in advance :)
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therealpetejm t1_jafolj8 wrote
+100 - When I moved back I joined hiking clubs for young professionals, dog walking clubs, etc... and it worked out well for finding new friends/acquaintances.
ohhyoudidntknow t1_jafjjx9 wrote
That's rough, Warren county is in the middle of nowhere. Best bet would be to join an adults sports league.
wav_24 OP t1_jahi6vz wrote
Was definitely thinking about looking into a sports league, but honestly have never played a sport (did ballet through high school and that's a lonely activity lol) do you know off the top of your head if there are generally any leagues that are absolute beginner friendly?
LonelyAcanthisitta59 t1_jafn7nc wrote
I know people who have had some success meeting people on Bumble Bff. There's also meetup.com which might have some things you're interested in.
Calookalay t1_jafsjc6 wrote
It's tough here, IMO. But maybe it's hard to make new friends as an adult everywhere.
BF_2 t1_jahefcz wrote
Consider hiking groups (e.g., Sierra Club, NY-NJ Trail Conference, Appalachian Mountain Club, or maybe some local groups). Bicycling clubs (Princeton Wheelpersons -- or whatever PC moniker they assumed, Central Jersey Touring Society, etc.). Check out events and classes at county parks and colleges. Consider volunteering (Volunteer Match, or similar sites, maybe a first-aid squad if you're into such). There may even be hope for ski clubs (Princeton Ski Club, or others). SEAS if you're into sailing, or want to be.
Nature clubs are wonderful, but most of the participants will be middle aged or older. Great people, though, if you just want to be around great people: NJ Audubon, local Audubon Societies, Native Plant Society of NJ, maybe even the NJ Invasive Species Strike Team (which likely has younger participants).
YoungManondorf t1_jahg5i1 wrote
If you’re in the Hackettstown area, check out Greene’s Beans on High Street, they’re fairly popular with and staffed by younger people who are very friendly. You could also check the shops on Main Street, plenty of students from Centenary around there. Aside from the usual recommendations about breweries and bars and restaurants, there’s some cool niche art shops and clothing outlets that may have customers or staff you could talk with. I also recommend visiting r/hackettstown if you haven’t already.
There’s a Pinot’s Palette off 57 in Beattystown. I can’t speak to the clientele but it stands to reason you may find people to connect with there.
In the spring I recommend checking out the lavender farm in Port Murray. I’ve seen a few artists and a fair amount of young adults the past few times I’ve gone. It’s a beautiful place to connect over nature and flowers and such.
If you’re willing to go out on a limb, the local SCA chapter is having their annual Mudthaw this March up in Vasa Park in Mount Olive. There’s a fairly large group of locals around your age that I know will be there and they’re very welcoming to newcomers. You don’t need to dress up like a medieval character either, so no worries on that front.
Finally, if you’re simply trying to find one or two people in the area to get to know rather than feeling overly adventurous, I can put you in touch with my fiancé. We moved to the area from out of state and it sounds like you two are in the same boat. Your interests align, too, so you may be able to figure out some more things to do than I was able to think of off the top of my head.
wav_24 OP t1_jahirw1 wrote
Thanks for such a thoughtful answer! I actually worked at Greene's Beans in high school lol, went to HS in Hackettstown but haven't checked their sub so thanks for that. All great suggestions :) Maybe sometime I'll message you and get in touch with your fiancé, where did you move from? Welcome to Jersey!
YoungManondorf t1_jahn6nf wrote
We have roots in Arkansas, but I’m from Jersey originally.
[deleted] t1_jai00m2 wrote
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Meowdave t1_jafmlax wrote
We spend a lot of time in easton. Not sure what part of the county you are in.
grr5000 t1_jafvudf wrote
Lol find a meet up or hobby/interest for that meet up and then go and meet people. Not too difficult, you’ll find a bunch of passionate NJ folks who’ll be friends.
For me it was Falconry, found a club, went to a meet and now hooked. Made a lot of good friends along the way.
gusteris4lvrs4321 t1_jafxpuz wrote
Would you consider checking Easton or Bethlehem, PA out? I know this is a Jersey sub, but might make some cool connections.
wav_24 OP t1_jahht6t wrote
Yes! I actually lived in downtown Easton in 2021 but didn't get to explore much because of COVID and Zoom university lol. Definitely worth going back and hanging out there more especially as the weather gets nicer.
sknights88 t1_jag1q91 wrote
Start playing disc golf, enter some tournaments, and there you go. I may be biased because it's how I make friends as an adult. Any hobbies will work. Just get involved in something you enjoy doing and you'll meet people who enjoy that thing.
CassiLeigh16 t1_jag58ub wrote
Hi… also warren checking in. It sucks! But there are ways. I’m on bumble bff, and joining a sports league in Morristown. Recently started going to trivia nights at bars in Morris county, chatting up some of the regulars while I’m there. Breweries and local businesses where hanging out is the main goal (maybe a coffee shop?) would be the way to go just to be a bit more social
Edit: when you go to hang out with anyone, see if their friends from home are around, etc. My brother’s friends are over all the time, and I’ve started connecting with them more, we started doing game nights and meal prep “parties”. My friend’s friends have just become part of the family now :)
ApplicationNo2506 t1_jagwsuq wrote
If your into working out. Gyms are a good place to meet people your age. Sense of community in helping someone
AchingCravat t1_jah3piq wrote
This. :)
OttoBaker t1_jah61x8 wrote
Some libraries offer foreign language classes; yoga classes, free walkers group (they have planned walks throughout the year), Toastmasters, to name a few. I use to live in WC, and ended up moving because of lack of things to do or being too far away from things interesting to me.
Impressive-Box7983 t1_jahcuon wrote
If your into wellness. Start hiking. Lots of super friendly people.
Affectionate-Show-45 t1_jahghdb wrote
Social media. FB groups. Follow local events and venues. Instagram follow event organizers. Hobbies groups. Bumble and FB have a friend mode on their dating platform.
FerdaCoach t1_jahru7w wrote
My brother recently got divorced and he does a few things. He has joined, i think bumble and bumble has a feature to look for "friends" and not relationships. The other thing he started to do was play pickleball and other activities where you meet people and play together. Maybe find hobbies and activities you may want to do and find them in a group setting. He moves alot and picks up 10 buddies pretty quickly.
arapaima_ t1_jahvso9 wrote
I've had luck using the Meetup app to find local groups and activities. I went on a really nice walk/city tour put on by my town's historical society, and there are lots of other walking/hiking groups I've seen lately.
Also, your situation sounds almost identical to mine and I'd love to get in touch if you're interested! I'm 22f, graduated college, moved to Essex county from the west coast last August, and don't have any friends/family in this part of the country. It doesn't sound like we're the closest geographically but my DMs are open regardless. :)
[deleted] t1_jahhlan wrote
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ZealousMonitor t1_jahs831 wrote
PICKLEBALL. I've lived in my town for 13 years. Only talked to a few neighbors. Discovered Pickleball last summer, and everything changed. I've made scores of friends, not only in my town, but from towns all over north NJ. No prior experience necessary, AND it's great cardio.
It's the fastest growing sport in the US for many reasons. One of the main reasons is, I can have the same amount of fun and cardio playing with my 7 year old kid, as I would with a 77 year old, and every age in between.
Stranger to stranger, TRUST ME. Pickleball is the answer to many of problems facing this country.
wav_24 OP t1_jaj6mmy wrote
You have me convinced! I've never played a legit sport but have wanted to get active with a community of people, this sounds like the answer!
ZealousMonitor t1_jaj7ccr wrote
TRUST ME! Do a search on FB for groups in your area. You'll find more than a few. Get proper tennis court shoes, a paddle (don't over-spend; 50$ or under for your first one), and that's that.
dux18 t1_jafhllg wrote
If you go to places for hobbies, that’s pretty much the best thing you can do. And then talk to people that are there for the same things.