Making friends in dallas area?

Posted by A_kernel_of_cornn@reddit | Dallas | View on Reddit | 51 comments

I've had meetup since before the pandemic but all the groups I'd meet with no longer meet since covid happened and it's hard to find people with similar interests and age range.

Where I work there is no one my age (mid 20s), which is totally fine and I really enjoy all my coworkers, but I've found it really hard to relate to them interests wise because they're much older and in different places in life.

Everytime I bring this up to people they'll tell me go to bars or go to clubs but I can't drink due to medical reasons so I really do not enjoy that atmosphere.

I'm just trying to find anywhere you can just hang out with people in the 20-30s age range that aren't really part of the I guess party crowd? I wouldn't mind going to settings like that with people I know and trust and I just be their designated driver, it's just going to something like that for the first time in my life on my own completely by myself to meet people sounds awful to me. Naturally I am a more cozy setting type of person.

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JustMeInBigD@reddit

The Meetup app still works even if the groups you started with broke up. (I disbanded my meetup during the pandemic too because it still cost money every month to manage a group even if you couldn't meet in person.)

Search meetup for things you're interested in and you should find some groups. There are a ton of active groups on Meetup - some in very niche areas and other more just about getting together.

I don't know if it's still active but there was a group that would just meet for coffee once a week at different places and try different coffees or just discover new coffee shops. I'm still a member of one that schedules restaurant dinners for 6-8 people regularly. I had fun going a few times but don't anymore, just because I'm really busy.

There are several meetup groups for gamers, and all kinds of other interests. If you want to make friends, you absolutely have to be able to identify some things you enjoy, and then search Meetup as well as social media and even just Google for [that particular interest] + [city or neighborhood I live in].

Someone suggested the club scene and the concerns about it you mentioned seem valid. But if you go to a weekly activity like Trivia Nights, karaoke, open mic, Music Bingo at a bar or brewery, that would likely be less awkward and give you something to do beside drink. I met my best friend about 30 years ago because we went to TGIFridays on Wednesday nights to play the trivia game.

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A_kernel_of_cornn@reddit (OP)

I went back to meetup to look first when I seen my groups were inactive but I think my issue is all the groups are I guess usually about my age range like gamers or anime fans etc. meet online which I'd like to talk to people and hang out with them in person (I am a streamer so I already hang out daily with people online and its just not the same) and the few groups that meet in person for crafting or crochet they're all people about my mother's age which I already tried since I figured I could get along with them fine since we have similar hobbies but as it turns out we are just way too different haha

I was all for like oh I'll just make my own meetup but then as you said I realized it cost money I don't have at the moment so that was a bust.

A coffee shop meet up does sound interesting! I might have to look into it, I only hesitate with coffee related things because I'm actually allergic to coffee 😂 like I swear all my interest conflict is so annoying- I like sterotyoically older demographic hobbies but want to hang out with younger people my age, I want to be in cozy settings but the sterotyoically cozy setting serves generally only the thing I'm allergic to (though I have seen some coffee shops that sell tea so I'm definitely going to look into that)

The clubing scene though I'm honestly completely unaware how any of that works, I've never even seen a club in person I think 😂 so I didn't know there were things like activity nights, things like that actually sound not too bad and fun to attend. I'm 100% going to look more into that.

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JustMeInBigD@reddit

Also, I have found Bryan Street Tavern and Grapevine Bar to be very friendly places. Bryan Street Tavern has trivia nights on Wednesdays at 8 pm. (I like their pizza, so you could just go and enjoy a pizza and observe the trivia game. Or if you're feelin' brave, see if anyone needs an extra team member. It's fun!

The Grapevine Bar has their trivia nights on Tuesdays at 7 pm.

Hope some of this helps!!

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JustMeInBigD@reddit

I don't drink coffee either (not allergic, but just don't like it.) But I love coffee shops. I get iced tea (which they always have, but some will have lemonade or soda or sparkling waters) and usually a pastry. Maybe we could have a couple of r /dallas meetups at coffee shops. I arranged one at the Dallas Farmers Market once - that was nice because folks could grab food and drinks from a number of places and then sit together at one table to eat and drink and chat.

But also, here are some groups that might work for you. (If they don't no worries. You got good suggestions in this thread and it looks like you'll take advantage of at least some of them. You're gonna be fine. Try to make the goal of a night out just to have fun and be friendly. The rest of it will come.)

Dallas and Chill - youngish age group - meets about once (or twice) per month for a variety of laid-back activities

Dallas Social and Dining Group - looks like a mix of ages, meets in person for dinner or some other event at least once a month.

DFW Social Group - mix of ages, but looks mostly young. Meets every Wednesday night. You have to join on Meetup to see the details.

Twenties Club Dallas - Age range is 21-31. They meet at least once a week, mostly for happy hours, but also for other activities (coffee and chit chat, group visit to the State Fair)

Explore Dallas - This one is a social and networking group. Might or might not be a fit for you but they do have regularly scheduled in person meetups. They mention their IG, so maybe that's the best place to find out more about them. IG: u/exploredallasnetworking

Dining in Dallas - meets for dinner several times a month. Dinners are generally limited to the first 6-8 people who sign up and they use a wait list to either reserve for a larger group OR to bump people up if someone cancels. This is one of the groups I'm a member of, though I haven't attended an event in quite some time.
They may be a bit older than you, but they were significantly younger than me (50s at the time) so you can probably enjoy a couple of dinners with them.

DFW Young and Social club is both on Meetup and have their own website and their own facility. Their age specification is 21-40. The pics of events look like the attendees are on the young side of that. They have some events you can attend for free, but there is also a membership option to get discounts on classes/activities.

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Ok-Number1156@reddit

Anyone interested in Dallas Trinity FC home game?

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jd1332@reddit

For sure

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bepeacock@reddit

my partner and i are in the same boat struggling to figure out how to meet new (gay) friends outside of the drinking scene. he is 8 months recovery. we are up in little elm. i’ve met a few coworkers turned friends through the company’s BRG. we tried meet up a couple times and didn’t jive. it’s tough.

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jd1332@reddit

Shawnee trail cycling club is a cycling group near you. Shawnee trail is $25 per year. Stcycling.com. There’s also Plano bicycle association.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/CDQpKB1gaYKyUgiz/?mibextid=K35XfP

I remember Thursday night social run had a gay couple in it. Thursday night social run can be found of Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/NzgH7e49VzdxUMGh/?mibextid=K35XfP

https://www.facebook.com/share/B5q5B8wXFPrr9joV/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

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BitGladius@reddit

I'm definitely the wrong person to give advice, but the number one thing is consistency. You made friends at school because you interacted with them every day. Find somewhere you like hanging out and go there around the same time every week and you'll start to recognize the other regulars, and they'll start to recognize you. I've been trying at barcades (the bar isn't the focus) since I've gotten into the rhythm games, and if you sit down at a fighting game cabinet someone will show up.

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FriendEmbarrassed497@reddit

Following. Looking for some people to hang out with!

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dayimpala28@reddit

Do you like board games or theatre at all? My (25F) boyfriend (26M) and I play board games. We just moved here w/ our other roommate (28M) and are looking for more friends!

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FriendEmbarrassed497@reddit

I would be down for some board games! I'm in SE of dallas!

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Gold_Ad_1981@reddit

Run clubs! I’ve met a lot of people

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friskevision@reddit

My friend just did this app called Timeleft. It matches you up with 5 people to meet for dinner on a Wednesday. She went once and enjoyed it. I’m thinking about trying it.

Be warned, it costs to use the app. First time is $16.

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itsjustinternetbro@reddit

What an idea to execute! What's the fee structure like after first time?

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friskevision@reddit

They have a monthly subscription. Not sure of exact prices.

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Aquabaybe@reddit

I did this a few months ago and it was a success. We all hit it off immediately and are still hanging out pretty regularly too. We actually just celebrated a friends birthday over the weekend.

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friskevision@reddit

Nice! Makes me feel better about trying it.

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Aquabaybe@reddit

Definitely doesn’t hurt. I thought it was a good, low-stakes way to put myself out there as a new person in the city. I’ve done it twice now - first one really set the standard on how I think this should work, but the second time wasn’t so bad, just didn’t click as well but I am still in touch with two from that dinner, so I’d still say it was successful.

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mutatedcicada@reddit

Are you me? Haha. I was/am in the same boat. I’m also mid 20s where most of my coworkers are late 30s+

I struggled with this for awhile since i started realizing that outside of college i was having a hard time meeting other people around my age.

I know you mentioned you don’t like clubbing, but it’s the best place i was able to meet other people in their 20s personally. You don’t have to drink if you don’t want to(i rarely do). You just have to be firm, and cool about it. Just go out there and have a good time. Plenty of people there are on their own and are also looking to meet new people/make new friends. Heck i met a dude who also loved playing Rocket League there, which is a game i used to play a long time ago and we bonded over that.

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A_kernel_of_cornn@reddit (OP)

I guess I'm worried that I'd be going to a setting like that one or two times to meet people who want to go to a setting like that all the time (?) Idk if I'm explaining what I mean correctly 😭 - like if I go there I know I'll just not be enjoying myself but will meet people who are enjoying themselves there so I fear they would just mainly want to do activities like that when I'm more of a lets get dressed up cute and go sit in a cafe and draw art or let me listen to you talk about the novel you're writing kind of person and I'd hate to I guess force people to do things they'll probably think are boring if they become my friend (?) If I'm making any sense

I'm not sure if this is the case ofc - I just have 0 experience in that kind of scene because I came of drinking age right when covid hit where I could be allowed into places like that and my family is full of people who do not drink or party so it's all very new stuff to me

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mutatedcicada@reddit

That's a fair point, but I do think it's worth trying out at least a few times. There are people from all walks of life who go there. You could meet someone who likes those activities you mentioned as well. I didn't like clubbing at first because the scene kinda turned me off, but it was great just kicking it with random people who I could choose to get their number/socials or never talk to again without much issues.

Apart from that I remember asking some other friends on advice regarding this, and the common theme that came up was coffee shops! I feel like if that's more of your preferred environment then that's a great way to meet people too! Just strike a conversation with someone, like "hey I'm new here, have any drink recommendations?" with someone and take it from there.

I've also heard good things regarding Hinge, so I'd give that a shot too.

You got this!

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jd1332@reddit

Come ride your bike with one of the many cycling groups In Dallas. What days and times are you available?

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A_kernel_of_cornn@reddit (OP)

I would love to cycle but I don't have a bike atm and can't afford to get one, it's definitely on my list of things to invest in soon though. That's another issue, I am very athletic but a lot of groups seem to require equipment I can't afford at the moment so I have been searching for local groups that are just do jogging or running or any other activity that just requires your body and athletic wear.

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jd1332@reddit

Oh man so many running groups.

White rock running cooperative (Facebook) I know they run Wednesdays and Saturdays Run it up Dallas (Instagram) tue Sat Sun? Oak cliff run crew (Instagram) for sure Thursday Thursday night social run (Facebook) just Thursday Addison circle running club (Facebook)

Do you know what size bike you are? How tall are you?

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Equatorial_Guinea@reddit

playing pickleball is what i do to socialize lol. you put your pickleball racket in the queue thing and play with 3 random strangers, then get off the court and do it again with 3 more random strangers, it’s a fun way to meet people

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A_kernel_of_cornn@reddit (OP)

I have been a bit curious about pickleball since it suddenly became so popular- is it anything like tennis? also are the rackets expensive / is it expensive to use a court?

I am actually a tennis player but tennis players are not common outside of a college setting it seems 😭 and tennis rackets are crazy expensive but their courts are free so I'm just trying to get a gage on where pickleball lies on the specturm of racket sports

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Equatorial_Guinea@reddit

There's some outside courts like Cole Park and plenty others I don't remember which you can play for free, usually you put your racket on the side where there's a thing with slots and that's the queue. I know of some indoor courts that let you play for like 10 bucks, the leagues is where it gets expensive lol. But I don't play in those. If you play tennis then pickle ball should sort of come naturally. I have gotten pretty good with like a 40 dollar racket I got at Target.

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lostmisfittoyscom@reddit

Where can you play in DFW?

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Fun-Conclusion-269@reddit

Cole park in uptown

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spattybasshead@reddit

Movement Climbing Gym

It’s a really welcoming environment, and a good way to exercise at whatever stakes you want… go easy, go hard, we all just hang out 🙂

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A_kernel_of_cornn@reddit (OP)

I actually went to the movement gym in plano really often in the summer when they had their membership sale! It was honestly super great but it's so expensive I can't afford to go consistently enough now that the sale is over since I'm a new grad and my current job doesn't pay enough 😭 (trying to find a higher paying one atm) - hopefully in the future I'll get to go consistently again though, 11/10 the best few months I haf working out ever

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k8himesama@reddit

bumble bff!! also something i’ve yet to try but is popular on dallas tiktok is TimeLeft app! they pair you with compatible people to get dinner with all planned out for you :)

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MuscleMemory67@reddit

Just stinks that the dinner is only Wednesday nights. During the work week I cant go out bc of gym and work.

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k8himesama@reddit

yea hopefully they open up more days when it grows!

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MuscleMemory67@reddit

Where can I meet other people that are into weightlifting, bodybuilding, working out? I'm looking to meet people on the weekends bc during the week I go to the gym at 5am and it's all older people I'm mid 30s. I'm also into house and techno music.

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CatteNappe@reddit

Think about volunteering. https://www.voly.org/

Look for opportunities that are consistent, not just a one time event, and over time you will meet others who have an interest in the same issue or cause. Visit, and "interview" the organization and site before committing to get a feel for the kinds of people who volunteer there, and what the atmosphere is like.

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RedCloverDispatch214@reddit

Meetup app

Dallas Running clubs

LoneStar Sport and Social Club

Go to local bars and restaurants to socialize alcohol free. Ask for the Vodka and Tonic with no Vodka 😂

Or just take a class at a community college or local university if your looking to associate with 20 year olds

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Sibbour@reddit

Check out DFW Young Social

https://www.dfwyas.com/

It's like a big tent organization that coordinates tons of meet ups, from dance class to board games to hiking.

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aldaybullyz167@reddit

There is a group on Facebook that walks the bridge in Dallas on Thursdays lot of young men and women maybe you can find friends there unless you want to be a pothead with me 😂

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Bodwest9@reddit

Pickleball at Cole park; also the church across the street from Cole park has a great young adults group.

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franky_riverz@reddit

Well, if anyone else here is looking for a friend you can always DM me and we can talk and maybe hang out one day

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HRApprovedUsername@reddit

ah yes the weekly how do I make friends in Dallas post. Hopefully, I will actually make friends from this one this time

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nashgrg@reddit

Well we can be friends :)

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Natural-Wash4342@reddit

Quarter Life Club is hosting an event this weekend I think, kinda similar to TimeLeft that another user mentioned https://www.instagram.com/qtrlifeclub?igsh=ZHV1YXNkMnYwY243

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LostAt_See@reddit

I’m in the exact same boat, recently moved here

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TakeATrainOrBusFFS@reddit

You could join one of these local advocacy groups. I’ve made lots of friends through those.

Since you specifically mention not wanting to drink, check out Zero Proof Social

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