Seeking input and/or advice..or something...

[DrummerDeanna]

So I just moved to a new area - from New Mexico to Rochester, New York - a big huge change.

I know no one here....also a big change...

Now I know people move all the time to places where they know no one....so my question is....how does one meet new people?

I am NOT into the bar scene - so that's out...

I'm not in college anymore...and even when I was I felt as though I'd "aged out" of that group...

So yeah....any suggestions? INput?

I've been here all of two weeks or so...so now I need to meet people...work is okay - but the people there are all older than me...with families etc....

[irishgrl]

one of your best friends is the phone book! especially the index pages...look up stuff you are interested in, and go walkabout...also, the local paper will be full of happenings, you need to get a weeks worth so you will get the events calendar. Also, see if you cant locate your local chamber of commerce and see what they have to say about the area you are in...ask about upcoming events, things like parades or arts and crafts fairs. Another good idea is the parks district, see what sort of sports are offered on a casual basis.

it sounds cliche but the best way to find/meet people is get into what YOU like to do and that way the people you meet while doing what you like will also like it too. If you live near a College, there will be college newspapers with concerts and stuff advertised...and there's always the good old standby: ASK people!!! "What do people do for fun around here?" chances are, you'll get WAY more info than you bargained for! Good Luck, and I applaud your bravery!
I have never moved outside of CA in my life (well, except for a brief stay in Hawaii...)

[DeeGeMe]

Volunteer for a non-profit or similar organization--even a political group--something you have an interest in. If there's a neighborhood organization, get involved with that. If you went to a large College or University, check to see if they have a local alumni group in your area. Some of the larger Colleges & University's have alumni branches all over the country.

[strandinthewind]

Almost all who have met me know I am the most gregarious person on this planet :laugh:

So, I say be outgoing if that is you nature, etc. I also suggest going to the library and looking at the bulletin board. There are usually advertisements for different groups that might interest you. Also, go online and look up the different events that might interest you that are happening in Rochester. Best of luck to you!!!!!!

Just be careful as a single girl in the city should be (sorry Southern male coming out here :cool: )

[skcin]

No bars, huh...what about coffee shops & bookstores? I don't necessarily mean huge chains (Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, etc.) but smaller, local businesses.

As a side note, why Rochester? Just curious. I'm in Buffalo, so every time someone teases us Buffalonians, we usually resort to making fun of Rochester to make us feel better :laugh: Anyway, it'll be a huge change from NM. Please go & buy a warm winter coat & a good pair of boots soon. :)

Paula

[DrummerDeanna]

No bars, huh...what about coffee shops & bookstores? I don't necessarily mean huge chains (Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, etc.) but smaller, local businesses.

As a side note, why Rochester? Just curious. I'm in Buffalo, so every time someone teases us Buffalonians, we usually resort to making fun of Rochester to make us feel better :laugh: Anyway, it'll be a huge change from NM. Please go & buy a warm winter coat & a good pair of boots soon. :)

Paula

ooh! I Ledgie nearby haha!

Well I chose Rochester because I got a job here at a very reputable NPR affiliate station - they have a good reputation with NPR and I would like to eventually end up back there....

Also - I was looking for a change and I do think it's a lovely area so far - at least the suburbs...there are some really sketchy areas in the city...!!

I'm already pricing coats - I've been told to get a down coat - and I've already got a pair of "fuzzy boots".

Anyway - thanks for the input everyone....I hadn't thought about checking library boards- but I will definitely try that - I hadn't thought about meeting new people until I actually moved here....haha...

[skcin]

ooh! I Ledgie nearby haha!

Well I chose Rochester because I got a job here at a very reputable NPR affiliate station - they have a good reputation with NPR and I would like to eventually end up back there....

Also - I was looking for a change and I do think it's a lovely area so far - at least the suburbs...there are some really sketchy areas in the city...!!

I'm already pricing coats - I've been told to get a down coat - and I've already got a pair of "fuzzy boots".

Anyway - thanks for the input everyone....I hadn't thought about checking library boards- but I will definitely try that - I hadn't thought about meeting new people until I actually moved here....haha...

Yup, I'm only about 1&1/2 hours away from ya! As far as the city - yeah, stay away from it, from what I hear. Not fun. And the coat - down is good, so are any of the Columbia coats & jackets.

Paula

[DrummerDeanna]

Well the whole city isn't bad there are just pockets of sketch here and there - and one area dubbed "the crescent" that one really should stay away from.

Unlucky for me I got lost last week driving home and ended up driving through a part of the crescent....man it was rough...I actually saw a drug deal happen...nearly hit some drunk/high kid on a bike...he was just riding in the middle of the road into traffic....

I actually live in the city near the airport and it's a lovely neighborhood - I really like it...

I've been through Buffalo (on my way here) and then I went to the airport there....I'm hoping to explore that area more once I get more familiar with Rochester :)

[dissention]

Coffee shops! You're bound to meet new and interesting people in coffee shops. ;)

[strandinthewind]

Coffee shops! You're bound to meet new and interesting people in coffee shops. ;)

I was going to say that too!!!!!!

[DrummerDeanna]

Well there is a really neat looking coffee shop not far from where I work - so I think that may be my weekend read/write spot. I went last Sunday and there were indeed a lot of lone folks doing just that....but I don't get how you actually meet people that way...do you just approach interesting people? haha...I don't want to come off as creepy here....

I guess over the years I've had the same friends - or met more friends through those friends haha...I have little to no experience just meeting new and completely random people...

anyway coffee shops are definitely my speed...:)

[amber]

You should really start going to bars.... :laugh: Just kidding. Sorry you had to move from New Mexico, It's always struck me as just gorgeous. But anyway, for awhile you should try to have one of those personalities who just smiles all the time and talks to everyone, about anything. I myself am not as much like that, but i have seen it work really well for other people, but strangely, the less they talk about and the more they smile and agree with people and say really benign, meaningless, but nice things, the better it works. Just be really happy about whatever other people are saying, and respond with little meaning, but much happiness and positive generalities, and soon you'll have many friends.
BTW, congrats on your job!!! I was wondering how you were doing... :wavey: :xoxo:
AMber

[Pisces Queen]

You could always try the internet. I have met my boyfriend and some friends on yahoo personals. Coffee shops are also a great idea as well as concerts.

[Patti]

Deanna, when I first moved to Phoenix I didn't know a soul. I got involved in an animal rescue group and quickly made many friends there. Even though I've moved away from Phoenix, I still keep in touch with many of those people and know that I've made lifelong friends. So if there's anything you feel passionate about, volunteer!

Glad to hear you are all settled in and doing well. You and I can both cry the winter blues together, because I haven't been in a cold weather climate in quite a while and you never have!

[DrummerDeanna]

Glad to hear you are all settled in and doing well. You and I can both cry the winter blues together, because I haven't been in a cold weather climate in quite a while and you never have!

:laugh: seriously.

Every person I've met here - literally EVERY person- has said something about winter...I'm looking forward to it though :D Ah Phoenix...I keep wondering why I didn't look for a job there - I love Phoenix - though give me freezing over 23298732987 degree summers any day haha

Animal rescue - that sounds neat - I think I will look into that and see if there are any such groups here - I love animals --I coule get into something like that....

[irishgrl]

Are you a writer? if so, think about keeping a journal of your impressions as a new person in your town. You never know, it could be the germ of a story down the line~

[skcin]

:laugh: seriously.

Every person I've met here - literally EVERY person- has said something about winter...I'm looking forward to it though :D Ah Phoenix...I keep wondering why I didn't look for a job there - I love Phoenix - though give me freezing over 23298732987 degree summers any day haha

Animal rescue - that sounds neat - I think I will look into that and see if there are any such groups here - I love animals --I coule get into something like that....

Don't worry too much about the weather, people love to exaggerate - except for the driving. It's fine once you get used to it, but I recommend going to an empty parking lot when it first snows & just drive around, slam on your brakes, make sharp turns, etc. so you will know how differently a car handles in the snow. Either that or take the bus :D

As far as animal rescue, I know for a fact there's a boxer rescue in Rochester, I'm only assuming there's more for other animals too.

Almost forgot, try Tim Horton's for good coffee & doughnuts. Their English toffee cappacino is to die for. :nod:

Paula