How do I meet people in this town? (San Francisco, Richmond: receptions, law school)

[7035683216]

You can join professional organizations, cooking clubs, bird watching clubs, book clubs, or speaking organizations. Also the website meetup helps people meet like minded people.

Take a course at a college and keep in touch with your study buddies.

Of course, it will take time to turn the evening friends into people that call you about events.

When you accomplish your goal of meeting new people, please share your experience too. I would love to learn more ways to meet nice people.

Cheers!

[stingray427]

There are tons of clubs in the South of Market area in SF. There is also a big swing club somewhere in Emeryville that has like 3 or more different floors of couples and other events going on. Don't remember name of this place something like power house or something. You can also check out craigslist.org and pick out the lifestyle you prefer.

[stingray427]

Originally Posted by DjRey

It's not that easy in SF.It's not like the East Coast where its much easier to meet people.You kinda gotta go out of your way to meet people sometimes.People in SF aren't the most outgoing. YOU have to be the one that is outgoing, and spark up a conversation.

If you are too friendly or outgoing in SF people will become very suspicious of you figuring you are up to something or want their $$$$

[EllenOlenska]

Is it THAT hard to make friends in SF? What about in Silicon Valley? I am trying to decide where to live after graduation. Thanks.

[tkindred]

Originally Posted by stingray427

If you are too friendly or outgoing in SF people will become very suspicious of you figuring you are up to something or want their $$$$

I hear that all the time. But it doesn't make any sense to me why people here in SF are far more paranoid than other people from cities that are even bigger. Sometimes the beggars, homeless and people wanted you to sign up to pay to save the environment get on my nerves, but I never flat out ignore people like so many do here.

[tkindred]

Originally Posted by EllenOlenska

Is it THAT hard to make friends in SF? What about in Silicon Valley? I am trying to decide where to live after graduation. Thanks.

I can only speak for myself. It has been very difficult for me to meet people here in SF. And I am very outgoing. The behavior of the people here remind of the behavior of a dog that has been kicked around or abused and is now afraid of people. For some reason they have issues in their head about strangers. They get all scared and weird when you approach them.

San Jose/Silicon Valley is a big improvement. There are more people from the outside coming in there. They are more open to others and outsiders. More normal people. Much better.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by tkindred

I can only speak for myself. It has been very difficult for me to meet people here in SF. And I am very outgoing. The behavior of the people here remind of the behavior of a dog that has been kicked around or abused and is now afraid of people. For some reason they have issues in their head about strangers. They get all scared and weird when you approach them.

I think that's just typical big city mentality... if you approached a stranger on the street in NYC, they'd probably clutch their purse (or whatever) and run! I'm a friendly person who will smile & talk to just about anyone, but that's probably unusual for most city dwellers. Guess you just have to meet friends through specific avenues, like others have mentioned - clubs, charities, churches/temples, etc. For instance I am a musician, and have met TONS of great people in my orchestras... just came back from rehearsal with a new group, and the ladies (it's a woman's orchestra) have been incredibly friendly and welcoming. I won't be at all surprised if a few friendships bloom as a result.

[Palmer Eldritch]

Originally Posted by tkindred

The behavior of the people here remind of the behavior of a dog that has been kicked around or abused and is now afraid of people. For some reason they have issues in their head about strangers. They get all scared and weird when you approach them.

We are cool and we have managed to form a click of hip friends but it wasn't easy. We don't like fast friends and we don't like strangers. If you want to meet new people go for the squares who have only been here a few years.

[peteracker2000]

I moved here for a new job and I have an Uncle in Berkeley and a friend in SF. I REALLY need some more people to do stuff with. I am a male and 55 years old. I would be happy to hang out with anyone male or female of any age. I really doubt whether I'm looking for anything more than friendship right now, just chatting and maybe snacking, etc. I am a software developer and a pianinst. I appreciate the advice on this forum. Any of you up for a lunch or going to SFMOMA or something?
Peter

[eureka1]

Try a MeetUp group. Perfectly safe and you'll meet people with similar interests. Join Kiwanis. Volunteer for something.