20 Ways to Make Friends Later in Life

Let’s be honest – making friends in your 30s or 40s can feel harder than anyone admits, especially if you live alone or decide to remain child-free. Life gets busy. People move. Priorities shift. And unlike school or your early 20s, you’re not automatically surrounded by potential new friends all the time. But just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s impossible. In fact, it can actually be better now – because you’re more self-aware, more intentional, and way less interested in surface-level connections.

So whether you’ve moved to a new city, drifted apart from old circles, or just feel ready for a fresh start, here are 20 ways to meet new friends over 40 (or in your 30s) that feel real, doable, affordable, and yes – actually fun.

How To Make Friends in Your 30s and 40s

1. Say Yes to Small Talk

Casual convos at the coffee shop or grocery store may seem insignificant, but they’re often the gateway to connection. It starts small.

2. Join a Recurring Class

Think yoga, pottery, book club, dance, or even a cooking workshop. Seeing the same people weekly helps turn familiar faces into actual friendships.

3. Volunteer for a Cause You Care About

Shared values = strong connection. Whether it’s animal shelters, community clean-ups, or local food banks, volunteering is a great way to meet people organically.

4. Take Your Hobbies Public

If you like writing, knitting, hiking, or photography, join a group that does it together. Meetup.com and local Facebook groups are goldmines for this.

5. Be the First to Follow Up

If you click with someone, don’t wait. Send the text. Suggest coffee. One of the secrets to making friends in your 30s is taking the first step.

6. Try a Local Co-Working Space

If you work from home, it’s easy to feel isolated. A few days a week in a co-working space can introduce you to people with similar routines.

7. Talk to Your Neighbors

Old-school, but underrated. A friendly hello or dropping off extra cookies can turn into genuine connection.

8. Reconnect With Old Friends

Sometimes new friends over 40 are actually former ones you drifted from. A simple “Hey, I was thinking about you” message can restart something great.

9. Join a Group Fitness Class

Spin, barre, Pilates – whatever you enjoy. Endorphins + shared suffering = bonding potential.

10. Take a Solo Trip With a Social Twist

Retreats, hiking tours, or group travel companies are perfect for meeting like-minded women.

11. Start a Monthly Dinner Club

Invite a couple of people you know – and ask them to bring someone new. Rotate hosts, keep it low-pressure.

12. Don’t Underestimate Online Friend Apps

Yes, they exist! Bumble BFF, Hey! VINA, even Reddit communities can be great for meeting women in your area.

13. Ask Friends to Introduce You

If your close circle is small but solid, ask them to connect you with people they think you’d vibe with.

14. Join a Skill-Building Class

Learning something new together, whether it’s coding, painting, or improv, gives you something to bond over quickly.

15. Host a Casual Gathering

Game night, wine and cheese, Sunday brunch. Keep it easy. Invite a few acquaintances and see what happens.

16. Be Honest About Wanting Friends

When someone says “we should hang out”—take them up on it. And tell people you’re looking to expand your circle. You’re not the only one.

17. Go to Events Alone

It’s intimidating but liberating. Start a conversation with someone who also came solo. They’ll be glad you did.

18. Keep Showing Up

Friendships form over time. Keep attending the class, the event, the group. Familiarity breeds comfort.

19. Use Social Media for Good

Instagram and TikTok aren’t just for lurking. Comment, engage, and DM people whose content or vibe you genuinely like. It’s a modern way of saying hi.

20. Be the Kind of Friend You Want to Have

Reliable. Fun. Supportive. Curious. Being open and authentic draws the right people in.

You’re Not Alone in Wanting Connection

It’s so normal to crave friendship later in life. Whether you’re focused on making friends in your 30s or curious about finding new friends over 40, what matters is that you’re open to it – and taking small steps to make it happen.

The right people are out there. They might be one yoga class, DMs exchange, or coffee chat away. And the good news? You’re probably not the only one looking.

Now go say hi.