10 Ways to Make Friends + Meet New People in Bergen County
In today’s fast-paced world, balancing personal duties with unpredictable weather and an ever-growing reliance on technology can make it challenging to meet new people. Expanding a social circle or settling into a new area often needs purposeful effort. Bergen County provides a wealth of activities organized to encourage face-to-face connections. From trivia nights to fitness classes and chatting at the nail salon, numerous ways exist to engage with others. Explore our list of 10 ways to meet new people in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Run Around: Join a Running Club or Train for a Race
For those interested in running while meeting others, joining a running group has become increasingly popular. Runners can keep a steady pace and enjoy conversations, making the miles feel more effortless. The Palisades Run Club welcomes runners of all ages + skill levels.
Pedal Your Way to Friendship: Join a Cycling Club
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Along the scenic Palisades Parkway, it’s common to see groups of cyclists enjoying the ride. The Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey provides a great opportunity to stay active, form friendships, and experience scenic biking tours. The Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey also hosts happy hour events, creating an admirable chance to socialize after a rewarding ride.
Read More: The Filling Station Opens Its First North Jersey Location in Westwood
Head to a Dog Park
Photo Credit: Danielle Raskin
- Fort Lee Dog Park | 519 Stillwell Avenue, Fort Lee
- Wood-Ridge Dog Park | 1 Passaic Avenue #22, Wood-Ridge
Dog lovers often find common ground, making dog parks outstanding places for meeting fellow dog owners. Bringing a furry friend to a park can lead to conversations and the possibility of planning doggy playdates. The Fort Lee Dog Park is a magnificent spot that frequently hosts events such as “Paws in the Park” and Halloween costume contests for pets. Additionally, the BG-approved Wood-Ridge Dog Park is a cozy option, ensuring a welcoming environment for pets without overwhelming them.
Move + Grove: Take a New Fitness Class
Finding shared interests can pave the way for new friendships. With various fitness options available in Bergen County, trying a new class provides an opportunity to strike up conversations with fellow attendees, which could lead to friendships, or perhaps a post-class cocktail or mocktail. Here is a list of BG-approved fitness classes in the area.
Flex that Brain Power: Participate in Local Trivia Nights
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- Tommy Fox’s | 32 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield
- The Orange Lantern | 15 East Firehouse Lane, Paramus
- MacMurphy’s | 8 Godwin Avenue, Ridgewood
Trivia nights offer a fun way to engage with friends or meet new faces. The competitive spirit can unite individuals, with events hosted at venues like Tommy Fox’s in Bergenfield, The Orange Lantern in Paramus, or MacMurphy’s in Ridgewood.
Start or Join a Hiking Group
Local Facebook communities in many Bergen County towns make creating a hiking group easy. A quick post asking for fellow hikers can ignite interest in outdoor adventures. There is also the already formed Bergen County Hikers Facebook group, which one can easily join here.
Try a Creative Class
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- From Scratch | 44 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
- Ridgewood Art Institute | 12 E Glen Avenue, Ridgewood
Taking an uncommon class alone or with friends fosters connections. At From Scratch, cooking classes provide a memorable opportunity to meet others while creating delicious dishes. The Ridgewood Art Institute also has engaging classes, from oil painting techniques to mastering watercolor art, with monthly schedules posted online.
Make a Difference: Volunteer Locally
Volunteering presents a special way to connect with others and contribute to a local community. Dedicating time and energy to various causes can build friendships and make a positive impact. Bergen County Volunteers organizes multiple events throughout the year, providing numerous chances for involvement.
Mani/Pedi + Chit-Chat
- Belle Nail Ramsey | 21 Interstate Shop Center, Ramsey
- Horizon Nail + Spa | 505 River Road, Edgewater
- Uni Nail + Spa | 10 Sylvan Avenue #1FL, Englewood Cliffs
While it may seem bizarre, visiting a nail salon can encourage social interactions and help individuals set aside their devices. Many connections have flourished in salon chairs (trust us — we know from experience), as unexpected conversations can lead to new friendships. BG recommended spots include Belle Nail in Ramsey, Horizon Nail and Spa in Edgewater, and Uni Nail and Spa in Englewood Cliffs.
See More: A Guide to Farmers’ Markets in Hoboken + Jersey City
Connect with Fellow North Jersey Locals — Join Our Facebook Group
The North Jersey Locals The Montclair + Bergen Girl Insiders’ Group on Facebook is an awesome platform to connect with locals from Bergen County. This resource delivers useful information on local news, events, and more. Because the community is constantly growing, it’s a good way to stay up-to-date and build relationships.
