Moving to San Mateo is an exciting new chapter, but if you don’t know anyone in town, it can also feel a little overwhelming at first. Between unpacking, exploring your new neighborhood, and figuring out where to get the best coffee, finding a social circle might not be your first priority—but it should be! Feeling connected to your new community makes a huge difference in how quickly you feel at home.
Luckily, San Mateo has plenty of opportunities to meet people and make new friends. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for casual social events, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Here’s your guide to settling in and building a social network after moving to San Mateo.
1. Join Local Meetup Groups & Social Clubs
One of the easiest ways to meet people in San Mateo is by joining a local Meetup group or social club. The city has an active community of professionals, hobbyists, and newcomers who are eager to connect.
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Join a local hiking group and explore the trails at Sawyer Camp Trail or Coyote Point Recreation Area.
- Tech & entrepreneurs: If you work in tech or business, check out networking events on Meetup.com or LinkedIn Local Bay Area.
- Book lovers: B Street Books occasionally hosts literary events and book clubs, making it a great place to meet fellow readers.
- Language & culture exchanges: If you’re interested in learning a new language or meeting people from diverse backgrounds, groups like San Mateo Language Exchange are great for casual meetups.
By joining a group based on your interests, you’ll have a built-in conversation starter and an easy way to make new connections.
2. Explore Community Events & Farmers’ Markets
San Mateo has a strong community vibe, and attending local events is one of the best ways to meet people.
- San Mateo Farmers’ Market (held at the College of San Mateo) is one of the best in the area. It’s a great place to meet vendors, chat with locals, and support small businesses.
- Downtown San Mateo hosts seasonal events, such as the Wine Walk, street fairs, and art festivals. Keep an eye on the city’s event calendar to stay in the loop.
- Outdoor movie nights and concerts in Central Park provide a relaxed environment to meet neighbors and fellow newcomers.
Attending community events regularly will naturally help you recognize familiar faces and make it easier to build connections.
3. Become a Regular at a Local Spot
One of the simplest ways to get to know people after moving to San Mateo is by becoming a regular at a local café, gym, or restaurant.
- Coffee lovers: Try 3 Bees Coffee or Backhaus, two popular spots where you’ll see the same faces if you go consistently.
- Breweries & casual bars: Fieldwork Brewing or The Refuge are great places to grab a drink and chat with locals.
- Coworking spaces: If you work remotely, check out coworking spaces like WeWork San Mateo or Hero City—great places to meet other professionals.
- Yoga & fitness classes: Studios like Peacebank Yoga Studio and climbing gyms like Movement Belmont offer a welcoming atmosphere for socializing.
When you visit the same places regularly, you naturally start forming connections with both staff and other frequent visitors.
4. Volunteer & Get Involved in the Community
Volunteering is an excellent way to meet people while giving back to your new community. San Mateo has plenty of opportunities to get involved:
- Animal lovers: Volunteer at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA to help rescue animals and meet other pet enthusiasts.
- Environmental groups: Join San Mateo County Parks Foundation to participate in park cleanups and conservation projects.
- Community outreach: Check out opportunities at Second Harvest of Silicon Valley to help distribute food to those in need.
When you volunteer, you’re surrounded by like-minded people who share similar values—making it one of the easiest ways to form lasting connections.
5. Try Fitness or Hobby-Based Socializing
Another great way to meet people in San Mateo is through group fitness classes, sports leagues, or hobby-based clubs.
- Outdoor lovers: Check out REI’s hiking meetups or go kayaking at Coyote Point.
- Cycling groups: If you’re into biking, the San Mateo Bicycle Coalition organizes group rides around the Peninsula.
- Sports leagues: Join an adult kickball, soccer, or basketball league through the Peninsula Sports Club.
- Creative workshops: Take an art or pottery class at Create Mix and Mingle—a fun way to meet other creative minds.
By engaging in an activity you enjoy, you’ll naturally find others who share your passions.
6. Use Social Media & Neighborhood Apps
San Mateo has an active online community, making it easier than ever to connect with new people.
- Join local Facebook Groups, such as San Mateo Community Group, to ask for recommendations and find out about upcoming events.
- Nextdoor is a great app for meeting people in your neighborhood and staying informed about local happenings.
- Bumble BFF & Meetup.com are great platforms for finding other newcomers who are also looking to build their social circle.
These digital tools can help break the ice and introduce you to potential friends before you even meet in person.
Final Thoughts
Moving to San Mateo is a fresh start, and while it may take time to build a social circle, there are plenty of ways to meet new people and feel at home. Whether you’re exploring local events, joining a hobby-based group, or just becoming a regular at your favorite coffee shop, the key is to put yourself out there and stay open to new experiences.
The more involved you get, the faster San Mateo will start to feel like home.
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