It’s becoming increasingly common for singles 50 and over to make a fresh start by moving to a new city. Whether because of a divorce, finances, an empty nest, the pull to be somewhere new, or all of the above, they usually want to know the best ways to meet singles in a new city once they have their feet planted on the ground. Fortunately, there isn’t only one way, leaving singles who’ve moved to a new city with plenty of options. So, if you’re considering a move, here are a few suggestions.   

Ask people in your existing network for an introduction. 

When you move (or before that), let your existing network know where you’ve gone and that you're open to connecting with people they know in your new city. Mind you, they don’t have to know the people they’re introducing you to all that well. It could be their colleague, someone they knew from their college days, or the brother-in-law of their sister-in-law. Even if those people don’t become your besties or friends in any way, they could offer information to help you ease into your new surroundings, such as names of healthcare providers, restaurants, and, yes, more introductions. 

Call houses of worship in the area.  

Before you move, Google the denomination of your choice and houses of worship near your new city. Then, call the ones on your list. Ask for the membership office and tell the person there that you are relocating to the area and that you are also single. 

For starters, many houses of worship offer reduced membership rates for singles and events aimed directly at singles. Ask the membership director if they offer both. If they do, see if someone from the specific groups there, either a group leader or a member, can explain more about what they do. If you are visiting before you move and have the time, it can also be helpful in your research to attend a service or two or, if they allow it, an event.  

Tap local chapters of your favorite charitable organizations in your new city.  

Before you get there or once you are there, if you have a charitable organization you have been engaged with or want to get involved now, reach out and see when their next event is. Though these events won’t be specifically for singles, many single people are active in their communities in this way. Apart from meeting other singles, you can make new friends while helping others.   

Join activities and leagues.  

If you like playing tennis or pickleball, find a league you can join. Interested in photography, hiking, or art? There are meetup groups with single members waiting to meet you. Even if you’ve never done a particular activity before, sign up. Learning alongside others can be a wonderful way to bond.  

As you start making friends and acquaintances, don’t be shy about letting them know you are single and available to date. 

Want to know a secret? The best people to play matchmaker are people who are happily married or happy in their relationships. So, don’t limit your new network to only single people. Chat with those who are married or already in a relationship and let them know you’d be happy to be fixed up with someone they know and think would be a good match for you. You can also always go to a matchmaker with a vast network who can advise you on being a better dater. 

As you begin dating, ask people you date who don’t work out to fix you up with someone in their network.  

Picture this: You meet someone you like and go on a date but soon discover you’re not a match or the chemistry isn’t there. However, they were nice, and you like and respect them. They feel the same about you, which is why you part ways on good terms.  

In this scenario, consider asking them if they wouldn’t mind introducing you to someone they know and offer to do the same as you continue on your travels in your new community. Judge the situation to see if a friendship may be possible. The larger your network, the more chances you have to meet other singles.  

Try online dating in your new area.  

If you are familiar with online dating and have a favorite app, reactivate and update your dating profile to reflect your new city. Then buckle up!  

Even if you didn’t have luck with online dating in your old city, that doesn’t mean you won’t have luck now. Cities have different vibes. You probably do, too, given you are in a new town with a new outlook.  

Stay positive while being patient.   

Meeting people you like and feel comfortable with, including other singles, can take time. Though moving to a new city can be lonely, staying positive and giving it time is helpful. Likes attract likes, and if you want to meet someone positive, someone who’s happy with themselves and optimistic about the future, you have to radiate that, too. A blank slate in a new city is just the place to do it.