Where does your BFF live? As much as we might love to be next door neighbors with the friends we love most, few of us are that lucky. Many of us may live thousands of miles away from our favorite people, or even in a different country. Or, maybe you don’t have a current bestie and you’re looking form a special bond with new friends. For example, if you’ve transitioned to a new life stage — like motherhood or retirement — it can sometimes be a challenge to find common ground with your existing friend group.
In other words, if you’ve been feeling lately like your community of women is ever-shrinking, you’re not alone. (And even though we’ve always got FaceTime as a way to reconnect, virtual meetings just aren’t the same as a good old fashioned face-to-face dinner or brunch!) The good news is there are countless ways to meet women who not only share your interests (ahem, like investing!) they also live in your city. Here’s a look at a few of our favorite apps that will help you make new connections and create new long-lasting friendships.
Bumble BFF
Cost: Free
You may recognize Bumble as a dating app where women make the first move, but they’ve also created a friendship-only version that helps ladies meet new pals. Much like the romantic version, you set up a profile about your interests and hobbies, and then you can swipe right and left on women who live in your area. (And if you’re already in a relationship and want to remove Bumble Date from your app altogether so you can focus on girlfriends, you can! Here’s how.)
Download on Apple and Google Play
Skout
You could call Skout the ultimate friend-finding app. With users in more than 180 countries, Skout allows you to find friends wherever you are: your local park (running buddy, anyone?), your favorite concert venue (Swifties, amirite?) or even your favorite brunch spot. You can even set your preferences to find a new friend in another state or country if you’re planning a move, or if you’re just looking for a dinner companion during an upcoming vacation. Before you meet your friend in person, you can chat, send photos and even virtual gifts to one another.
Download on Apple and Google Play
Peanut
Cost: Free
From the moment you see the positive sign on a pregnancy test, your world feels as if it’s been flipped upside down. And as you get closer to birth, you have endless questions that only fellow mamas can answer. The same is true for each stage of raising a kid — from infant days to toddler and teenagers. That’s why Peanut was created: to provide a place for mothers to connect on fertility, pregnancy, menopause, motherhood, and more. You can match with friends, join groups, ask questions — and even listen to live podcasts with experts.
Download on Apple and Google Play
Nextdoor
Cost: Free
While it may be exciting to meet women from all over the world, you could be hitting your limit on virtual exchanges. If you crave the connection of those in your neighborhood, consider downloading Nextdoor. Here, you’ll be connected to your neighbors based on your home’s address. You can meet friends, get involved in the local community, attend events, ask for recommendations — and so much more.
Download on Apple and Google Play
Hey! Vina
Cost: Free
This app describes itself as the ‘Tinder for (Girl) Friends,’ and it truly lives up to its name. It’s all about finding women on the same page and looking for a support system in their area. It’s also a fun experience: you can take personality quizzes to help you find your right friend match or swipe through profiles on your own.
Download on Apple and Google Play
Meetup
Cost: Free
While Meetup isn’t specifically for finding new friends, it is one of the most diverse — and oldest! — apps for local events. There’s something for everyone here, from wine fans and dog lovers to crafters and skiers. The goal is to seek people who share your hobbies and interests, attend an in-person (or virtual) event, and get your friendship budding. You can also create your own event, make a group of people you’ve met, so you don’t forget their names, direct message folks, and more.
Download on Apple and Google Play
Friended
Cost: Free
If you’re still feeling unsteady about in-person exchanges, but you want to expand your community, Friended could be the best middle ground. With this app, you start by sharing a short message (they call an ‘icebreaker’), and then you wait for responses. The hope is you’ll find those like-minded, cultivating new friendships. Additionally, you can play games with other users, take personality quizzes and more.
Download on Apple
Meet My Dog
Cost: Free
If you’re a dog mom, you know how big of a role your dog plays in your life. And, another pup parent would definitely relate. With this app, you not only create a profile about yourself but about your fur baby, too. You will connect with other doggo parents in the area, allowing you to set up playdates, hikes and other opportunities to connect in person. Plus, if you need a recommendation for a groomer, vet or dog walker, you’ll find this app’s newsfeed invaluable.
Download on Apple and Google Play
More Must-Have Apps:
- 8 Free Productivity Apps
- The 6 Best Apps for Splitting Bills with Friends
- 10 Money Management Apps That Will Save You Money
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