According to the Tennessean, around 94 people move to Nashville every day. How crazy is that?! With so many people moving here, it can be overwhelming without a doubt. How do you make friends? Where do you go to get plugged in? How can you feel like you belong when you are possibly hundreds of miles away from your friends and family? We want to give you the resources to find that community of amazing people that can become your second family.

Our first piece of advice is to join a church. There are SO many amazing ones in Nashville! Dedicate a month (just 4 Sundays) to trying out different churches. Then narrow down the options and go for multiple Sundays in a row. If you find one you like, get plugged in! Join a small group, start serving on Sundays. Don’t be afraid. Take the first step, because you won’t regret it. Some church options are: Cross Point (multiple campus locations across Middle Tennessee), Church of the City (multiple locations), The Belonging, Ethos, Journey, and the list goes on and on.

Photos: @thebelongingco + @crosspoint.tv

Second, we encourage you to join a networking group. We know it can be awkward and out of your comfort zone, but you never know who you might meet! There are paid membership groups as well as free networking events/groups depending on what your budget looks like. We are fans ofCreative Souls Tribe, Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP), The Nash Gals, and YP Nashville.

Photos: @thenashgals + @creativesoulstribe

Third, use some of your free time to serve others. It feels amazing to be able to give back and truly invest in your community. Volunteering doesn’t have to be once a week either, it can simply be once a month, and maybe each month you pick a different organization. Some popular organizations include Hands on Nashville, Habitat for Humanity, Nashville Rescue Mission, Thistle Farms, Second Harvest Food Bank, or the animal shelter.

Next on our list is joining a gym. Now don’t tune us out if you don’t regularly workout! This option is not only beneficial to your health, but a good way to meet people that you might not normally cross paths with! There are several gyms in town including Verticity, GetFit615, Climb Nashville, Crossfit, East Nashville Running Group, Inner Light Yoga, Pepper Boxing, Studio Novo, and so many more. You can also join ClassPass and go to multiple gyms instead of just having a membership at one!

Photos: @getfit615

This may not be a popular way of thinking, but you can always join a dating app! Bumble is a solid option for dates as well as finding friends and networking opportunities. The dog park can be a fun place to meet other parents to furry 4 legged friends. And don’t knock Facebook groups either!

At the end of the day, Nashville is your home now. You have to make the most of this opportunity and your time here! Take a minute to get familiar with the area, but then don’t be afraid to jump right in. You got this!

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Kelsey Smith, a Nashville Guide writer
I'm one of those people that will tell you Texas is the best state and Nashville is the best city. You can find me touring on the road (selling t-shirts or being a PA) or at a local coffee shop (most likely The Well) hanging out with friends. 
Instagram: @riotkelsey // Email: kelseymariah14@gmail.com