Moving out of the city and into a small town. It made a night and day difference. Neighbors became people you actually know and talk to rather than just another stranger like the thousands of others on your block. Another commenter really nailed the difference in behavior between home owners who have a 30 year stake in the neighborhood, and renters who will probably be gone next year.

Church. Attending is a step up from nothing, and volunteering is a huge step up from attending.

I go through event listings on fb, meetup, and various other sources and just bookmark and visit random events that spark my interest. I visited a city planning debate this week, and next week I'm going to see a waste processing plant.

Few months ago I found a recurring event where a small group of strangers discuss deep topics from a deck of cards with questions, which are often very personal. This was probably the most impactful, I've met some new friends there.

Generally though, it's a funnel. Sometimes you find somebody, sometimes not, I just try to make a lot of opportunities.

Just being able to choose people you spend time with is a huge plus. When you are in school, you are forced to be with some people, and see them everyday despite not liking them even a bit. Growing up fixed this. Now I can choose.

What worked is volunteering in charitable activities, organizing programmes and camps, deliberately choosing some people and making time to see them regularly. That's about all.

meetup.com