Best Places to Meet New People in Jersey City

You’ve made the move to a new city, full of new experiences waiting to happen. You’ve finished unpacking (more or less) and now it’s time to start exploring and meeting new people. Here are some of the best places in Jersey City to do that.

If You’re Quiet

Introverts like to ease into new situations, and the mix and mingle idea likely ranks right up there with “team building exercise.” Why not explore some of the cultural attractions of Jersey City, where you get a sense of your new home and maybe meet some like-minded people in the process?

Word Jersey City - There is no place better than a bookstore for a book-lover, and Word Bookstores has you covered with book clubs, author events, subscription boxes and even a full-service cafe nestled in the back to have a coffee and a nosh to go with your new book. 

They showcase local authors, and have a full selection of stationery, office supplies and fun mugs. Oh, and they also have a bunch of books and a children’s story time every Saturday.

Museum of Russian Art - If art is more your thing, then the Museum of Russian Art  (MORA) will fit the bill. Originally curated from Alexander Glezer’s private collection, the MORA now has a reputation for showcasing some of the best Russian artists, and provides opportunities for the thriving Russian art market. 

Jersey City Theater Center - Founded in 2006, The Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) supports programming at Merseles Studios and White Eagle Hall. Running core programs of three different thematic series per season, JCTC uses a range of performance and visual arts to explore the themes, culminating in a showcase of spoken word, dance, art, solo-show monologues and other performances.

Jersey City Writers - Do you have a story trying to get out but you don’t know how to go about it? The Jersey City Writers group offers workshops, drop-in meet-ups, writing prompts and camaraderie. And pro tip: Writers know where all the best coffee places are (and the best times you can work there in peace!).

If You’re Single and Ready to Mingle

Jersey City has some spectacular natural scenery so get out and enjoy it and make some new friends. According to Paul Sanders over at GetTheFriendsYouWant.com the three most active meetup groups are the Hudson Valley Hikers, Shore Walkers and Mingle-Around In North Jersey Single Events Adventures. 

You can meet new friends, get some exercise and explore your new area simultaneously. Best part is: A lot of the activities are free or very inexpensive. 

If you love the nightlife, Yelp rates The Upstairs @66 as one of the best places in Jersey City. It has a giant Connect 4, Jenga, arcade games, board games, ping pong, shuffleboard and foosball. 

And if you are looking for somewhere with cool cocktails and shared plates, a local favorite to meet people is at cellar335. If Cuban food is more your thing, then Rumba Cubana will fit the bill with authentic Cuban food and plenty of people to meet.  

(Side note: As COVID restrictions change often, check the venues to see what’s happening before you go.)

If You Like to Volunteer Your Time

One of the best ways to get to know a new place is to volunteer with a service organization. Jersey City has a number of community organizations that are always looking for more volunteers. 

Here are a few, and there is a full list on the Serve Jersey City site:

AngelaCARES: Dedicated to mentoring youth and supporting seniors and their caregivers.
Big Brothers Big Sisters: Four hours a month to mentor a child or youth can make a lifetime of difference. 
Companion Animal Trust: Foster a cat, adopt a cat, save a life.
Jersey City Soccer Association: Act as a coach, sponsor a team, serve on a committee and share your love of football (okay, okay, soccer) with kids. 

If You Like Sports

Jersey City offers lots of outdoor activities year-round, and it’s a perfect way to meet new people. Here are some suggestions for the sports-minded.

New York Road Runners - If pounding the pavement means strapping on your running shoes and going for a run, then the New York Road Runners will be your new best friends. Whether you are a dedicated amateur or someone training for distance runs, this is the group for you. 

They also sponsor events such as the free NYRR Open Run that takes place in and around New York City and the Five-Borough Series. They can also help with charity fun runs.

The Outdoor Club of Jersey City - Biking? Check. Hiking? Check. Kayak/canoe? Check. Skiing? Check. If you are into sports and activities, then this is the club for you. The group organizes an array of outdoor fun year-round.

Adult Sports Intramural Leagues - Baseball, basketball, football, the other football (soccer)—Jersey City runs a variety of adult intramural leagues that lets you get out and have fun.

If You’re Looking for Family Activities

Kids have it easy—they can meet new friends at school. It’s been a bit more challenging for adults, especially with everyone confined to their bubbles for 18 months. Here are some family-friendly things to do where you might meet other like-minded parents, courtesy of Jersey City Families:

RPM Raceway - Italian-made go-karts on a European designed track. Race your family and then hit the arcade, take part in virtual reality games and bowl. 
Liberty Science Center - With exhibitions and a planetarium, the Liberty Science Center has lots of cool things to do for adults and kids. The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium is the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and features different live shows throughout the year. 
Mountain Creek - While this isn’t in Jersey City, it’s a short 90-minute drive. With skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter, waterpark in the summer, bike trails, golf and a kid’s camp, Mountain Creek Resort has something for everyone, including a lodge that has a heated year-round pool, spa and multiple hot tubs.
Lakota Wolf Preserve - Another short 90-minute drive and you can immerse yourself in a wolf pack. The Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia, New Jersey, is home to British Columbian, Timber and Arctic wolves, as well as bobcat, lynx and foxes. 

Not only can you take an educational tour, but even beginner photographers can come home with amazing memories by taking advantage of a guided wildlife photography session. You cannot just show up at the gate, though. You need to make a reservation in advance.

If you’re moving to Jersey City or are already here, and have had enough of trying to figure out  “I wonder what moving box has the thing I need,” get out and explore your new home.

Storage Post in Jersey City has your back. With a wide variety of self-storage units from small lockers to size XL, climate-controlled options and interior loading, plus 24/7 security, elevators, covered loading and dollies and handcarts, we can take care of your property while you go check out the sights.