New to Long Beach? Join These Community Groups to Make Friends Fast

Moving to Long Beach is exciting. You have the beach, great food, and easy access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. The harder part is usually figuring out how to make friends in Long Beach once you arrive.

The good news is that Long Beach is a very social, community driven city. If you are wondering how to make friends in Long Beach as an adult, local groups and events are one of the easiest ways to plug in. No awkward cold approaches at the bar required.

As a Long Beach-based Realtor and community organizer, I have hosted over 900 local events since 2020 and built a community of more than 6,000 members across Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County. I primarily post events on Meetup and Eventbrite, and I also share them on Instagram, Facebook, Nextdoor, and directly on my join our community page so people can easily find a way to join in. If you prefer Eventbrite, you can also follow my events on my Eventbrite profile.

In this guide, I will walk you through why Long Beach is great for connection, simple ways to meet people, and the kinds of groups you can join right away.

1. Why Long Beach Is Perfect For Community Seekers

Long Beach has a little bit of everything in a compact area. You can go from paddleboarding in the bay to grabbing tacos or a local craft beer in a few minutes. That mix of walkable neighborhoods, outdoor activities, and local businesses makes it easy to meet people who enjoy the same things you do.

The key is to put yourself in places where connection is already built into the experience instead of trying to network from scratch. When you show up where people are already gathered around a shared activity, most of the hard work is done for you.

2. How To Make Friends In Long Beach As An Adult

If you just moved to Long Beach or you are looking to expand your circle, start with a few simple habits.

Start with your interests

Think about what lights you up. Is it being on the water, trying new restaurants, playing golf, or just having a drink after work with good conversation.

When you pick events based on what you already enjoy, you are more likely to meet people you naturally click with and conversations feel much easier. You are not trying to “sell” yourself. You are just showing up as you are.

Pick recurring events, not just one-offs

One time events are fun, but community happens when you see the same faces more than once. Look for weekly or monthly meetups so you can build real friendships over time.

You can always browse my upcoming events and community calendar to find a few that fit your schedule. You might come for the social event and leave with new friends and a better feel for local neighborhoods.

Show up a little early

Arriving ten to fifteen minutes early gives you a chance to talk with the host, settle in, and meet people one on one. It is much easier to start a conversation before a space is fully packed.

As the host, I try to greet people when they arrive so they do not feel like they are walking into a room of strangers. Think of me as your built in “community ambassador” for the night.

Set a small goal for each event

Instead of putting pressure on yourself to “meet a bunch of people” set a simple intention. For example, talk to three new people or stay for at least an hour.

These small goals add up and help you feel successful after each event. Over time, you stop feeling like the new person and start recognizing familiar faces.

3. Community Groups I Host In Long Beach, LA, And OC

Here are some of the groups I run under the Living LA and OC umbrella that are designed to help people connect quickly and comfortably. Most of these events are listed on Meetup and Eventbrite, and many are also shared on Instagram, Nextdoor, and on my join our community page, so you can join in wherever you spend your time online. If you like using Meetup, you can also follow the groups directly there.

Living LA and OC

Living LA and OC is the main social community that brings everyone together. We host happy hours, Taco Tuesdays, holiday mixers, game nights, and networking style events for people who want to meet new friends throughout Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County.

We also host speed dating events for fun through this group. So far, we have run over 10 speed dating nights, created plenty of matches, and even celebrated one marriage that I know of, with a few more couples clearly headed in that direction. If you are open to meeting people in a more structured (and fun) setting, these events are a great option.

You can check out the group on Meetup here:
Living LA and OC

Best for: anyone new to the area or locals who want a social circle outside of work and are open to trying new spots and supporting local businesses.

Paddle LA and OC

Love the water or want to try paddleboarding for the first time. Paddle LA and OC hosts group paddles, sunset sessions, and occasional cleanups that let you enjoy the bay and build community at the same time.

We also mix in themed events throughout the year, like our Annual Halloween Costume Contest Paddle and a Naples Scavenger Hunt we recently wrapped up. A fan favorite is our Annual Christmas Light Paddles through the Naples Canals, where we add a fun costume contest for the best dressed and most festive board.

This year’s Christmas Light Paddles are scheduled for
Saturday, December 13 at 4:00 pm and
Thursday, December 18 at 5:00 pm.

You can find upcoming paddles on Meetup here:
Paddling LA and OC

Best for: active people who enjoy being outdoors and do not mind getting a little wet and maybe a little sore the next day.

Golfing LA and OC

Golfing LA and OC is a SCGA approved group that runs regular rounds, range nights, and occasional golf trips. We welcome newer golfers and experienced players who just want a fun group to tee it up with.

You can see our golf events on Meetup here:
Golfing LA and OC

Best for: golfers who want a relaxed group that still takes the game seriously enough to improve, have fun, and enjoy a post round hang.

First Time Home Buyers And Sellers Group

This group is focused on education and connection for people who are thinking about buying or selling in the next few years. We host seminars, Q and A nights, and casual meetups where you can ask questions in plain language and connect with others who are on the same journey.

You can follow the group on Meetup here:
First Time Home Buyers and Sellers Group

Best for: renters, first time buyers, and owners who are planning a move and want a trusted local advisor in their corner.

4. Other Great Groups Around Long Beach, LA, And OC

Of course, I am a little biased and I think my groups are the best. But one of the things I love about Long Beach, LA, and OC is that there are a lot of great groups out there.

I know some amazing communities that host weekly happy hours, game nights, trivia, boating meetups, and art groups, and I like to check some of these out myself to keep expanding my own circle in the community. If you ever want suggestions beyond my events, I am always happy to point you toward other groups that might be a good fit for your interests and personality.

5. Tips To Get The Most Out Of Any Local Event

A few simple habits can turn casual events into real community, no matter which group you join.

• Introduce yourself to the host. It helps you feel more anchored and they can introduce you to others.

• Use names and ask simple questions: where did you move from, how did you find this group, what do you like to do on weekends.

• Connect after the event. If you had a good conversation, swap Instagram handles or numbers and follow up.

• Come back. The second or third event is where you stop feeling like the new person and start feeling like part of the group.

If you decide that Long Beach or the surrounding area might be where you want to put down roots, I also host educational sessions and seminars to help you understand the home buying process in plain language. You can see upcoming classes and resources on my real estate education page. No pressure, just information when you are ready for it.

6. Ready To Plug In? Here Is How To Join Us

If you are serious about making friends in Long Beach, do not leave it to chance. Join one or more of the groups, pick an event that fits your schedule, and put it on your calendar.

You can find all of my upcoming events and community gatherings on my Join Our Community page.

If you ever feel unsure about where to start, you can also reach me through my Connect page.

I am a local Realtor, but more importantly, I see myself as a community builder and connector. I am here to help you feel at home in Southern California. Let us build a community together.

FAQ: Making Friends In Long Beach

Is Long Beach a good place to meet new people?
Yes. Long Beach has a strong community feel, lots of local events, and many people who have moved here from other areas. If you want to see what is happening soon, you can always check my community event calendar.

How do I make friends in Long Beach if I am introverted?
Look for smaller events like coffee meetups, educational workshops, or slower paced activities. Arrive early, talk with the host, and aim to meet just a couple of people at a time. Starting with one event from my join our community page is a great way to ease in.

Can I join your groups if I live in LA or Orange County, not just Long Beach?
Absolutely. Many members live in LA or Orange County and are willing to drive to Long Beach or nearby spots. I also host events in other parts of LA and OC, which you will see listed on my community event page.

Do I have to be interested in real estate to join your events?
No. Most events are focused on community and fun first. If you ever have questions about buying or selling, I am happy to help and you can always visit my real estate education page, but there is no pressure at any of the events.

About the Author

David Sanchez
Long Beach Realtor & Community Organizer

I help people make friends in Long Beach, connect with local events, and, when they’re ready, find a home that suits their lifestyle.

Contact:
Phone: 562-537-9206
Email: David@LivingCARealty.com
Instagram: @david.s.sanchez
YouTube: @YourRealtorDavid
Join our community: yourrealtordavid.com/join-our-community
Real estate education: yourrealtordavid.com/real-estate-education