10 Ways to Meet New People in Hampton Roads After 55

Making friends as an adult takes a little intention, and it gets easier once you have a few regular places to show up. Here are ten ways to meet people in Hampton Roads, with local places to start. Hours, fees, and programs change, so check each link before you go.

Ten ways to meet new people

1. Join a class or workshop

Classes bring together people who share an interest, and you see the same faces week after week. A few places to look:

Old Dominion University’s senior citizen waiver: Virginia residents age 60 and older who have lived in the state for at least a year can audit courses tuition-free, on a space-available basis. Fees for course materials may still apply.
Virginia Beach Public Library: Lists technology classes and tech help.
Chrysler Museum of Art: Offers glass studio classes, which are paid. The museum’s free glassmaking demonstrations Tuesday through Sunday at noon are a good way to try it first.

2. Volunteer

Giving your time puts you alongside people who care about the same things you do. Start with a cause you already believe in.

VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads: A Hampton Roads volunteer organization with sections for volunteers, nonprofits, and businesses.
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore: Volunteers help sort and pack food. After a quick registration you can see upcoming openings.
First Landing State Park: Has a volunteer program. Call 757-412-1010 to learn about opportunities.

3. Visit your local library

Libraries often host talks, book groups, and community programs. Ask at the desk what is coming up. Norfolk Public Library lists programs and events, and the Virginia Beach Public Library runs a Library of Things you can browse.

4. Try a hobby club

Gardening, photography, books, crafts, cards, birding. Whatever you enjoy, there is likely a group. The event calendars in item 9 are a good place to spot one.

5. Walk or exercise with others

A regular group walk or class is a low-pressure way to chat. Choose activities that suit your own comfort level. Two good places to walk:

Elizabeth River Trail: A 10.5-mile multi-use trail for walking, running, and biking along the Elizabeth River on Norfolk’s west side.
First Landing State Park: 20 miles of trails in Virginia Beach. The park charges a parking fee.

6. Connect through a faith or community group

Many congregations and community organizations welcome newcomers to social events, whether or not you attend services.

7. Reach out through veteran and military-connected groups

Hampton Roads has a large military and veteran community, and many organizations offer social gatherings. Two national groups have post locators that let you search near you:

Membership rules and events vary by post, so contact the one you are interested in.

8. Get to know your neighbors

A wave, a hello, or a small kindness can grow into a real connection close to home. A neighborhood association may host events.

9. Explore local events and markets

Farmers markets, festivals, and community events make it easy to start conversations.

VisitNorfolk Events: The city’s event calendar, with a “Free” filter.
Visit Virginia Beach Events: Festivals and concerts, including the free Oceanfront Concert Series on the Boardwalk in summer.
Virginia Beach Farmers Market: At 3640 Dam Neck Rd., open seven days a week and year-round.
Old Beach Farmers Market: On 19th Street in the ViBe Creative District, with Saturday activity.
East Beach Farmers Market: At 2413 E. Ocean View Ave. in Norfolk, Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon, May through November.

10. Say yes, and invite someone

Accept the next invitation. Then invite someone yourself, for coffee, a walk, or a short visit. Most people are glad to be asked.

A few tips for the first visit

Go with a goal of one friendly conversation, not a perfect impression.
Return more than once. Friendships form through repetition.
Bring a friend if that makes it easier, or go alone if you would rather.

For more on keeping people in your life, read How to Build Your Personal Support Network When Living Solo. For ideas that cost little or nothing, see Free and Low-Cost Activities for Older Adults in Hampton Roads, and browse local ideas in Explore the 757.

Take the next step

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