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by mylaaccount 341 days ago
For me:

1. Neighborhood matters a lot. This determines the kinds of events you’ll go to and people you see regularly. I explored a lot before I settled some place that felt like home. I live some place with good walkability and being able to walk to a coffee shop or park has been very important.

2. Hobbies. Outdoor fitness, DIY/underground music, and board games for me. It took some digging to find groups I liked (some of which I found out about online and some by asking people I met), but now I participate in at least one event/meetup pertaining to these hobbies every week (more if I can). Ex helping out at a DIY show, run clubs, hiking groups, board game meetups.

3. Having a dog. I’m outside regularly bumping into people. Having a dog often sparks a conversation and helped me to know my neighbors. You don’t really need a dog though any way you can open a conversation is good. Compliment someone’s shirt, ask a question, etc

So TL;DR walkable neighborhood that suits you, find something related to your hobbies and do it as much as you can, start conversations.

Good luck, it took me years before I got into a rhythm.

2 comments

> Having a dog

Always good advice to have a dog.

If your lifestyle precludes a dog, are you entirely sure you have decent lifestyle?

Dogs have taught me so much about loyalty, love and joy.

Some dogs also teach patience....

what neighborhood did you choose? was it santa monica, venice or mahattan beach? did you have any second choices/other favorites?
East Hollywood closer to Los feliz. I also like Long Beach and San Pedro, but maybe more to visit than live.