6 Tips for Moving to a New City Alone in Your 20s

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Moving to a new city alone in your 20s is a bold move—and trust me, I’ve been there! When I packed up and moved to Florida solo in my 20s, it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. But let me tell you, it wasn’t all sunshine and beach days. From navigating new friendships to figuring out where the best tacos were, it came with its fair share of challenges.

Whether you’re feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, I’m here to share my top tips for moving to a new city alone to help you thrive in your new adventure!

By moving to a new city alone I have grown so much. I found my independence. Also, I found my passion. I found my people. And I found my home. And I want that for you too!

Moving to a New City Alone in Your 20s…Without a Game Plan?

When I decided to move to Florida in my 20s, let’s just say I wasn’t exactly overflowing with preparation. No job lined up, not much familiarity with the area, and a pretty slim savings account. All I knew was that I needed a change, and I was ready to figure it out as I went.

The point is: if I could pull it off without much of a plan, you’ve got this! Of course, I’m not saying you should dive into the deep end without a life jacket. If you feel more confident with a solid strategy or some savings under your belt, go for it—set yourself up for success in a way that works for you.

Whether you’re relocating for a job, school, or just craving a fresh start, this post isn’t about how to research your new city and spreadsheets. It’s about how to embrace the adventure and make your solo move one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Here are tips to help you settle into your new city like a pro!

Tips for Moving to a New City Alone

1. Scout Out the City First

I’ve been to cities that I thought were definitely going to be my next big love, only to find myself underwhelmed. And don’t get me wrong, I still had some great experiences—amazing food, fun activities, but at the end of the day, it just didn’t click. One visit was enough.

So here’s my advice: if you can, plan a quick trip to get a feel for the city before committing to the move. Take time to explore the neighborhoods, vibe with the locals, and see if it really feels like a place you could see yourself settling into. Trust me, this little test run can save you from being caught off guard when the big move happens!

2. Know That It’s Okay to Feel Lonely

When I first moved, I had a good friend help me pack up and drive down with me. After a couple of days, she flew back home, and there I was, in my new place, alone. I remember spending that first weekend in my new city scrolling through Instagram and seeing all my friends back home hanging out together while I was solo on my couch.

Yep, I felt lonely—and FOMO hit hard. But here’s the thing: that feeling was 100% normal! It didn’t mean I had made the wrong decision, it was just part of the process. Moving to a new city, especially by yourself, is a huge change, and some moments are going to feel a little empty. That’s okay, and it gets easier as you settle in.

Chances are, you’ll go through this too. So, keep expectations in check! And if you find yourself missing your old life or feeling lonely, use the next few tips to help you through it.

3. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

If solo living is new to you, this is going to be a big one! I remember how nervous I was on my first solo trip—especially when it came to eating alone or doing activities by myself. But after a few times, that feeling of nervousness turned into a sense of freedom.

You realize that you don’t need anyone else to have a great time—you’ve got yourself! Plus, going solo can make you seem more approachable. It opens the door to meeting new people.

Here’s a funny story: When I took my solo trip to Tampa before moving here, I did a sightseeing tour by myself. The guide called out “Destiny Snyder, party of one?” and the entire group turned to look at me. Yep, I was that person. At the time, I was pretty mortified, but looking back, it’s one of my favorite memories! I ended up chatting with a lot of people, and it just goes to show how you can turn awkward moments into great experiences.

4. Get Out and Explore!

Building off my last point, the best way to make a new city feel like home is to get out there and explore! And hey, you don’t have to wait for someone else to join you. Start checking out all the cool spots that make your city unique. Dive into local travel blogs, make a list of things you want to experience, and start crossing them off.

Whether it’s finding the best coffee shop or discovering a hidden gem of a park, the more you explore, the more connected you’ll feel. Trust me, it’s one of the best ways to build that “home sweet home” vibe!

5. Get Social

Exploring is key, but meeting new people is equally important in turning a city into your new home. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are friendships. Don’t stress if it takes time to find your people; it’ll happen! Here are a few ways to get social and meet new faces when you move to a new city alone:

Talk to Locals

One of the best ways to get a feel for the area is to connect with the locals. Ask around, see if you have mutual friends who know anyone nearby, and reach out to your network. You never know—you might have a friend of a friend who lives right around the corner! I ended up having a friend of a friend who lived right down the road from me and we became super close!

Connect with Coworkers or Classmates

Once you start working or school, you’ll likely find people who you click with. Don’t be afraid to nurture those relationships—sometimes one connection can lead to several more! You never know where those new friendships might take you.

Search the Area on Instagram

Okay, I know it might sound a little unconventional, but hear me out—Instagram is actually a great way to meet people. I’ve had a couple of girls reach out to me after they checked out Tampa through the ‘gram, and after a few chats, we met up for drinks and are now lifelong friends. So, don’t be shy, start searching for your new city on social media and you might just make a connection!

Have friends and family visit

Nothing makes a new place feel like home faster than seeing familiar faces. If you can, invite friends or family to visit. It’ll give you the confidence boost you need to start meeting people and could be the perfect icebreaker to introduce yourself to others!

See if there is a local Beauty Boost

If you’re in Tampa, you’re in luck! The Beauty Boost is an incredible community for women looking to connect. It’s not just about beauty—it’s all about personal growth, wellness, and creating meaningful relationships.

At its core, The Beauty Boost is a vibrant and inclusive network that nurtures personal growth, wellness, and connection. Through a diverse range of events, workshops, and activities, this empowering community brings like-minded souls together, fostering genuine friendships and a sense of belonging.

Even after living here for 5+ years, I still love attending these events and meeting new people!

Get on Bumble BFF

Now, this one is my favorite. It’s how I met my best friend and my first Florida roommate! I was pretty skeptical when I first moved here, thinking “That’s weird there’s an app for that,” or because I was coming from a town where literally everyone knew everyone I thought, “Why don’t these girls have friends?”

But turns out, big cities are full of transplants just like you and me. I met my best friend through Bumble BFF when we were both new to the area, and it was such an easy way to meet someone who gets the whole “new city” thing. If you’re trying to make connections, I highly recommend giving it a try! You never know, your next bestie might be a few swipes away.

6. Make Your Place Feel Like Home

This one is crucial—because your home should feel like, well, home. Don’t let unpacked boxes linger or let those bare walls make you feel like you’re just crashing somewhere. Take the time to personalize your space so it truly feels like yours.

Start by adding personal touches that bring you joy—hang up photos of your favorite memories, light some scented candles, or even create a cozy coffee nook to start your mornings right. The little things can make all the difference, so whether it’s fluffy throw blankets, your favorite plants, or adding some artwork, fill your space with the things that make you smile.

That way, every time you walk in the door, you’ll feel excited to be home!

Are you ready to put these tips for moving to a new city alone to use?!

Moving to a new city alone in your 20s is a bold, exciting step—and while it can come with its challenges, it’s also an incredible opportunity for growth, adventure, and self-discovery. Remember, it’s okay to feel a little nervous or even lonely at times, but with the right mindset (and these tips in your back pocket), you’ll find your rhythm and make your new city feel like home in no time.

So go explore, meet new people, and don’t forget to celebrate all the little wins along the way. You’ve got this—your next chapter is waiting!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other blog posts:

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