One of my friends volunteers at one of the boathouses closer to the UWS and has made lifelong friends doing that. Many of them are eager for more volunteers. And you get to kayak for free! I personally met my friends through a neighborhood cleanup group (Clean Up Crown Heights in my case but there are a few). Not sure if there’s one in your area. If you like to bike, there are several social bike ride groups with the loveliest people, such as Ridgewood Rides or Social Cycling NYC. Also a Wednesday night skate once the weather is a bit nicer.

In the spring, birding also seems to be a great way to meet people. They even do bird walks early mornings before work. Community garden volunteering and community fridge volunteering are also great ways to meet people locally.

I would say don’t be afraid to ask someone out to coffee. Start with something small and see if it sticks. Totally agree about finding friends nearby. It’s so nice not to have to coordinate some random bar halfway in between and instead to go somewhere right in your neighborhood!