Hey WSO,
I moved to LA a handful of months ago after working in a major Texas Market. I’m in multifamily development and acquisitions with 2 YR YOE. I’ve had trouble finding people at similar level/age in LA to network/befriend. I didn’t go to a PAC 12 school so didn’t have a huge network coming in.
I would be happy to meet anyone that’s in similar shoes in LA or just general suggestions.
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I’ve moved cities a couple times and it wasn’t until I moved to LA that I really figured out how to make a good group of friends. I have a lot of tips and I’m typing on my phone so may not be formatted well
The easiest way to meet people is through intramural sports. Golf leagues, kickball, volleyball (huge if you’re on the westside, Zog and Waka are the best entry level leagues), running/triathlete groups (Venice run club, Korea town run club). There are so many options that it’s hard to list them all. I’d avoid sports like soccer or basketball unless you’re very good as people that play these sports tend to take it seriously. Kickball is the easiest one for meeting people… everyone is just there to drink, have fun and meet people. Kickball sounds cheesy, but it’s fun and since you’re in LA most people are successful (lawyers, engineers, programmers, consultants make up a decent % of the people I’ve met through kickball).
Separate from leagues, sports classes are really good. Group tennis lessons, volleyball lessons, etc are usually filled with people looking to learn a new skill and make friends. Can be a good way to meet your first friend who will join a team with you and lead to you making more friends. I’m not a gym guy, but I know some HIIT gyms are great for meeting people.
If you’re not athletic at all, you can still join a sports team - there are some crazy unathletic people on the entry level teams. But if you really hate sports, there’s other options. Improv groups, co-living, chess club, idk. Pick something you like doing and then go to a meet up for it. If your only hobbies are drinking beer and watching football on saturdays, you’re going to have to expand your horizons a bit to meet people.
Also, people in LA don’t really give a shit what you do unless you’re rich, famous, or work in entertainment. One of my good friends didn’t know I worked in finance for like the first 2-3 months I knew her. Don’t focus so hard on meeting people in finance - it’s not like NYC where you’ll go out to the bars with 10 broskis from your analyst class at Citigroup.
That said, it’s still good to network. ULI young leaders group will be the best way to meet other re people. Join ULI now and apply for the young leaders group later this year. They set you up in a group with other young RE people and you talk shop once a month or something. Haven’t done it but thinking about applying next year. Also get to know your brokers well - they’ll have happy hours, events and what not but honestly I haven’t made lasting friendships from these.
Generally speaking though, you need to be doing something in a group setting at least 3-4 times a week minimum. You don’t have friends yet so that means you’ve got to be going to a workout class, sports class, run club, golf club, soccer whatever 4x a week.
Some of the things you do will suck. Some people will not be right for you, but that’s why you have to go out so many times per week. Because you can’t bank on one activity being the right way to meet people.
Last thought - you mentioned meeting people your age. I’ve got friends 4 years younger and 12 years older. It doesn’t really matter - life stage is more important than age (eg I have more in common with 34 year old single guy than a 26 year old married guy with kids). Just keep an open mind and keep doing stuff
Wow this is helpful. I’ve joined a soccer league up in the valley and it’s been alright. I haven’t found people I consider friends or want to hang out with on a consistent basis. I’m going to try another soccer league on the west side. Im picking up pickleball but still not meeting a ton of people, mainly people that already know people or are in a later stage of life and bring their kids. It’s fun but hard to build a true relationship.
I’m not a runner but I think kickball and group tennis lessons could be a good idea for me. Do you know of the group lessons names by chance? Also, I like the occasional HIIT class. I know you said you’re not into it but do you happen to know which ones are socially effective since you’ve lived here?
i don’t really care to meet people in finance or real estate but I’ve met alot of people in entertainment and have found it harder to relate
I’ve never done HIIT but maybe try the one Mark Whalberg invested in - I forget what it’s called but I remember the pics on the site made it look social. Don’t know the name of group tennis lessons either but a friend of mine has done it in Santa Monica / Venice area.
Hey I work in REPE on the east coast but I'm moving out to LA to do my MBA. If you want to connect shoot me a PM.
I know a number of folks from LA / California who work in real estate in the LA area but previously went to school or worked in Texas. DM me, and if you're not a weirdo I'm happy to connect you with a few of them.
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