In New York City, even friendships come at a price.
From jam-packed subway cars to sidewalks overflowing with pedestrians, New Yorkers face a constant challenge: making meaningful connections in a city that never stops moving. Today, the quest for companionship is made even harder by smartphones and social media, which can make personal interactions feel increasingly rare.
To counteract this growing disconnect, more and more residents are turning to paid friend-making services. These apps and websites are designed to help people meet in real life, offering curated experiences that can turn strangers into friends and, sometimes, even lead to life-changing connections.
For Manhattan gynecologist Lauren, 33, a painful breakup in early 2025 left her feeling isolated as the only single person among her friends. Seeking companionship, she decided to try a friend-matching service. “Most of my close friends were in relationships,” she said, asking that her last name be withheld. “I wanted to meet women in the city who were also single, who I could relate to and go out with.”
After encountering multiple Instagram ads, Lauren chose 222, a company that uses detailed questionnaires to pair individuals with compatible groups for social outings. Participation costs $17 per event, or $22 per month for unlimited events, plus any food and drinks.
Before attending an event, participants complete a personality assessment asking questions like, “Would you rather go clubbing or have a daytime picnic?” Small groups are then paired for dinners or drinks, followed by activities ranging from bull riding at a country bar to comedy shows, where attendees meet the larger 222 community.
Lauren quickly connected with Izzy U., 28, who would become one of her closest friends. “222 was the only service I tried, and it worked immediately,” Izzy said, requesting her last name be withheld for privacy. “I’d been in the city a long time and struggled to meet people outside of work…this felt like the best way to branch out.” Izzy also introduced Lauren to her future husband and is set to officiate the wedding.
“I showed Izzy my fiancé’s profile when debating whether to go on a date,” Lauren recalled. “She remembered him from work, vouched for him, and convinced me not to cancel.”
While friend-making services like 222 remain relatively niche, the sector is expanding rapidly. Apps and services now cater to a variety of interests and formats. Kindred and Timeleft organize small, curated group events. Parlour Social Club and Clockout mix socializing with professional networking. RealRoots targets women, encouraging six-week programs aimed at forming strong bonds.
Meetup.com connects users around specific hobbies such as meditation or trivia, while Bumble BFF lets users swipe to match potential friends, similar to dating apps.
Lauren Tetenbaum, a licensed psychotherapist and author in NYC, says these platforms can provide an effective alternative for forming friendships when meeting new people organically is difficult. “Friendships and shared experiences reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and protect against anxiety or depression,” she said. “Online comparison can make people feel disconnected, but friendship apps can foster meaningful connections and are worth trying.”
Not every experience guarantees a best friend. Midtown West engineer Mathew M., 23, found most of his friends through 222 meet-ups but had limited success with Volo, an adult social sports network. “Volo lacks structure,” he said. “Games were often canceled, and there was little encouragement to socialize afterward. It can be hit or miss.”
For others, the services work perfectly. Julie Ferguson, 39, found success after trying Timeleft and NYC Brunch Squad following her move to the city in 2022. While Timeleft was enjoyable, its co-ed format and scheduling constraints made it less practical for her. NYC Brunch Squad, a women-only network hosting events from book clubs to apple-picking trips, proved a better fit, and she met one of her closest friends, Veronica Hernandez, whose wedding she will attend in a few weeks.
Sales manager Caroline S., 29, also found lasting connections through Hot and Social, an events company created by content creator Liv Schreiber. The service curates adult-focused gatherings designed to eliminate social awkwardness and help participants meet new friends. Caroline attended a yoga class with a coworker and quickly built lasting friendships with a group of women she still sees years later. “These friendships grew into something deeper than just meeting at an event,” she said. “Liv and the Hot and Social team made it possible for us to connect in a genuine way.”
In a city as large and fast-moving as New York, these services are helping residents turn fleeting interactions into lasting friendships, proving that even in the busiest urban environment, meaningful human connections are possible — sometimes, for a small fee.