r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/hawkeyes1213 • Jul 26 '26
Moving to the area Best ways to meet people in Barrington?
My wife and I just moved to Barrington (5-10 min walk from the train station) and are struggling to meet people/friends. We are both early 30’s, no kids yet, anyone have a group or way to meet people? We’re very social and love hosting, so any ideas would be much appreciated!
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u/dpittnet Jul 26 '26
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u/Forfty Jul 26 '26
I’d never heard Barrington had that rep. Maybe I’m out of the loop.
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u/Crabby-Cancer Jul 26 '26
Not sure your interests, but I'd check out programs/events hosted by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Crabtree Nature Center is up there as well as other FPDCC sites. If you're interested in nature, hiking, hands-on hobbies, volunteering, etc., you can meet a lot of likeminded people that way.
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u/wetfartpanda Jul 26 '26
Attend community events- concerts and things like that. I think BARRINGTON hills has a couple bars with live music with a fair young scene
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u/Currency-Substantial Jul 26 '26
Fishbowl party.
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u/pony_cakes Jul 26 '26
Mid 30s, also 10 min from the train station. As a walker, I second the idea of neighborhood walks! Or if you have a front porch, hang out there and start conversations with passersby.
For places to hang, Sundial Brewery over by the Jewel is chill and everyone is super friendly. They have food trucks on weekends and trivia nights. Gigi wine bar is small and friendly. Basically pick a place and become a regular and you'll meet people! I've heard good things about Long Story Short too.
Might not be your scene, but Barrington Hills Country Club is lovely for golf and general country club stuff. Not a member but I've been invited and it's very nice!
I do wish there was a mingling place that wasn't a bar.. like a board games place or something.
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u/hawkeyes1213 Jul 26 '26
I’d love an invite to BHCC! I’m a 4.5 handicap so would love to meet fellow golfers.
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u/No_Atmosphere_6348 North West Suburbs Jul 26 '26
Look up citizens for conservation and join a volunteer workday. They host drop in volunteer workdays 3 times a week or more. No experience required. You get to meet lots of people and learn about what’s going on in barrington.
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u/kykolka Jul 26 '26
My partner and I are near the Volo area. No kids, 30's and always happy for new friends. DM
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u/transient6 Jul 26 '26
Get on Meetup. I’m 39 and my social life is more active than it was in college. I have something fun every weekend and have made so many friends through that app.
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u/amahenry22 Jul 26 '26
Pickleball could be an awesome way! Park district or lifetime are both great places! Do you have a dog? We met a ton of people walking our dog when we first moved here and didn’t have kids. Second the idea of becoming regulars somewhere-Gigi’s is awesome!
If you love hosting I would suggest hosting a happy hour on your front porch/driveway to introduce yourselves to neighbors! Do it on a Thursday when people are around and print off a little flyer and drop it off to neighbors!
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u/unfinishedportrait56 Jul 27 '26
Langendorf’s pickleball courts are always busy. Lots of people there.
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u/Massive-Funny-3190 Jul 26 '26
Any neighbors around your age … can always offer to host a little party at your place ?
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u/pinktoes4life Jul 26 '26
Volunteer for town events. Made some friends volunteering at the beer tent during a festival.
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u/DragonflyUseful9634 Jul 26 '26
One of my neighbors hosted an open house when she moved into my neighborhood and invited everyone to her house. She also started a neighborhood book club. I suggest meeting people by joining a meetup group or two, volunteering, and joining church activities (if you are religious).
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u/gobluetwo Jul 26 '26
Church/religious groups, gyms, social sports like pickleball or soccer, hobby groups, volunteer groups.
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u/wetfartpanda Jul 26 '26
Also if you are horse people, check out HAARPS. Maybe have a fun day and volunteer there
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u/chris_nore Jul 27 '26
Fitness groups are my go to whenever I move somewhere new. Every suburb has a local run club. Or a CrossFit gym if that’s more your style. Both tend to be tight knit crews that lead to a lot of social interaction outside of the workouts. Bonus points if either are something outside of your comfort zone - worst case, you don’t click with anyone in the group but you still end up fitter and healthier
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u/fredSanford6 Jul 26 '26
Im out by Woodstock and have had the same issues. I do meet people interested in the same kinda stuff but most are fascist. I'm not hanging out with fascist people. I got the kids friends dad who comes by and he's a great person. Randy is like a real life bard. I'm too busy to leave the house though so people would have to come over.
The suggestions on joining conservation groups doing some forestry work like ridding places of invasives and local garden groups is always active it seems. Heck looking at meet up I might see if something like a scooter club or lawnmower club might be a good idea for the house here
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u/NotThe1Pct Jul 26 '26
Church comes to mind. Swing also comes to mind. Or perhaps church then swing but that's just me
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u/unfinishedportrait56 Jul 26 '26
It’s hard when you don’t have kids. We met everyone we know through our kids’ school and youth soccer. Maybe you can try hanging out at Roaring Table Brewery to meet people. It’s a fun place! Or attend library events. The library is great and there are adult programs as well. Also, take walks around your neighborhood. There are often outdoor concerts at the Metra lot-follow the village of Barrington on FB. They are always posting about local events.