New friends in new area for 13 yr old

[Anonymous]

It is hard to move to a major city like DC after being in a small coastal town where you knew everyone and everyone's family - I get it. We moved from a small town and DC was a frightful culture shock for us too! Everyone is a stranger. Take it slow and always meet the friend's parents - invite them over to your house - and then trust your instincts. Give it time, OP. You and your DD will find a tribe here as well.

[Anonymous]

And, for us (and our kids have never moved), it was the exact same thing when our kids went to middle school and made new friends from a different elementary school where we didn't know the families. And again in high school when they make more new friends from another middle school. Yes, call and speak to the patents of the new friend.
Yes, when you drop your kid off go up to the door, introduce yourself and actually meet the friend and their parents (as opposed to drop and waive, or sitting in the car and texting your kid to come out at pick-up, which we've had many, many parents do). And/but, we are those parents (much to our kids annoyance), that do call and tlk, that do follow-up, that do meet the parents, etc. So far we've been pleasantly surprised by their nice friends (and terrific families).