So far these methods seem to have worked for meeting new people:

1) going out in groups of friends, and always asking everyone to bring more people along.

2) walking the dog. has to be a friendly dog though.

3) getting a boyfriend. he comes with friends ;)

4) jogging, biking or power-walking around the neighborhood. sooner or later one gets to know all the other local amateur athletes.

5) smiling to your neighbors and saying hello. even (or especially) if your’e new to an area/neighborhood/block.