# Places: Local Group Chats — Discover. Meet. Belong.

> Local interest-based group chats for community connection and discovery. (iPhone/iPad app by Zachary Ebenfeld.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/places-local-group-chats/id6482985182 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Zachary Ebenfeld](https://appshunter.io/developer/1698291308)
- Category: Social Networking, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 14 App Store ratings · 8 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 42 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2024-06-15
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/places-local-group-chats/id6482985182/reviews.md

## What is Places?

Explore Places: Connect, converse, and build community in any city at your fingertips! “Places” is your direct link to vibrant, real-time group chats where people unite over shared interests. It is ideal for travelers, local residents, or anyone curious about new places. The app is tailored to help you seamlessly integrate into the local scene.
Why Choose Places?
Engage locally, anywhere: Join live group chats tailored to your interests, needs and locations—whether it’s joining a tennis match in Dallas when visiting family, connecting with a walking group in Tel Aviv during your summer vacation, or booking tee times with your new golfing group in Ft. Lauderdale. Immerse yourself in the local scene and instantly become part of the community. No invitation necessary—just jump into the arena, put yourself out there and enjoy the experience!
Seamless Integration: Effortlessly enter group chats. Just select a city, choose your interest, and you’re connected!
Diverse Topics: Our chat rooms cater to a wide range of interests—from art and music to sports and technology—ensuring everyone can find their niche.
Inspired by Third Places: Based on the concept of “Third Places” that promote informal public gatherings, our app digitally recreates these spaces for meaningful dialogue, idea exchange, and the forging of new friendships in a moderated, respectful environment.
Core Features:
Wide Reach: Access our global directory of cities and interest-based chat groups.
Instant Access: Dive into new communities with just a few taps—no complicated sign-up required.
Safe and Inclusive: Enjoy a safe, monitored platform designed to foster respectful and enriching interactions.
Transform how you connect with cities and locals. Download the free app today and find your digital Third Place!

## Key features

- Real-time group chats by interest and location
- Seamless integration into local scenes
- Diverse topics from sports to technology
- Digital recreation of 'Third Places'
- Global directory of cities and groups
- Instant access with minimal sign-up

## Recent user reviews (8 of 8)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/places-local-group-chats/id6482985182/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Amazing app

*2024-10-15*

I recently moved to a new location and this app has been an amazing tool in my transition. I have been able to make new friends with common interests, find used furniture at reasonable costs, and get updates on different events occurring throughout this city. This app is a must download for anyone who wants to be in the loop about everything with minimal effort.

**Developer response:** So happy you like it! We're working on getting new features out as soon as possible. Stay tuned!

### 5/5 — So simple and so creative

*2024-09-08*

This app is actually so simple and so useful. Has everything and I can’t wait to use it when I travel!

### 5/5 — Cool app, interesting concept

*2024-09-02*

App works well and I’ve met some really friendly people that are interested in similar hobbies

### 1/5 — No groups in my entire state

*2024-08-19*

Sounded interesting but there is a very short list of cities despite having groups in multiple countries. Search feature didn’t find a single city in Oklahoma.

**Developer response:** Hi! Sorry to hear! We haven't rolled out to every city yet. You can request a city directly within the app and we will work to bring it there as soon as possible. Lots of requests to get through!

### 5/5 — Great Funnel

*2024-07-22*

This app is great to funnel people into the same group chats. Love being in these kind of group chats, but hate having them on my WhatsApp. 

Also way better to have an immediate connection with people in my city via messaging, as opposed to FB groups where there’s an algorithm and low activity. 

Really cool app. Excited to watch it grow and for strangers to interact some more!

### 5/5 — Not sure why everyone isn’t using Places

*2024-07-17*

I have to admit at first, I was skeptical, about a third party app, and its assistance in helping me find a sublease. Not only was I easily able to answer the correct group and specific city. I am looking for, but was also exposed to a lot of different other necessities, that will come my way in the coming months or year. huge fan of this app and recommend it to everybody.

**Developer response:** So happy to hear that! Thanks for the support!

### 5/5 — Really cool idea

*2024-07-07*

Really cool app idea! I can see this going places!

**Developer response:** Pun intended?? Thanks, Samuel!

### 5/5 — Great

*2024-07-01*

This app is amazing functionality, and all

**Developer response:** Thanks for the positive feedback!

## Frequently asked questions about Places

### What is Places?

Places is a social networking app designed to help you connect with people in your local area or while traveling. It offers real-time group chats based on shared interests and locations, allowing you to discover communities and forge new friendships.

### How does Places help me connect with locals?

Places allows you to join live group chats tailored to specific cities and interests. Whether you're looking for a tennis partner or a local music scene discussion, you can instantly find and engage with people who share your passions.

### Is Places safe and moderated?

Yes, Places is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment. The platform is monitored to foster respectful and enriching interactions among users.

### Can I join group chats without a complicated sign-up?

Absolutely. Places offers instant access to new communities with just a few taps, minimizing the need for complicated sign-up processes.

### What kind of interests can I find on Places?

The app features chat rooms catering to a wide range of interests, including art, music, sports, technology, and many more, ensuring there's a niche for everyone.

### Does Places have ads?

No, Places is ad-free, allowing for an uninterrupted user experience as you explore and connect with communities.

### What devices is Places available on?

Places is designed for iPhone and iPad devices, enabling users to connect on the go.

### How often is Places updated?

The latest version of Places is 1.1.14, and it was last updated on March 2, 2026, indicating regular development and improvements.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.1.14 — 2026-03-02

Map view: choose your location on a map for a better user experience.

### 1.1.13 — 2025-08-27

App loads faster

### 1.1.12 — 2024-12-11

Guess what? You can now share invite links to your specific group chats. Got a friend who’s been trying to sell that “vintage” lamp for six months? Or someone who insists they just can’t find a used bike anywhere? Share the link to the buy/sell group and let them join the chaos.

Or keep it to yourself and enjoy first dibs on that barely-used air fryer. But remember, the more people you invite, the faster you can stop awkwardly listing your old toaster in 12 different places. Sharing is caring—and profitable.

### 1.1.11 — 2024-11-26

You asked, we delivered. The Home Screen went through a much needed makeover.

### 1.1.10 — 2024-11-07

Bug fix

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## More apps by Zachary Ebenfeld

- [MarqueeApp](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marqueeapp/id6475242034)
- [Law Office Of Gregory Ebenfeld](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/law-office-of-gregory-ebenfeld/id6479947760)
- [QuickCal AI](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quickcal-ai/id6738210049)

All apps by Zachary Ebenfeld: https://appshunter.io/developer/1698291308

## Related topics

[local group chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/local-group-chat)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-01.*