How to transplant to STL successfully?

I'm considering a job at WashU and trying to figure how I feel about living in St. Louis. I've mostly lived in larger cities but I've visited STL a few times and enjoyed it. I've heard that folks who grew up there are quite friendly but that it can be hard to break into a friend group since they're satisfied with what they have socially. Which I get, and I've experienced in another city I've lived in. I don't want to discount STL natives of course (and maybe I've been given the wrong impression), but I'm already in my early 30s and want to find the "curious" spaces that have people who might be in a similar situation. I'm wondering if there are other transplants here who have any advice or perspecrives about finding friends in the city? I want to be openminded about hobbies, cultural stuff, and group activities, etc. I'm excited about the possibilities but sometimes lack the instinct for connecting with new folks even if I like them.