Hi Nelson,
Nuevo Arenal is a big expat center. It’s a small village but has all the essential services like shopping, banks, etc. You’ll see expats around everywhere. But there are definitely specific places to go to meet people. Karacters Bar and Grill and Moya’s Place are on Nuevo Arenal’s main street. Big expat hangouts and great food and drink. Las Tinajas is a restaurant on the lakeshore with a great view. Big expat spot too. And you should also go to Gingerbread restaurant. Huge hangout at dinner time, especially on Friday and Saturday.