Trouble meeting people (Wasilla, Homer, Seward: maintenance, job, house)

[rivil]

Hello all,

I'm 23 and just moved here (anchorage) from CO to take a job. No family or friends in the area. Although I work in a big office, it has been tough meeting people as many are older and tend to keep to themselves. I expected it to be easy to meet people through hiking and outdoorsy activities, but to my surprise, I haven't really found any hiking groups when searching on the internet. I've tried to get out of the house and do things on my own, but I really haven't had much luck. On top of the lack of young people, it seems like everyone over the age of 18 1/2 is married and has kids here.

Any suggestions from locals, especially any who have moved here from elsewhere by themselves? I feel a little weird about just walking into a bar alone every weekend to meet people.

[rotorhead]

Try looking through some of the freebie newspapers, and the bulletin board at REI. Bulletin boards (the stick-a-pin in it type, not the internet kind) are usually the place you'll track down groups like that unless you just get lucky on a Google search or something. Wouldn't hurt to wander down to the library and look around the circulation desk and the lobby, both at the campus and downtown. Also try calling down to the state parks guys, they would probaby know about organized groups.

Although it entails more work, you might just find a group of like-minded people volunteering for trail maintenance and such. Sure, a lot of them will be older, but you never know where your next contact might lead you.

[Rance]

Also might help if we knew you were male or female etc. What are some of your intrests? Hang out here as we have some good folks that post in the AK forum. I wouldn't depend on meeting outdoorsy younger folks in a bar. There are much better places for that.

[elgusano]

Yeah.

You're more likely to meet outdoorsy younger folk on a message forum.

Oh, wait, you really are more likely to meet them here.

[susitna-flower]

FLAT TOP!....go for a hike!

Hatchers Pass out of Wasilla, go for a hike, or bike!

Kincaid Park (out Raspberry Rd), go for a hike, bike!

Coastal Trail, go for a hike, bike!

Drive down the Seward Hwy about 5 + miles....take a hike!

Grab a fishing pole, head down to the Russian river or up in the Valley...

Take summer classes....a great way to meet young people.

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Stay out of bars, the long term problems you will find with someone who has that lifestyle are not worth it!

[Barkingowl]

Forums like these are a great way to meet new people.

[rivil]

Wow, thanks for the great responses everyone. I didn't indicate it in my original post but I am a male. I guess I've been searching the wrong part of the internet as I haven't really thought of using forums as a source of meeting people. Also hadn't thought of checking for billboards at UAA. I am not sure if I'm really experienced enough to be termed the 'outdoorsy' type but I do love hiking and would like to learn to fish this summer. Just trying to make the most out of my time here in Alaska and try new things.

[warptman]

Make sure you buy yourself a sport fishing license and don't lie about being a Alaska citizen, you will get fined by Fish And Game if you are a non-resident and buy a resident license.

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by warptman

Make sure you buy yourself a sport fishing license and don't lie about being a Alaska citizen, you will get fined by Fish And Game if you are a non-resident and buy a resident license.

Those fines are pretty steep too.

[elgusano]

You have to be here for a year for resident status.

If you want to come down to Homer, I'll help you learn to fish.