Social Networks for young couples (Dayton, Centerville: coupons, house, neighborhood)

[Liz17860]

Anyone know of any social networks for young couples? My fiance and I got here a month ago, and between work and house hunting, we haven't really been able to meet anyone. We were thinking of joining a church group, but aren't very religious so we're trying to find a casual church setting with a large young adult (we're both 24) congregation or other social networks. We like to go out to eat or to the bars, but we don't do drugs, We have dogs, play cards, watch movies, etc. Just looking for a group of people with similar interests.... If you have any ideas, or if there is a group that wants to start something, let me know!

Thanks!

[Billy from Dayton]

I'm not sure I'd call this a social network but if you want to get the scoop on things happening in the Dayton Region and also be a part of the discussions then check out DMM Forum - Index

Many of the people on the forum know each other and several connections have been made between forum members. The discussions are tilted more toward creative ways to grow the urban core/downtown but it is a fun group and a good way to find out about things happening here that the traditional media hardly ever covers.

DaytonMostMetro.com is growing into a more regional website and online magazine (several people are working on it now), but we hope to always maintain a focus on the downtown area since that is where most young people either want to be or would like to see improve.

[tgasper]

I think you'll find that Daytonians are rather friendly and welcoming to newcomers. What part of town are you living in? Facebook is always a good place to look for local groups & activities as well.

And of course, there is always the South Park Tavern - really a different crowd every night. Wednesdays is Open Mic, normally there is a live band on Saturdays and both tend to draw a younger crowd. Fridays tend to be more family & neighborhood oriented.

My kids are 22 and 24 and spread their time between the Greene and the Oregon District or during session, at Timothy's and BW3s near the University of Dayton. If you're into outdoor activites, I'd check out the Five Rivers Metro Parks.

[stdatwmu]

While I'm on Facebook (both my girlfriend and I are 24 as well) I can't personally say I've ever met people that way. On the other hand, finding some groups or organizations you like to volunteer with (humane society, etc.) can be one way to meet other folks. And while it's not the ideal location in many ways, you certainly can meet people at bars or festivals around town - although, again, I haven't personally done so. Probably my best resource to this point is still coworkers along with friends of friends I've met via coworkers.

[Liz17860]

Stdatwmu- I've seen you post on here before, did you go to Western Michigan University? my fiance and I both went there, just thought it might be the same wmu.

I haven't seen much in facebook world, we are going to the dragons game on friday to get out, and I do like the Humane society idea, except I'm a sucker and would probably come home with 3 more dogs.

We are planning on taking our two dogs to the dog park north of dayton, and check out some of the stuff at the fraze coming up... Speaking of which- can you take coolers/alcoholic drinks there? Im assuming as long as its in cans or plastic it should be fine, but wasn't sure.

[calypsospots]

I'd agree with the recommendations to do/volunteer for things that are of particular interest to you. That's obviously not specific to Dayton, but I think people often don't think about it enough. Go to concerts of groups you like--especially smaller ones where you might talk to people--ask the Humane Society people if there are animal-related things that wouldn't tempt you to adopt a whole new set of pets. For example, one of my Dayton colleagues does something called Agility with her dogs. I'm sure there are lots of dog-related groups and activities. Or if you like to dance, search on that and Dayton. I never thought of searching online for dance until a year ago, and met a lot of nice people dancing so I now plan to see what Dayton has to offer in that regard.

[stdatwmu]

Originally Posted by Liz17860

Stdatwmu- I've seen you post on here before, did you go to Western Michigan University? my fiance and I both went there, just thought it might be the same wmu.

I haven't seen much in facebook world, we are going to the dragons game on friday to get out, and I do like the Humane society idea, except I'm a sucker and would probably come home with 3 more dogs.

We are planning on taking our two dogs to the dog park north of dayton, and check out some of the stuff at the fraze coming up... Speaking of which- can you take coolers/alcoholic drinks there? Im assuming as long as its in cans or plastic it should be fine, but wasn't sure.

Indeed it is the same WMU... small world, Go Broncos!

[RunForYourLife]

I've lived in Dayton my entire life - 29 years - and yet I don't have a good answer to this question. Indeed it still puzzles me that Dayton has such few (if any) places where young professionals - not college party-goers - can mingle. I'm not sure if it's Dayton's culture where so many people are home-bodies or if there really isn't much of the demographic to begin with (did most 20-somethings move away?).

So, I'm curious whether you were able to find the social network you were looking for. I doubt you'd get anywhere with Facebook. And, in my experience doing volunteer work with various organizations in the area, I honestly haven't seen very many youths while volunteering. Certainly not enough to suggest it as a form of networking.

[Liz17860]

Just to update, No, no luck with anything so far. Humane society has a doggie treat bakery that I tried to volunteer with, got no response. Dragons game was fun, but not a social networking type of event. Facebook wasn't really much help either. I saw on the news of a group of coupon-cutters-younger wives that all get together to trade coupons and network, but it was just a few in Centerville and while it's a smart idea, the whole idea of trying to find a group of young people online can be more difficult than you would think, especially females- too many predators out there I guess... It's unfortunate- We even tried to join a bowling league, but you have to register with a foursome, and there are only 2 of us!

SdatWMU- Go Broncos! When were you there? We spent 2003-2008 in Kzoo.

[Billy from Dayton]

Though I'm not in this group I do know a lot of people in it - you might want to check out Generation Dayton - Dayton, Ohio Young Professionals - Generation Dayton - Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce