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I am looking to relocate in the next year to somewhere in Virginia or North Carolina. Partly to be closer to family (I have siblings who have migrated there) and partly to get a new start socially.
Right now I live in the Seattle area and it is pretty much a social black hole (difficult to get to know people, etc). And dating . . . don't even get me started. Let's just say, I've met so many people that agree with the above, that the number is way, way into double digits.
So I am trying to find the 'right' city for me to move to socially. I really don't care about liberal/conservative etc, just that it is easy to make friends and dating isn't a mystery science.
The big areas I've been looking at are NoVA/DC, Richmond, Virginia Beach/Norfolk and the three big areas of North Carolina. From the feedback I've heard so far, NoVA/DC is about as bad as Seattle and it sounds like Richmond may be the same, just for different reasons.
Anyone have any input on the social scene in any of these places (even if it contradicts or verifies the above)? I have no info on the VB/Norfolk area.
HR is an interesting area in that you never know what you can get lol. People here are generally friendly and willing to converse whether they know you or not. Of course, some are a bit more reserved, but it's nothing personal.
Ghent in Norfolk is pretty eclectic, and I'd probably say is the most inviting, if you will.
The dating scene here is hit or miss, with a large guy:girl ratio, thanks to the military population here.
Don't let that deter you though...it's a nice area with quite a few options. I'd just love to see more for the young professionals. For some reason, I'm surprised that you consider Seattle a social black hole though.
The big question is, are you male or female? If you are female, then you should do great here. If you are male, avoid this area like the plague. tvpirate05 mentioned the large guy to girl ratio, it is awful. I remember when I moved here cause my best friend from high school was stationed here. One of the first times we went out to Bar Norfolk, some carrier had just come in and the place was crawling with military guys. If you do go to a bar/club/social place, there are few women at all, let alone single ones (i.e. ones not with their boyfriend or surrounded by like 5 or 6 guys). Often times we would go to a bar and see like 2 or 3 "available" girls at the most and guys would be hitting on them left and right. It got so bad that our entertainment was just sitting in the back and watching guys get rejected. Women for the most part here are not friendly at all, not like other cities I have been to.
I am married now so am not involved with the singles scene, but by hearing the stories from my wife's friends not much has improved. My wifes Mom posted an online ad and was getting hundreds of replies and most of her girl friends have multiple dates per week (showing how easy women have it compared to men).
If you are looking for a social scene, I would try DC. My cousin lives up there and is getting lots of dates and is having a great time being single. Although, I am surprised too that you consider Seattle a social black hole, I thought it would be one of the top cities to be single. Why do you feel that way, just cause people aren't generally friendly, dating pool is not that large, etc.?
Bottom line though . . . if you are male and want an active social life, don't move here (my opinion at least). I am sure many others on this site can back me up on this one.
I would have to agree with the other poster that said Norfolk is more inviting for newcomers. Virginia Beach tends to be a little territorial sometimes when it comes to "outsiders"... That is just a personal observation having grown up in the area.
Bottom line though . . . if you are male and want an active social life, don't move here (my opinion at least). I am sure many others on this site can back me up on this one.
I never experienced being a woman in HR, but as a guy, yes, I agree.
There are a lot of military in the area, so there will naturally be a lot of guys. But that doesn't mean that the non-military, white-collar guys don't have a chance. If you have lived around the military a lot, or are in the military, chances are you are looking for someone who is outside the organization. Oh and by the way, there are quite a few single women in the military too.I met the perfect woman here in December and I've been happy ever since. We both had dated heavily in this hampton roads area before we met, and I know this area is not at all bad for dating. I think there's probably something for everyone no matter where you are in the world.
I am looking to relocate in the next year to somewhere in Virginia or North Carolina. Partly to be closer to family (I have siblings who have migrated there) and partly to get a new start socially.
Right now I live in the Seattle area and it is pretty much a social black hole (difficult to get to know people, etc). And dating . . . don't even get me started. Let's just say, I've met so many people that agree with the above, that the number is way, way into double digits.
So I am trying to find the 'right' city for me to move to socially. I really don't care about liberal/conservative etc, just that it is easy to make friends and dating isn't a mystery science.
The big areas I've been looking at are NoVA/DC, Richmond, Virginia Beach/Norfolk and the three big areas of North Carolina. From the feedback I've heard so far, NoVA/DC is about as bad as Seattle and it sounds like Richmond may be the same, just for different reasons.
Anyone have any input on the social scene in any of these places (even if it contradicts or verifies the above)? I have no info on the VB/Norfolk area.
In regards to my comment about Seattle being a social black hole, here is a rather lengthy article from the main paper:
The Seattle Times: Pacific Northwest Magazine : Our Social Disease
It is about 5 years old, but still very accurate. Compared to Southern California, I find it much easier to strike up a conversation with a stranger in Seattle, but actually getting to know someone here is another story where SoCal comes out on top.
I am literally not exaggerating when I say I have talked to people numbering well into double-digits that find Seattle to be a very, very difficult place socially. It is difficult to date and it is difficult to make friends. People are just 'cold' and can't be bothered. They will often show interest in getting together again, but not actually intend it or at least won't follow through even if you try to initiate. No one seems to know the cause. A lot of people instantly think the dark, cloudy weather. But the reality is Portland, OR and Vancouver, BC have near identical weather, but both of those places have a very social and friendly atmosphere. I even have on acquaintance who is immigrating to Vancouver because he's made more friends there in a short time going up during weekends compared to 15 years of living in Seattle.
Is it easy to make friends in the HR/VB/Norfolk/Ghent area? As for dating, I am actually a gay male. So the male numbers sound like they would be in my favor, but it sounds like any gay ones may be closeted b/c of military.
Is it easy to make friends in the HR/VB/Norfolk/Ghent area?
Like EMERALDGIRL said, it might be a bit more difficult in VB, but in Norfolk, your chances might be easier. I've noticed in the Ghent area, or at least the bars, everyone's cool with each other, and sometimes it can seem like a big family. I know it sounds cheesy, but that's the best way I can describe it. It's not exclusive or anything, so you'd be cool. There's also Meetup.com groups for people in the area, new and those who've been here for years.
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As for dating, I am actually a gay male. So the male numbers sound like they would be in my favor, but it sounds like any gay ones may be closeted b/c of military.
I don't think one has anything to do with another. I've never heard any complaints from those who are gay, so I think you'll be fine.
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