New in PDX and looking to meet people.... (Portland: school, live)

[newly_in_pdx]

Hi folks! I'm a mid 20s male who moved to Portland about a month and a half ago for a graduate program. I'm loving the city and much of what it offers, but due to my schedule at school and the fact that my program isnt particularly socially cohesive, I haven't really met a lot of new people in Portland. I know this city is full of great people...its very much my vibe, I like the food, the beer, the outdoors, etc.

I live with roommates who I knew previously, but due to their jobs and relationships they don;t have particularly active social lives in the city either.

I'm looking for any suggestions as to activities/groups/places/bars/etc in Portland where I could meet people to hang out with, explore the city and the region, get outside, share common interests, etc. I know it can be a somewhat insular city in terms of social groups at times, but I was wondering if anyone has had any success meeting people through any particular outlets around PDX. Any suggestions welcome! Thanks!

[Nell Plotts]

You need to figure out what you enjoy and then participate in those activities. The gals who you see will be those who share your interests. If not, wrangle an invitation to meet their friends. There is no 'Dinner for 6' program in the metro area that I know of.

Were you my son I would recommend not frequenting bars but try coffee shops, even Annie's at Powell's. During the spring and summer there is Thirst Thursday in the Pearl, more a social than drinking event.

Let your roommates know that you are looking for introductions.

[iliketrains]

What are you into? When I moved to Portland, it was very difficult for me. People in Portland tend to stick in groups, it's not a social adventure like NYC or Chicago. I'm a musician and finding a band on Craigslist opened up a new world for me. My girlfriend at the time was a vegan and met some people off a vegan forum for lunch, they all became good friends.


I've lived in a bunch of cities where friends, girls and jobs were a dime a dozen. Unfortunately those three things aren't as easy in Portland. Start with hobbies, maybe a softball team or something?

[philwithbeard]

Have you tried the Portland section of Meet-up-dot-com?
Meetups near Portland, Oregon - Meetup

YMMV; Some Meetup groups are active and good, others not so much.

Don't forget, there are two free Internet dating sites:
OkCupid | Free Online Dating
Free Online Dating at Plentyoffish.com™
But Please, stay away from the personal adds on the street newspaper Portland Mercury' web site. You really don't want to have to check Photo ID's for under-aged dates.

I have overheard a rumor that there is now a very popular Zoosk-dot-com. It seems to have grown out of a Facebook app, and has its roots in iPad. I would think this site has an emphasis on youthful tech-savvy types.

Full Warnings and Cautions apply here, YMMV

[WeebleWobble]

Newly, PDX is a tough city to really crack the clique code. I was in your shoes a few years back (5?) and scowered this city to find fun, alternative, interesting things to do that I would somehow benefit from and also meet others.

The best groups I found were usually athletic in nature.

For fun, start with the Recesstime Sports Leagues. I've had many friends who joined (I didn't because I'm a little more serious in my sports) and absolutely loved it and participated in many of their sports.

Do you like to run? There are quite a few serious groups around, one of which I am a former member of by the name of Team Red Lizard. Many, many social activities here.

There are also quite a few other sports related crews that practice in the late afternoon/evenings. I don't know names of clubs but if you Google, you'll find groups from indoor/outdoor soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, basketball, rugby and ice/field hockey. Most of these are more active in the spring/summer, however.

If you are looking for alternative and interesting people (or perhaps a significant other?) skip all of the corporate dating/meeting sites and head to the best one created only for Portland. The Portland Mercury's Lovelab. You can meet others as friends or more. I can also attest to this site and free service.

The bar scene can also work but watch for something that forces interaction such as a spelling bee night (Mississippi Pizza), Science Pubs at the Bagdad, Quiz Night or other brain games at the bars (Check the Marathon Taverna but also search through the Willamette Week for others as I know there are better).

Good luck and welcome!