Best way to meet women my age in a new city? (Portland: home, neighborhoods)

[J24]

I'm 23. I just moved to Portland, OR from Oklahoma. I work in a small office that is made up of 2 other guys, both of them a decent amount older than I am. At the moment, I'm living alone, but I do have a roommate that will be moving here in about 2 weeks. The only person I know in the city (aside from the 2 co-workers) is that roommate's girlfriend who lives here. Before you tell me to have her introduce me to her friends, she isn't exactly the type of person who would have friends who would be the type of girls I am looking for (she's 24, still lives at home with her parents, has no job, was home-schooled and went to a Bible college; the type of girl I have to try and hold my tongue around).

So, where do I meet girls my age? I'm probably about 20-30 minutes from downtown Portland which is where I'm sure most of the nightlife is. Do I go down there alone? Do I start frequenting the bars around here by myself? I'm really at a loss. I recently graduated from college in May, so I never really had to look far to find people my age. I do know about online dating, and I've considered that, but obviously I'd rather just meet someone in person if there's a way to.

[tazzled]

Meetup groups are probably your best bet. You can search for activities according to where your interests lie, and go from there. Unless you're interested in the bar/club scene - then by all means, go forth and conquer.

[intelfan11315]

Go outside, go to a bar, go get food, go do your daily activities, live your life normally... do whatever

When you see a good looking girl.. just talk to her. Simple as that.

[kimbo28]

I feel you, I just moved back to the west coast after 3 years in central Canada only I'm not living in my hometown.

So yeah, I did the online dating thing but I've also managed to meet people by checking out things that interest me on meetup.com, at the dog park, at yoga, and have considered going to things such as Rotary and Toastmasters (not sure if you have those but basically clubs for public speaking/volunteering - that sort of thing). Other good mixes of people volunteer with Big Brothers or Habitat for Humanity if that's your bag. Big Brothers puts on lots of events for all members - at least in my experience when I spent a year volunteering before I moved back here. I'm hesitant to commit now though because I don't know that I want to stay here.

[UnexpectedError]

I'm in the same situation 2000 miles away. If you're willing to approach women, try finding a regular coffee shop and a bar that attracts young people. Hobbies and meetup groups are great, but I think it's mostly important just to get yourself out and about. You'll never meet anyone sitting at home.

[BobPollard]

Downtown is not necessarily where it's at in most larger cities. Depending on what kind of scene you're into, check out neighborhoods like Boise, the Pearl, Skidmore, Hawthorne..

[rhacer]

Welcome to Portland. Do you live on the west side or the east side?

[J24]

Uhhh, I don't know what side you'd call it, haha. I live in the Gladstone/Milwaukie area.

[rhacer]

Ahh so south of town then but on the east side. There are several quality meat markets on the east side (not sure if you're into that kind of thing or not). The Refectory at 122nd and Halsey can be fun and if you eat in the restaurant instead of the club, you're destined for a pretty decent meal.

There are lots of pool teams and darts teams around, there are also many co-ed soccer leagues both indoor and outdoor. As was mentioned the Hawthorne district can be a cool place to hang out. There are tons of parks to walk or bike in, I'm guessing that would give you some opportunities to meet women. My favourite is Mt. Tabor park.

[wall st kid]

Don't try and meet girls in bars, there are plenty of ways to put yourself in a position to meet women. Bring your fancy Apple laptop and sit in Starbucks and pretend you're doing something important! Girls love guys who love Starbucks! lol