Young and new to the city (St. Louis, St. Charles: transplants, apartment complex, lease)

[gadadventure]

Hey there, I just moved to the city (Well, Creve Coeur to be exact) and would like some input on where to meet other people who are in their mid twenties-mid thirties. I came here without knowing anyone and no matter what I do (yoga classes, other activities of this sort) I haven't found the crowd that I can attempt to make friends with-beyond small chit chat. I have the ability to go downtown if there is a certain acivity or club, coffee house whatever, that people tend to hang out at.

Any help would be nice. Thanks

[moorlander]

mod this should be moved to the st. louis thread.

[moorlander]

It has to be difficult moving anywhere and not knowing a soul. It is much easier to meet people if you have at least one or two people to go out with.

A majority of the 20-30 something’s "bars, coffee shops, lounges etc" are located in the central corridor. Downtown Clayton, The Central West End, The Grove, Midtown Alley, Downtown, Soulard. You could also try historic St. Charles. Do you live in an apartment complex or building with other young folks? If not maybe consider moving to a younger more hip area than family oriented Creve Coeur.

There are many ways to meet people, I'll list a few.

Grab a wingman from work and hit the bars.
Join and softball, kickball, volleyball league.
Go to Church
Choose a cause to get involved in... Could be anything from the Red Cross, to habitat for humanity, to urban renewal.
Join a professional group... ie an advertising or marketing club.
I’m sure there are some singles groups to. You could try looking online.
Join a running or cycling club?
Join a gym and take classes.

[stlcitygirl]

^
I agree, when your lease is up, you might consider moving to the city or central corridor. I suggest joining a kickball team, volleyball team, wine club, etc. There is also a group of young professionals that have a sort of pub crawl every Thursday, this is a perfect chance to get to know some people, here is the website:Metropolis

[STLMetro]

I'm 24 and all of my friends live in Soulard, Tower Grove, the CWE, or downtown (with a couple in dogtown and the Loop). All four of those areas are great for your age group and have the scene you are talking about. In order to meet most people, I suggest either going out with people from work or joining groups that cater to your interests. Several friends of mine play in leagues and they often need one or two more people. If you post at the gym about wanting to join a team, I bet you could get in with a bunch of people. Good luck!

[billiken]

In addition to previous recommendations--If you are a college graduate, you can see if your school has an alumni club in the area? That's how my boyfriend made a ton of friends--he knew nobody at first too.

[DinsdalePirahna]

Seek places where other transplants gather. Its tough to break into local cliques. The Alumni club is also a good idea, if you went to a Larger University.

Most of my friends are also transplants.
The Saint Louis Rowing Club has a lot of new comers. They seem preety welcoming. Its at Creve Couer.

[CarrieNeno]

CC is a super tough place to meet other young singles! Though some of the apts around CC Lake boast a just-out-of-college crowd... the community is not as much of an active one. More intended for the boring 30 somethings with children like me =).

I agree with those above, spend more time a tad further east and get involved. St. Louis is a deeply rooted city, though the area surrounding Forest Park and the universities is young, active, vibrant, and fast-paced! It's FILLED with transplants and there is something ALWAYS going on!! I'm afraid that you settled into a part of town that will make it difficult for a fun social life, close to home. We in the burbs move at a slower pace... =)

[flynavyj]

As a current (and soon to be ex) creve coeur resident, welcome! The bar scene can be fun, but finding folks who you have an actual common interest with (besides drinking) can be difficult. I'd say, find a hobby you enjoy doing, rowing, yoga, running, biking, motorcycles, flying, drawing, etc, and look up groups that do those sort of activities in the area. Work groups can be great as well, as my current job has tons of transplants, a few of whom are even young. My wife and I are somewhat young (26, 27 y.o. respectively) and we enjoy the "convenience" of creve coeur (shopping, bars, chain restaurants) but it can definitly get boring if you have nothing to do, or don't know anyone. The CWE, Soulard, South Grand, Clayton are all pretty "happening" areas that avoid "suburbia" and have younger crowds.

[gadadventure]

Wow..Thank you everyone for these great suggestions. I did graduate from a state school and the alumni club idea is one I would not have thought of. I got some great suggestions and am a little more hopeful as to what I can make of my time here in the STL