Friends & Dating

The Ask Portland subreddit sees the same questions over and over:

• What's the dating scene like here?
• Where/how can I make friends?

This isn't a site for my tedious and wordy essays, so I'll give you the TL;DR:

• Throughout the U.S. and in many other parts, the 1-2 combo punch of smartphones/social media + COVID has really diminished folks' likelihood of engaging with strangers. There is now a substantial number of people who use their phones as security blankets, and will have a hard time staying present when you try to engage.
• Portland is known for being nice, but not especially inclusive (or invitational). People will talk to you at bars, cafes, the bus stop, the park, etc., but are not so likely to make overtures to friendship. Depending on what you're used to, this will seem totally normal, or quite unusual.
• I can't really speak to the dating "scene", as that varies a lot by age, gender, sexual orientation. But much of the above applies.

The good news is, there are many ways to build community here.

First, get involved

No, for real. Join something that makes a difference. There's so much work to be done to improve Portland, from keeping your own block clean to holding city leaders accountable. See the Government/Civics/Community page for lots of options. You'll meet other people who give a sh*t, and maybe make friends with them or marry a few.

Second, get involved

Portland is the land of niche interests. From bike polo to parkour, niche burlesque tributes (The Beatles, Star Trek) to adult soapbox derby races, we've got a lot. Find yours!