Dating in Portland: Meet Portland Singles

Newly single? Or looking to explore the polyamory lifestyle you and your partner have been talking about? Or have you been keeping to yourself amidst the pandemic and finally feel ready to get back to the dating in Portland scene? 

Portland singles describe dating to be as quirky as the cultural vibe of the city itself, but this isn’t always a bad thing! Dating experiences vary based on age, gender, and personal preferences, which lead to divided opinions. 

The ratio of singles to those married or in a relationship is similar to that of other large cities. It is generally easier to date if you’re younger, since the city has a large single population in this demographic. Here’s what Portland has to offer, and what that means for potential daters. 

Dating in Portland: How do I Date in Portland?

Many millennials have flocked to Portland for a variety of reasons, including the climate, cheap rent, and progressive attitudes towards contemporary issues. This can be exciting if you’re in your twenties, but less so if you’re a few decades older and new to the dating scene. 

There are apps and websites for folks of all ages, and preferences vary. We have some great suggestions on where to start. Apps like Bumble and Hinge are more popular with the younger crowd, while the 50+ community tends to opt for sites like Match. 

Best Dating Apps

If you’re after the best dating apps to meet new people in Portland, these are our top recommendations.

eharmony

If you are looking for a great app for dating, then you should have a look at the eharmony app. This app has advanced search features to help you get great matches from the get-go.

Zoosk 

With lots of users and convenient video chat features, not only is Zoosk one of the best apps – lots of fun too. Zoosk features a quick sign-up process as well as multiple ways to get matches with Smart Picks and Carousel features to spice up the online dating experience.

SilverSingles

Most dating apps let you filter matches by age. However, the best app for 50+ singles is SilverSingles. Thoughtful design, convenient features, and the possibility for great matches are all things we noticed when testing out SilverSingles.

Best Websites for Dating

Aside from those brave enough to wade into the smartphone app worlds of Bumble and Hinge, many people in Portland still prefer more traditional websites. The following suggestions are better suited to find great local matches than trendy apps.

  

EliteSingles

This site is all about helping you to “date smarter, not harder” through a powerful personality matching feature. EliteSingles deserves to be called one of the best dating services for Portland singles. Each match you see on EliteSingles has a compatibility score, in addition to a well-designed layout.

Christian Mingle

Another site to consider is Christian Mingle. This one may not be for everyone, but for those in Portland population identifying as religious, this site will have many potential partners.

JDate

For Jewish singles, JDate brings together the convenience of all the best dating service features with a focus on appropriate matches. By signing up for JDate, you also get the possibility of attending online and offline singles events.

Meeting Portland Singles Outside of Dating Apps

Because of the young population in Portland, there are plenty of speed dating and classic singles events. Most of these cater to all ages and demographics too, so with a little research, anyone can take advantage of this fun and flirty culture. 

Head down to the District where MyCheekyDate hosts regular speed dating events to meet someone new off-screen.

Portland Dating Advice

• Because rent is so affordable, you will actually meet plenty of non-natives in Portland, especially from other big cities like LA and Chicago.
• While rent is cheaper overall, prices have been on the rise, so it’s prudent to establish whether the plan is to charm you with a flashy car or opt for a frugal local happy hour.
• Portland is known for its quirky vibe that welcomes all, including folks across the spectrums of gender and sexuality. Get ready for new experiences dating-wise, and don’t be surprised to stumble into many LGBTQ+ individuals that moved from less accepting parts of the country.
• For your first dinner date, don’t choose a chain restaurant. Portland natives love small businesses and supporting the local economy, so you will definitely make a faux pas if you suggest a chain restaurant.

Date Ideas for Portland Singles

Portland is broken down into 6 areas that locals call “quadrants”. If you’re new to the city, find which neighborhoods suit your interests the most. A picnic by the Willamette River may appeal to some, while other daters may prefer some of the great local restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops.

River walks aren’t the only hikes available to outdoorsy daters, since the mountainous terrain surrounding the city boasts great hiking. The hipster culture has brought innovative craft breweries to the city, as well as trademark west coast cafes for a morning brew date. 

Final thoughts on Dating in Portland

Some people can feel left out, but with over 2 million residents you don’t have to be a millennial living downtown to meet someone. Whether you’re on apps, websites, or hoping to play the field at your favorite downtown cafe, this accepting and unique city has it all! 

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