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I'm not sure how well this will be received on HN, but if you're looking for a meeting place with folks that generally skew toward more community integration /

I'm not sure how well this will be received on HN, but if you're looking for a meeting place with folks that generally skew toward more community integration / more vibrant social lives, and which doesn't require already knowing someone, I'd suggest picking up a sport. Granted, you'll have to contend with the stereotypical "bro" types, but there'll also be well-adjusted young professionals in a similar position as yourself, and sports naturally lend themselves toward friendship building. From personal experience, whenever I'm in a new city, I find a local basketball run and before long am going out for drinks / food / concerts with people I consider friends, and have even found roommates in this way.

justrudd 5y ago
I recommend a Kickball league. Less “bro” types for the most part. Although to be fair, my league had this one team that everyone hated because they were super serious. But the rest of us all got along great.
- dghlsakjg 5y ago
  Dodgeball is another sport like this! There are very serious dodgeball teams, but generally they compete with each other and not the beer league. Even the super serious players tended to be friendly and willing to play at the same level rather than dominating. Added benefit is dodgeball is not dependent on weather. I think looking for a sport that requires coed teams is a good way to ensure that things remain more social than competitive. (Not knocking women athletes, just noting that mixed sports tend to be about socializing.)
  - justrudd 5y ago
    Reminds me of the time I went out to a draft for a softball league and got picked up as the token man. All my teammates played D2 softball together. I always thought I was a reasonably good rec league player. But that team was something else. I lasted 2 games in the field before I got made the designated hitter. If I didn’t get a home run, I was going to be replaced by a pinch runner :) But after the game, it was a blast.
- tempestn 5y ago
  Ultimate (frisbee) is also great for pretty casual sporting.
tcbawo 5y ago
Many cities also have social co-ed rec softball and volleyball leagues, often with a beer afterwards. It's a great way to meet people once a week for a low pressure activity.

justrudd 5y ago

I recommend a Kickball league. Less “bro” types for the most part. Although to be fair, my league had this one team that everyone hated because they were super serious. But the rest of us all got along great.

dghlsakjg 5y ago
Dodgeball is another sport like this! There are very serious dodgeball teams, but generally they compete with each other and not the beer league. Even the super serious players tended to be friendly and willing to play at the same level rather than dominating. Added benefit is dodgeball is not dependent on weather. I think looking for a sport that requires coed teams is a good way to ensure that things remain more social than competitive. (Not knocking women athletes, just noting that mixed sports tend to be about socializing.)
- justrudd 5y ago
  Reminds me of the time I went out to a draft for a softball league and got picked up as the token man. All my teammates played D2 softball together. I always thought I was a reasonably good rec league player. But that team was something else. I lasted 2 games in the field before I got made the designated hitter. If I didn’t get a home run, I was going to be replaced by a pinch runner :) But after the game, it was a blast.
tempestn 5y ago
Ultimate (frisbee) is also great for pretty casual sporting.

tcbawo 5y ago

Many cities also have social co-ed rec softball and volleyball leagues, often with a beer afterwards. It's a great way to meet people once a week for a low pressure activity.