r/askportland 4d ago

Looking For /r/AskPortland Making Friends Friday

4 Upvotes

Welcome to /r/AskPortland's "Making Friends Friday" post!

You've probably heard this before: "Portlanders are friendly but they don't want to be your friend."

But it doesn't have to be that way -- if you have suggestions for how to make friends, groups to join, places to meet, or just want to put yourself out there, this is the place.

This will be an ongoing, weekly scheduled post, so going forward this is where we'll refer all incoming questions about making friends from both /r/Portland and /r/AskPortland.


r/askportland 2h ago

Looking For What place(s) do you go when you’re feeling blue?

28 Upvotes

I feel meh and I just want to go out and do something but I have no idea where to go.

I’ve never seen much nature here and I’m overwhelmed on where to start. It doesn’t have to be that. Anything close to Portland will do


r/askportland 3h ago

Looking For Community for folks with chronic illness/pain and disability?

31 Upvotes

I’m disabled and have chronic illnesses/pain, and am looking for community that’s local and/or virtual. This shit is so isolating. For now virtual would be best because my mobility is currently limited. A pen pal thing could be cool too.

I’ve been looking into TeamWorks but wondering if there are other groups out there. Thanks!


r/askportland 6h ago

Looking For What to do about a parked car in front of our house for weeks?

39 Upvotes

There's a very new-looking red Toyota Tacoma (maybe 2025) with Nevada plates and a NHL Vegas Knights license plate frame parked outside our house for coming up to three weeks now. I don't mind it so much and I don’t necessarily need them to move but I keep thinking everyday what happened to the person.

My first thought is they died (but that's just because I watch a lot of horrors and thrillers).

Also the car is parked kinda haphazardly. It's about 2 feet away from the curb so whoever parked it didnt seem like they cared or intended to be in the spot long term.

I think I read somewhere that PBOT won’t really do anything about it and there’s no time limit on parking on residential streets like this, is that true?

*EDIT: I peeked inside the car and there are a bunch of Starbucks drinks (all cup holders are full with half drunk drinks). The owners name is MARY (as seen on multiple drinks).

I’ll report it but Mary please come get your red Tacoma!


r/askportland 6h ago

Looking For Rosh Hashanah Events or Services?

23 Upvotes

Hello! I am visiting from Minneapolis for the first time the 9th - 14th and am realizing that I will be in town for Rosh Hashanah! I am looking for a service or event that I could attend or swing by! If it helps narrow it down i'm in my twenties, queer and grew up regulalry attending a reform synagogue but am not devoutly reform.


r/askportland 4h ago

Looking For Where to get multiple giant Polar Bear mascot costumes cleaned?

12 Upvotes

I work for Special Olympics Oregon and we have multiples polar bear costumes that we use at our Polar Plunge every year. It's been a few years since we've had them properly laundered and we'd like to not cause unneeded suffering to the next people who don them for a great cause...Any suggestions on where to bring them? Where do people get mascot costumes cleaned?? The head itself is round and firm and not just materials, but stability facets, do you know what I mean?

This was a topic in a meeting today. I thought...Reddit will know!


r/askportland 2h ago

Looking For Where/how can I sell a fancy new bong that was passed down to me?

4 Upvotes

I recently had a huge, very fancy/ornate never used bong handed down to me, and I don't smoke. The typical online options (Facebook Marketplace, etc.) apparently have rules against selling drug paraphernalia. Just wondering how the hell I get rid of this thing.

And mods, hopefully this doesn't violate any of our standards? I'm definitely not trying to sell or buy anything, just want to find out how to get rid of this giant piece of glass.


r/askportland 22h ago

Looking For Is that smoke downtown? Anyone know where it's coming from?

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157 Upvotes

Ive been refreshing askportland, kgw, Willamette week and no mention of smoke.


r/askportland 19h ago

Looking For Why is the Hawthorne Fred Meyer so stinky?

88 Upvotes

It smells like rotting food and feet. It’s been smelly for weeks but I feel like it’s gotten unbearable recently. I feel bad for the workers who have to endure that smell all day.

Does management just think we’ll keep shopping there regardless of how nasty it smells?


r/askportland 2h ago

Looking For Accessible singing lessons/fun groups for someone starting out?

3 Upvotes

I’ve been feeling stressed out lately, and realized singing is something relaxing I do naturally when busy around the house.
Looking for a joyful outlet for all of this restless energy, possibly make new friends, maybe learn a thing or two.

Any recs for fun groups that like to sing, or low-cost singing lessons for folks like me that want to learn by ear?
Pretty diverse taste, very open to trying different things out!
Signed: a queer, late-30’s human wanting to croon out some belly knots n have a good time.


r/askportland 8h ago

Looking For Driving through Portland today on the way to Washington and I’ve never been. Any recs for a lunch spot that will give me a good feel for the city? Maybe a place that has shops or a park to walk around after?

8 Upvotes

Looking for more casual options instead of a sit down place. Thank you in advance!!


r/askportland 5h ago

Looking For Best Pools for Long Distance Swimming?

4 Upvotes

Hey all, just found out that I have some pretty severe hip and leg damage, and I cannot run or ride my bike. I used to swim a lot, and it seems like I am returning to the pool. Can someone give me a rundown of the best pools for longer-distance swimming? And what pools are the quietest?

I know Dishman is the community favorite, and Tualitin seems to be the only 50-meter pool around (unless I am mistaken). Are there any other pools of Tualitin's size nearer to NE Portland?


r/askportland 2h ago

Looking For Cops in SW Portland?

0 Upvotes

Was just driving down Multnomah Blvd/Barbur area and there were like a dozen cops posted up. Looked like they were looking for someone/something. Even saw a K9. Anybody know why?


r/askportland 22h ago

Looking For Black family considering move from DMV to Portland — where would you live?

80 Upvotes

I’m a single mom in the DMV considering a great job opportunity in Portland. I have two kids, ages 8 and 6, and I’m looking at this as potentially a 2–3 year chapter for our family before eventually returning to the DC area.
Professionally, it’s a really good opportunity for me to grow, but obviously moving across the country with two kids is a much bigger decision than just taking a job.
I’ve visited Portland and really enjoyed it, but I know visiting and actually raising kids there are two completely different things.

Housing-wise, I’m looking for a 3-bedroom under about $2,800/month, good public schools, a safe/family-friendly neighborhood, and a reasonable commute into Portland. I’ve been looking at Beaverton, Happy Valley/Clackamas, Gresham, Portland proper, and possibly Vancouver, but I’m open to other areas.

I’m coming from the DMV, so I already understand that the racial demographics are going to be very different. I also understand the reality that my children may sometimes be the only Black kids in certain spaces. I’m not expecting Portland to recreate the DMV.

What I am trying to understand is how Black families intentionally find and build community there. Where have your kids found friends and spaces where they feel connected? Are there particular neighborhoods, schools, churches, sports programs, parent groups, cultural organizations, events, etc. that you’d recommend?

And for anyone who moved to Portland with kids from a more diverse area: Would you do it again?
I’d really appreciate the good, the bad, and the stuff people don’t necessarily tell you before moving.
That last question is the money question. Reddit will absolutely tell you the stuff nobody put in the relocation brochure 😂.


r/askportland 22h ago

Looking For What’s on your Portland fall bucket list?

73 Upvotes

As a newcomer, I posed this same question at the beginning of the summer, and y’all gave me some amazing answers! My first summer in Portland rocked thanks to your suggestions!

Now I’m back to ask: what screams “Portland fall” to you? I want the deeply essential experiences—like if fall came and went without them, you’d feel like you missed it.


r/askportland 21h ago

Looking For Rescued a cat from 1000 Acres Sandy River Delta, what next?

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57 Upvotes

Earlier today my golden found a cat hidden in the brambles at 1000 acres. I went back tonight and was able to lure him out and give him food and lots of pets. He was purring and let me put him in a cat carrier. He’s about 8-12 months old. Not neutered. Took him to 24hr vet to check for a chip and he doesn’t have one. I posted on MCAS website that we found him. We have 3 cats and can not keep this guy. Anyone have any resources? Or know what we can do? This boy is super sweet and just wants love. I scoured all lost cat resource pages on next door, Facebook etc. found nothing that looks like this boy. We’re holding him for the night in a large kennel in a separate room.


r/askportland 5h ago

Looking For Where is the best place to get my transmission fluid checked/changed?

3 Upvotes

Closer in to downtown preferred


r/askportland 22h ago

Looking For Why has it gotten so smokey in the past hour?

68 Upvotes

r/askportland 3h ago

Looking For Anyone know a quality mechanic in NE?

2 Upvotes

I’m sick of getting ripped off from Ken Van Damme’s


r/askportland 5h ago

Looking For Looking for In-House Dog Sitter. Recommendations?

3 Upvotes

We are planning a trip at the end of September for a few days (5 at most). Our dog sitter just canceled dude to getting a job out of state.

Does anyone know of a quality dog sitter who could stay at our house?

We live close-in on the westside and have a dedicated ADU for guests.

Recommendations?


r/askportland 5h ago

Looking For Jackson house clinic?

3 Upvotes

Hi guys! I’m a registered nurse in Portland and I have an interview with the Jackson House Clinic. Anyone have experience working/staying there? Wondering what type of environment it is. Any insight is appreciated!


r/askportland 9h ago

Looking For Rainy day activities for low mobility?

6 Upvotes

My mom is visiting from the east coast this weekend, and we were planning some fun outdoor activities, but it’s looking like we will be mostly inside this weekend. She has a hard time walking long distances so I was considering a trip to cascada spa? Does anyone know a good winery even while it’s raining? Or any other fun activities to do around the Portland area. I have a car but I don’t want to go too far since she’s already flying 7 hours to get here. Thanks in advance!


r/askportland 1h ago

Looking For Where can I collect a bunch of acorns on the NE side of Portland?

Upvotes

Looking to gather a bunch for some art projects. Would love park recommendations that have a good supply!


r/askportland 9h ago

Looking For Where can I rent a hydroxyl generator in Portland? I tried Herc rentals but they called and cancelled because they have none in stock.

4 Upvotes

Looking to rent one or more hydroxyl generators to eliminate food smells in a house I bought. Dates needed are in late September. If I can’t get a hydroxyl generator I suppose I’m open to some big ozone generators. Any tips are appreciated.


r/askportland 7h ago

What does it mean to have 21+ tickets for the Crystal Ballroom? Am I going to be able to exchange them for 18+ ones?

2 Upvotes

I snagged tickets for Bikini Kill this weekend long ago not realizing my 19-year-old niece would be living in Portland. I would love so much to take her but I don't know whether those tickets are for a specific seating area and I am SOL. I also don't know how responsive Cascade Tickets is, sounds like the box office at the Crystal itself is unlikely to be reachable this late in the game. If anyone has insight I'd be grateful.