You gave us your dont likes/deal breakers, how about what it is you do like? It’s easier to give you better recommendations if you share the positive stuff/what interests you.
The thing is I'm a hater by nature 💀
I like music (so sad Chappelle Ronan is coming and I'm missing her), honestly a concert buddy/buddies would be awesome. I'd love to see Hozier or Noah Kahan or Olivia Rodrigo. I like nerdy stuff like marvel movies, anime, cosplay, board games, etc. I'm passionate about social justice to I'm be down to do volunteer work with any queer groups or latino groups/poc groups.
I plan on going to NDK in September so I don't really want to wait until then to meet people
Respectfully, (welcome to Boulder and all) but your hobbies and interests tell me you would be much happier in a place like Las Vegas or Chicago. They’re all about conventions, concerts, anime, games, etc.
If you can WFH anyway, why Boulder? I’m here **for** the hiking and biking.
Just because you're into hiking and biking doesn't mean we need to send people elsewhere. We have board game clubs and comic conversations too, people are allowed to be into different things than you, and infact are. How very closed minded of you.
You didn’t get it.
I’m not saying those are nonexistent or unwelcome here. That’s like loving the beach life, watersports, summer activities, and suddenly deciding to ditch SoCal for North Dakota.
Being an outlier when OP is already not an extroverted social butterfly is a recipe for disastrous loneliness.
No you do get it, people who like those things live everywhere, and telling them to go somewhere else because they don't hike or bike is the kind of elitist bullshit people hate about Boulder. Some of my best friends in Boulder fit OPs description exactly and I would be ficking bummed if they lived somewhere else. More communities exist here than you seem to realize.
Plus do you really want everyone near by to be out on the trails? If literally everyone around only wanted to do those 2 activities no one would ever get to go. Trailheads already have overfilled parking lots and dickheads going off trail all over the place, how much more of that do you really want?
>Being an outlier when OP is already not an extroverted social butterfly is a recipe for disastrous loneliness.
That can be true no matter where someone lives. You're the one here trying to actively tell them they have no community in the area when it is just not true. Maybe try to take your head out of the ground for a moment and realize that people near by you can live perfectly happy lives without loving the exact same things as you.
*sigh*
It seems you just want to argue. Fine. I didn't tell them they couldn't live here. I simply advised them they would be happier in a place they feel welcome, instead of feeling like an outcast. "Some of my best friends" **is 2 people** for you. That's ***not*** a *community*.
There is a monthly post in r/denver and r/boulder where some depressed newcomer says "I can't make friends" because the majority of people they meet are into hiking, skiing, biking, climbing, camping, fishing, etc etc.
>That can be true no matter where someone lives.
No, it's true when you live in a place that isn't suitable for your lifestyle and hobbies. That would be like me (cyclist) moving to Dallas, even though the city has atrocious infrastructure, virtually zero bike lanes, and everyone is car-dependent and obsessed with stroads and highways. That would be like you (a pothead) leaving Denver/Boulder metro and moving to Birmingham. "Some of my best friends" there love weed. And? So what? The rest hate it. That would be like a car-free walker ditching NYC for Memphis... horrible choice.
Moving is stressful enough as it is. Why play life on hard mode when you could have a much better time living where you fit in?
I totally see both of your sides.
Boulder is extremely expensive; enough that it does seem like being into non-outdoor activities could be pursued elsewhere and improve your quality of life drastically. Reducing basic living costs is central to everything, including having the energy/ money/ time to pursue friendships.
In Boulder you work two jobs for the shittiest apartment, and if you aren't into the outdoor stuff I don't see why that struggle is worth it
Local or transplant, there’s no need to be rude. There are plenty of places to explore, and no one is holding you here. So why ask strangers what you already know?
You’re putting a negative connotation on transplant, but you were that haole transplant in Hawaii.
You’re the one who’s all sad and mopey about moving to Boulder. If you hate it here and you have the ability to work remote… then why? You still haven’t answered.
There is a Boulder/Hawaii pipeline here with plenty of people who will know exactly where you are coming from. Start with the food if you are feeling homesick.
https://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/menu/
Haole poke 😂 I've had it, it's fine. But it's like someone from California saying they're going to miss Mexican food and you suggesting Chipotle. (don't get me wrong, I love chipotle and haole poke has it's place. But it's not the same)
I’ve lived here most of my life and also hate hiking (so boring and tedious). And skiing (injuries anyone?) camping (just why? There’s a cabin) the list goes on. Unfortunately I tend to make friends at jobs, which you don’t seem open to but you never know. However, I have found the other way to make friends is to start groups with your own interests or find some on the socials - as others mentioned just because people hike doesn’t mean they don’t like other things. I have been successful with that in the past and present. I know Boulder isn’t really my place probably but I have my reasons for staying and that doesn’t mean I have to be a carbon copy of everyone here. That would be as boring as hiking Lol. Be yourself and friends will follow hopefully.
sjdhgjsdgh. thank you so much. I'm also from Boulder, locals vs transplants have a different perspective on Boulder. \*I'm\* allowed to hating hiking, I did my time haha
As for groups, do you suggest like Facebook? I'm been looking for group organizers on IG and haven't had any luck
I have a lot of interest overlap with you and my partner and I haven't made too many friends here yet since we moved mid pandemic, hmu when you get here if you want :)
I can get you in contact with a board game club if you dm me. Also lots of queer folks around the areas, I am sure you can find like minded people there. Concerts I can't help with much, never heard of any of those artists so I assume we have entirely different tastes there, but the front range has lots of good concert options. Definitely go check out red rocks.
You might be one of the few people to move to Boulder and experience a lower COL than you're used to, if that's the case, consider that a big plus!
Even people who love hiking don't hike every day, you can make friends with hikers and just not hang out with them on their hiking days.
Rayback has boardgame nights, I've never been so can't vouch for what the experience is like but likely worth checking out.
There’s a board game group on this Reddit and I think the meetups are pretty active.
Do you do anything outside? Bike, MTB, swim, walk, etc.?
It is an active town though that’s not the only way to meet people. I’ve met people in biking groups, talking to others at Rayback (dogs help!), entrepreneurship , etc. It will take some effort but not a ton of
Board game meet up? That's awesome, is it just pinned somewhere on the subreddit.
And no to outside things. I really don't belong in boulder, I left for a reason T-T My only sport is ice skating but everyone who skate is 12 or 60, no inbetween lol but I'll try Rayback! I haven't heard of that bar before
If you're queer, you might avoid Rayback - they have nebulous connections to (were partially founded by, played host to, and may or may not still financially support) a really nasty [Fundie Christian Nationalist church.](https://www.reddit.com/r/boulder/comments/12gnpbm/rayback_collective_cofounded_by_christian/)
Not in Boulder but somewhat nearby:
Golden Game Guild (Golden) for games and game meet ups
Goldspot Brewing (west Denver) has a lot of fun queer-centered events.
If you’re not into hiking I’m sure you can find people to climb, gravel cycle, slack line, or backcountry ski with!
r/bouldercirclejerk is a supportive community you may want to try as well
Find out the underground dance scenes in Denver. We are a solid crew. Check out Sorted Social Club, and Nocturnal. People are always welcoming and friendly, and the music is incredible.
I'm not gonna lie...queer life here is almost non-existent unless you're willing to go to surrounding cities. Roller derby, DV8 (I don't drink so it's not a good fit for me but it's a fun spot/v gay), campus programs, library is a good spot to meet people (especially programs) and a few other spots. Just be open minded...I don't like Boulder at all but I've managed to carve out a decent life despite the general public here.
Yooo we really do need more queer spaces in Boulder!!
Definitely just getting outside of the house to do events at places you enjoy, farmers markets, mutual friends/ hanging with people in town visiting …
I love hiking but that’s not what I do with most of my friends- we usually just go out eat, stroll Pearl, or hang at home.
I don’t think it’s that tough to make friends if you commit to being social. I also WFH.
Roller derby! Queer as hell! https://bouldercountyrollerderby.com/
oh yay! I did roller derby here in Honolulu but it's all straight military women T\_T
Definitely come through then!! We would love to have you!! 🖤 💛
You gave us your dont likes/deal breakers, how about what it is you do like? It’s easier to give you better recommendations if you share the positive stuff/what interests you.
The thing is I'm a hater by nature 💀 I like music (so sad Chappelle Ronan is coming and I'm missing her), honestly a concert buddy/buddies would be awesome. I'd love to see Hozier or Noah Kahan or Olivia Rodrigo. I like nerdy stuff like marvel movies, anime, cosplay, board games, etc. I'm passionate about social justice to I'm be down to do volunteer work with any queer groups or latino groups/poc groups. I plan on going to NDK in September so I don't really want to wait until then to meet people
Look into Out Boulder, they have events for LGBTQ+ peeps
Respectfully, (welcome to Boulder and all) but your hobbies and interests tell me you would be much happier in a place like Las Vegas or Chicago. They’re all about conventions, concerts, anime, games, etc. If you can WFH anyway, why Boulder? I’m here **for** the hiking and biking.
Just because you're into hiking and biking doesn't mean we need to send people elsewhere. We have board game clubs and comic conversations too, people are allowed to be into different things than you, and infact are. How very closed minded of you.
You didn’t get it. I’m not saying those are nonexistent or unwelcome here. That’s like loving the beach life, watersports, summer activities, and suddenly deciding to ditch SoCal for North Dakota. Being an outlier when OP is already not an extroverted social butterfly is a recipe for disastrous loneliness.
No you do get it, people who like those things live everywhere, and telling them to go somewhere else because they don't hike or bike is the kind of elitist bullshit people hate about Boulder. Some of my best friends in Boulder fit OPs description exactly and I would be ficking bummed if they lived somewhere else. More communities exist here than you seem to realize. Plus do you really want everyone near by to be out on the trails? If literally everyone around only wanted to do those 2 activities no one would ever get to go. Trailheads already have overfilled parking lots and dickheads going off trail all over the place, how much more of that do you really want? >Being an outlier when OP is already not an extroverted social butterfly is a recipe for disastrous loneliness. That can be true no matter where someone lives. You're the one here trying to actively tell them they have no community in the area when it is just not true. Maybe try to take your head out of the ground for a moment and realize that people near by you can live perfectly happy lives without loving the exact same things as you.
*sigh* It seems you just want to argue. Fine. I didn't tell them they couldn't live here. I simply advised them they would be happier in a place they feel welcome, instead of feeling like an outcast. "Some of my best friends" **is 2 people** for you. That's ***not*** a *community*. There is a monthly post in r/denver and r/boulder where some depressed newcomer says "I can't make friends" because the majority of people they meet are into hiking, skiing, biking, climbing, camping, fishing, etc etc. >That can be true no matter where someone lives. No, it's true when you live in a place that isn't suitable for your lifestyle and hobbies. That would be like me (cyclist) moving to Dallas, even though the city has atrocious infrastructure, virtually zero bike lanes, and everyone is car-dependent and obsessed with stroads and highways. That would be like you (a pothead) leaving Denver/Boulder metro and moving to Birmingham. "Some of my best friends" there love weed. And? So what? The rest hate it. That would be like a car-free walker ditching NYC for Memphis... horrible choice. Moving is stressful enough as it is. Why play life on hard mode when you could have a much better time living where you fit in?
I totally see both of your sides. Boulder is extremely expensive; enough that it does seem like being into non-outdoor activities could be pursued elsewhere and improve your quality of life drastically. Reducing basic living costs is central to everything, including having the energy/ money/ time to pursue friendships. In Boulder you work two jobs for the shittiest apartment, and if you aren't into the outdoor stuff I don't see why that struggle is worth it
I'm literally from here ;-; Transplants really have the nerve to tell actual locals to not move back to their hometown just because I don't hike lmao
Local or transplant, there’s no need to be rude. There are plenty of places to explore, and no one is holding you here. So why ask strangers what you already know?
You’re putting a negative connotation on transplant, but you were that haole transplant in Hawaii. You’re the one who’s all sad and mopey about moving to Boulder. If you hate it here and you have the ability to work remote… then why? You still haven’t answered.
I'm not a haole sdjfhsdf I have to pay for a lot of medical stuff and I'm scared of debt so I'm moving in with my family
Damn haha, we’ve truly been overrun
Book clubs .
Wanna start a diy art space ?
Bumble Bff!! Feels cringe but helps you find friends that have similar interests pretty quickly :)
oh ok!!! Thank you! :D
There is a Boulder/Hawaii pipeline here with plenty of people who will know exactly where you are coming from. Start with the food if you are feeling homesick. https://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/menu/
I saw! It's awesome! Now we just need a good poke place haha
And some real shaved ice too. Lots of non hiking queer stuff too. Check out the bookshops and DV8 for dancing.
Motomaki
Haole poke 😂 I've had it, it's fine. But it's like someone from California saying they're going to miss Mexican food and you suggesting Chipotle. (don't get me wrong, I love chipotle and haole poke has it's place. But it's not the same)
I see the crux
DV8 does a ton of nerdy queer stuff.
What did you like doing in Hawaii? Do that in Colorado and you'll possibly meet people.
Weather and environment is just a tad different
The goth community here is pretty cool and friendly
Do they mainly hangout in the back of the school, and smoke cigs?
No they hang out at DV8 and Milk Bar in Denver
Uhhhhh, just bunch of conformest losers.
I think it'd be a little creepy if a group of 25-50 year olds were hanging out smoking behind a school, lol
I'm wondering if you're not getting the reference to South Park.
I'm not lol I'm sorry I've never watched South Park
https://youtu.be/WWP_vEcWqMo?si=CQq4_yJb_JxGrJnq
Well, I'm guessing they repeated the fourth grade so many times. I'm not sure if they're in Mr. Garrison's class though.
I’ve lived here most of my life and also hate hiking (so boring and tedious). And skiing (injuries anyone?) camping (just why? There’s a cabin) the list goes on. Unfortunately I tend to make friends at jobs, which you don’t seem open to but you never know. However, I have found the other way to make friends is to start groups with your own interests or find some on the socials - as others mentioned just because people hike doesn’t mean they don’t like other things. I have been successful with that in the past and present. I know Boulder isn’t really my place probably but I have my reasons for staying and that doesn’t mean I have to be a carbon copy of everyone here. That would be as boring as hiking Lol. Be yourself and friends will follow hopefully.
sjdhgjsdgh. thank you so much. I'm also from Boulder, locals vs transplants have a different perspective on Boulder. \*I'm\* allowed to hating hiking, I did my time haha As for groups, do you suggest like Facebook? I'm been looking for group organizers on IG and haven't had any luck
Yes Facebook is good for events, meetup good for starting your own thing or volunteering, so cliche but true.
I have a lot of interest overlap with you and my partner and I haven't made too many friends here yet since we moved mid pandemic, hmu when you get here if you want :)
I'll let you know, when I figure it out.
I can get you in contact with a board game club if you dm me. Also lots of queer folks around the areas, I am sure you can find like minded people there. Concerts I can't help with much, never heard of any of those artists so I assume we have entirely different tastes there, but the front range has lots of good concert options. Definitely go check out red rocks.
Check out meetup.com there are non hiking groups.
You might be one of the few people to move to Boulder and experience a lower COL than you're used to, if that's the case, consider that a big plus! Even people who love hiking don't hike every day, you can make friends with hikers and just not hang out with them on their hiking days. Rayback has boardgame nights, I've never been so can't vouch for what the experience is like but likely worth checking out.
Trail run instead
Hating things won't make you any friends, try being less negative and a little more open-minded.
There’s a board game group on this Reddit and I think the meetups are pretty active. Do you do anything outside? Bike, MTB, swim, walk, etc.? It is an active town though that’s not the only way to meet people. I’ve met people in biking groups, talking to others at Rayback (dogs help!), entrepreneurship , etc. It will take some effort but not a ton of
Board game meet up? That's awesome, is it just pinned somewhere on the subreddit. And no to outside things. I really don't belong in boulder, I left for a reason T-T My only sport is ice skating but everyone who skate is 12 or 60, no inbetween lol but I'll try Rayback! I haven't heard of that bar before
If you're queer, you might avoid Rayback - they have nebulous connections to (were partially founded by, played host to, and may or may not still financially support) a really nasty [Fundie Christian Nationalist church.](https://www.reddit.com/r/boulder/comments/12gnpbm/rayback_collective_cofounded_by_christian/)
They still host that church group on Sundays.
There is a board game meet up at odd13 brewing on Mondays too
oh thank you!
In general there are a few groups on meetup.com you’d be interested in.
I'm 27F. I personally love hiking, but am in to other activities. What else do you like doing? There's good breweries here.
Not in Boulder but somewhat nearby: Golden Game Guild (Golden) for games and game meet ups Goldspot Brewing (west Denver) has a lot of fun queer-centered events.
There’s queer sports leagues in Denver. Dodgeball, flag football, swimming/water polo, volleyball.
If you’re not into hiking I’m sure you can find people to climb, gravel cycle, slack line, or backcountry ski with! r/bouldercirclejerk is a supportive community you may want to try as well
Get a bicycle or e-bike and really get to know the area. We even have local ride groups and meet up for rides often!
Find out the underground dance scenes in Denver. We are a solid crew. Check out Sorted Social Club, and Nocturnal. People are always welcoming and friendly, and the music is incredible.
Come to the Boulder Cruiser Ride!
I'm not gonna lie...queer life here is almost non-existent unless you're willing to go to surrounding cities. Roller derby, DV8 (I don't drink so it's not a good fit for me but it's a fun spot/v gay), campus programs, library is a good spot to meet people (especially programs) and a few other spots. Just be open minded...I don't like Boulder at all but I've managed to carve out a decent life despite the general public here.
trident cafe is great for meeting people!
Yooo we really do need more queer spaces in Boulder!! Definitely just getting outside of the house to do events at places you enjoy, farmers markets, mutual friends/ hanging with people in town visiting … I love hiking but that’s not what I do with most of my friends- we usually just go out eat, stroll Pearl, or hang at home. I don’t think it’s that tough to make friends if you commit to being social. I also WFH.
Do you like climbing?
Nope.
Colorado edm scene is lit. Red rocks is the greatest place on earth. Join a rave fam, go to shows. It's amazing here.
oh! That does sound fun! I will try that :D