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Study ranks Portland and Seattle best for real-world socializing
Digital communication has transformed how people interact, but many communities in the United States continue to prioritize real-world social connections.
The Pacific Northwest is home to some of them, according to Compare the Market, a UK-based price comparison website that ranked the Most Social Cities in the World through an analysis of social data from America, Europe, and Australia.
The study reviewed meet-up events, inclusivity scores, searches for friendship apps, coffee shops and bars per capita, and broader indicators of in-person connection.
Two Pacific Northwest cities placed in the Top 5 for the United States, rating high in social interaction and opportunity for community engagement.
Portland ranked as one of the most social cities in America
Portland placed at No. 3 nationwide with a score of 71.59 out of 100.
The city recorded 41 bars and coffee shops per 100,000 people, the highest number measured in the study.
It also generated 224.76 searches for friendship apps per 100,000 people and hosted 113 meet-up events per 100,000 people. Portland’s inclusivity index came in at 55.94 out of 100.
For travelers and locals who enjoy a strong coffee culture, community events and social experiences, Portland continues to bring people together.
Seattle ranked among the most social cities in the United States
Seattle placed at No. 5 with a total score of 68.81 out of 100.
The Emerald City recorded 39 bars and coffee shops per 100,000 people and 85 meet-up events per 100,000 people.
The inclusivity score was 57.18 out of 100, and there were 39 friendship app searches per 100,000 people.
Seattle’s active event scene and interest in in-person connection continue to attract visitors and new residents.
Top ranked United States cities for social activity
| City | Total Score | Population | Inclusiveness Index | Meet-up Events (per 100k) | Friendship App Searches (per 100k) | Bars and Coffee Shops (per 100k) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | 77.49 | 432,250 | 55.05 | 155 | 347.02 | 23 |
| Atlanta | 74.98 | 514,465 | 54.53 | 137 | 353.77 | 29 |
| Portland | 71.59 | 622,882 | 55.94 | 113 | 224.76 | 41 |
| Nevada | 69.29 | 665,640 | 66.19 | 43 | 36 | 235.86 |
| Seattle | 68.81 | 759,915 | 57.18 | 85 | 39 | 250.03 |
Methodology
Compare the Market reviewed four main categories: number of friendship app Google searches, inclusiveness index ranking, number of bars and coffee shops, and the number of meet-up events. Scores were normalized and converted into a 100-point scale to determine the social ranking.
