Being new in town can feel a little disorienting at first—you have all kinds of things to figure out… like your new favorite bar, where to work on your laptop, and where the heck you can get brunch without having to wait forever. You know, the important things.
But figuring out who to follow online is a big step, too. Getting plugged into PDX’s online scene is the perfect way to start your move to Portland—you can start following Portlanders before you even officially move here and start to learn the lingo and happenings around town! Here are a few people/accounts to follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter:
Walkway in Kenton posted by Jon Kraft in the “Hidden Portland for the Curious” Facebook group
Hidden Portland for the Curious
This public Facebook group is kind of a catch-all for “all things Portland,” and it’s generally a very positive “feel good” space where people mainly share photos of cool art, buildings, scenes, etc. around Portland.
Partners in Diversity
This nonprofit “works with companies to help recruit and retain professionals of color in the Portland and Southwest Washington region,” and not only do they keep an up-to-date job board, but they also provide educational opportunities for all types of professionals in the Portland area.
Follow along on Facebook to get to know this organization better (and figure out if you or your employer might be able to benefit from its services), and earn even more on their website here.
Oregon Humanities
This incredible organization covers a wide breadth of topics and offers all kinds of events and programs; their main mission is to “to bring people together across difference.” Follow Oregon Humanities on Facebook for notifications about new events, links to latest articles on the website, and all of their new creations which range from essays and audio recordings to photographs and films. They also put a special emphasis on exploring “the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of Oregonians, especially those who have been ignored, generalized, or oppressed.”
Hit the “like” button, but also check out the website to learn even more. (You might even find yourself wanting to contribute an article or something else!)
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Bridgeliner
This one is *super* popular with Portlanders, and it’s a mix of Portland news, events, and other lighthearted content. Their main gig is their newsletter that they send out every morning, and this is a newsletter that you’ll actually *want* to receive. “We’ll always be on the lookout for ways to connect you with your city and your community.” Love ya, Bridgeliner!
But I digress—follow these guys on Instagram. You’ll find an inside look at Portland culture there with lots of great pics and cute illustrations. They also have an active Facebook page.
Hobbstheartist
Meet Hobbs, self-described “Dope Teen” plus artist and dancer. Hobbs the Artist is a sort of Renaissance guy—he has an urban lifestyle line called City Troll, he’s a student at Steps PDX Dance Academy, he’s a visual artist, a musician… and more. You can learn more about Hobbs here, but follow him on Instagram to follow along with his artistic adventures.
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Sweetheartstjohns
This Instagram account is brimming with pretty pictures and creations from Anna Henricks. Anna owns and operates Sweetheart Bakery, and her Instagram is filled with gorgeous cakes decorated with stunning floral arrangements.
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Makegoodchoices
Alex Simon is the lady behind this rad Insta + Etsy shop, and in her bio she describes herself as a “ceramic artist, sparkle queen, jewnicorn, queer femme, and rhinestoner.” Heck yes! This artsy Portlander’s feed is filled with her fabulous creations, behind-the-scenes pics, her doggy and more!
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Che.che.luna
This NSFW (well, depends where you work) account is the Insta home of Che Che Luna, host of “sensual dance workshops for your sexual liberation,” and they also offer 1:1 pleasure coaching and holistic sex ed courses. Get inspired and check it out!
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Stripper Writer
Elle Stanger is a “certified sex educator-writer-parent-sworker” (also also a Portlander) and one of the hosts of Strange Bedfellows, a podcast about “Sex. Politics. Friends.” Follow @stripperwritter for sex positivity and a behind-the-scenes look at Elle Stanger’s life and career.
@Alex_zee
Alex Zielinski is a news editor at Portland Mercury (hey, while you’re at it, follow Portland Mercy on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram), and you’ll find her reporting most frequently on housing, cops, civil rights, and city hall. Twitter’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it can be a great way to communicate more directly with reporters, local politicians/community leaders, etc.
Keep reading about awesome Portland things right here on our blog.