Funny, I was just talking to some new (young...hip) arrivals to PVD who were hunting for a neighborhood to settle and I said the West Side. I would have loved that area as a younger adult. I had a family and too many pets so I chose Elmhurst and then Blackstone/Wayland- love both (but I'm a PVD fan, lol). It is definitely more quiet on the east side, but people do go out and there are busy restaurants and bars. More restrained in Hope, Blackstone and Wayland, while Fox Point and College Hill have a younger, lively vibe. With the colleges here , there are plenty of single/younger/childfree professionals. Lots of ways to meet each other and connect- there are flea markets, fairs, history stuff, arty stuff, music, running and cycling groups, yoga, whatever you're into. It's all very walkable- love that aspect of living here. I've had no problem meeting people with or without kids. People love to hang out, love an invitation. Still, I do get the draw to the west side and go there now and then for meeting friends.