27M in Manchester here, I've been to Portland a few times and love it but yeah maybe only as a tourist. The way you describe it unfortunately sounds so much like Manchester unfortunately. I just moved here from Nashua. I am very social, enjoy culture and people with the same intentions. I got involved in a lot of local activities and networks. I mean I wouldn't move here for your intentions. NH is OLD and trying to find young outdoorsy energetic people is devastatingly difficult. Manchester doesn't have much culture but if you pry into the woodwork you'll find some people. It's just going to be maybe ever slightly easier than your current location. I mean so far I love the city, but it's one strip of shops and stuff downtown that's about it.