Dating can be a challenging experience. The saying “there are plenty of fish in the sea” often feels misleading, as many of those fish can be more like eels, sharks, or blowfish—hardly ideal dating partners. Even when you do find someone promising, they might already be in a relationship or simply not your type. Additionally, location plays a significant role; some cities have fewer singles available. As you get older, even in larger urban areas, the pool of available singles tends to diminish.
For those living in smaller cities, particularly in the southern or midwestern regions where early marriages are common, the options can feel even slimmer. While we’re not suggesting you relocate solely for dating, if you’re considering a move for career opportunities or a more compatible lifestyle, it’s worth evaluating the local dating scene as well.
Fortunately, various studies have been conducted to identify the best cities for singles. From towns favored by younger individuals to the most popular spots according to votes from single women, there are numerous factors to consider. Let’s take a look at what the research reveals.
Insights from WalletHub
In a 2019 analysis by WalletHub, researchers evaluated cities based on factors such as the number of singles, livability, and the cost of social outings. They assessed three key areas: economic conditions, recreational options, and dating opportunities. Atlanta, GA emerged as the top city for dating, scoring above average across all three categories. However, not all cities are balanced; for instance, San Francisco ranked third but faced challenges with its high cost of living. The top five cities identified by WalletHub were:
- Atlanta, GA
- Denver, CO
- San Francisco, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Portland, OR
Recommendations from Best Places
Best Places also weighed in, collaborating with AXE Bodyspray to create their own list. They focused on aspects such as population density, the number of singles aged 18 to 24, and available dating venues. Their findings highlighted these top cities for younger singles:
- Austin, TX
- Colorado Springs, CO
- San Diego, CA
- Raleigh/Durham, NC
- Seattle, WA
Feedback from Apartment List
To capture local sentiment, Apartment List surveyed 11,000 individuals about their satisfaction with the dating scene. The results showed the following cities had the happiest singles:
- Provo, UT
- Richmond, VA
- Raleigh, NC
- Bridgeport, CT
- Knoxville, TN
When the survey was limited to women, the rankings shifted slightly:
- Austin, TX
- Minneapolis, MN
- Columbus, OH
- Charlotte, NC
- Denver, CO
Interestingly, Kansas City, MO was cited as the least favorable city for women regarding dating satisfaction.
NerdWallet’s Findings
NerdWallet also conducted its own analysis, focusing solely on heterosexual women. They evaluated factors like the availability of single men, dating costs, and the overall dating environment, leading to the following recommendations:
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Minneapolis, MN
- San Diego, CA
- Austin, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Portland, OR
- Denver, CO
- Los Angeles, CA
Cities for Young Professionals
If job opportunities, safety, and quality of life are also on your radar, Shape magazine compiled a list that considered these factors. Their top cities for young professionals included:
- San Francisco, CA
- Portland, OR
- San Diego, CA
- Boston, MA
- Washington, D.C.
- Denver, CO
- Seattle, WA
- Los Angeles, CA
- New York, NY
- Philadelphia, PA
Furthermore, SmartAsset’s annual study evaluated economic and livability metrics relevant to young professionals, resulting in a surprising list:
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Austin, TX
- Denver, CO (tied with Nashville, TN)
- San Francisco, CA
- Raleigh, NC
- Minneapolis, MN
- Madison, WI
- Seattle, WA
- Charlotte, NC
The Remote Work Revolution
In light of the global pandemic, many have reconsidered their living arrangements. Business Insider provided insights into the best cities for remote work, uncovering that nearly 24% of Americans worked remotely in 2019. The top 15 cities for remote work are:
- Kansas City, MO
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Austin, TX
- Raleigh, NC
- San Antonio, TX
- Denver, CO
- Atlanta, GA
- Richmond, VA
- Dallas, TX
- Las Vegas, NV
- Charlotte, NC
- Miami, FL
- Boston, MA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- St. Louis, MO
While searching for the ideal city to live, work, or date, these insights can guide you in making a well-informed decision. For more engaging content about personal journeys, check out this blog post. If you’re looking for authoritative resources on fertility and home insemination, visit this site. Additionally, March of Dimes offers excellent advice on pregnancy and fertility treatments.
Summary
In conclusion, selecting the best city for single women to date and work involves considering various factors, including the local dating scene, economic opportunities, and lifestyle preferences. Cities like Atlanta, Austin, and Denver frequently appear in various studies, indicating their appeal for singles seeking both love and career advancement.