Dating can be quite challenging. The phrase “plenty of fish in the sea” often feels misleading, as many of those fish might resemble eels, sharks, or even blowfish—hardly the ideal match. When you finally encounter someone promising, they may already be in a relationship or simply not your type. Location plays a crucial role in the dating landscape as well. Some cities have a limited number of singles, and as time goes on, even in larger urban areas, the pool tends to dwindle. If you find yourself in a smaller city or a region where marriage happens at a younger age, the odds may be even less favorable.
We’re not advocating for a move solely for dating purposes, as that could leave you in a new city without familiar faces. However, if you’re considering relocating for career advancement or to find a community that resonates with you, it makes sense to evaluate the local dating scene, too.
Fortunately, numerous studies have explored the best places for singles. From cities favorable for younger individuals to those highly rated by actual single women, various factors are at play. Here’s a synthesis of the findings.
WalletHub Analysis
In 2019, WalletHub conducted a detailed analysis to identify the best cities for women to date. They assessed not only the number of singles in each city but also factors such as livability and the expenses associated with socializing. They scored cities based on three primary criteria: economic conditions, recreational opportunities, and dating prospects. Atlanta, GA, emerged as the top city, boasting average or above-average ratings across all categories.
However, balance varied significantly among cities. For instance, while San Francisco rated third overall, its economic score was considerably low due to high living costs. Yet, its strong ratings in recreation and dating opportunities made it a contender. WalletHub’s leading five cities included:
- Atlanta, GA
- Denver, CO
- San Francisco, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Portland, OR
Best Places for Younger Singles
If you’re in the 18 to 24 age bracket, Best Places collaborated with AXE Bodyspray to provide insights tailored to your demographic. They evaluated population density, the number of singles in that age range, and the availability of dating venues. Their top recommendations were:
- Austin, TX
- Colorado Springs, CO
- San Diego, CA
- Raleigh/Durham, NC
- Seattle, WA
Local Opinions Matter
To gain insight from locals, Apartment List surveyed over 11,000 individuals regarding their satisfaction with their city’s dating scene. The cities where singles expressed the highest levels of happiness were:
- Provo, UT
- Richmond, VA
- Raleigh, NC
- Bridgeport, CT
- Knoxville, TN
When focusing solely on female respondents, the rankings shifted:
- Austin, TX
- Minneapolis, MN
- Columbus, OH
- Charlotte, NC
- Denver, CO
Interestingly, Kansas City, MO, was noted as the city where women felt least satisfied with their dating prospects.
NerdWallet’s Insights
NerdWallet conducted their own assessment, albeit limited to heterosexual women, examining factors such as the availability of single men and the affordability of dating. Their findings highlighted the following cities as prime locations for single women:
- 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
Opportunities for Young Professionals
Beyond dating, if you’re interested in job prospects, safety, and quality of life, Shape magazine compiled a list of cities that excelled in these areas:
- 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
Additionally, SmartAsset conducted a study evaluating various metrics relevant to young professionals, leading to these results:
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Austin, TX
- Denver, CO (tied with Nashville, TN)
- San Francisco, CA
- Raleigh, NC
- Minneapolis, MN
- Madison, WI
- Seattle, WA
- Charlotte, NC
Given the recent global shift towards remote work, many individuals are reconsidering their living situations, especially if they previously resided in expensive cities. Business Insider highlighted the top cities for remote work, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, showing a trend where nearly 24 percent of Americans were working remotely prior to the pandemic. The top 15 cities for remote work included:
- 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
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Summary
The landscape for single women seeking relationships and career opportunities varies across different cities in the United States. Various studies indicate that cities like Atlanta, Austin, and San Francisco offer promising dating prospects, while also providing favorable conditions for young professionals. For those considering relocation, these insights can guide you to a community that aligns with both your personal and professional aspirations.