Single and looking to mingle? As temperatures drop, we officially head into “cuffing season,” a time to cozy up in relationship bliss, at least until spring. But which cities afford singles the best lifestyle and opportunities to meet a better half? We’ve evaluated around 100 top cities on median rent price, percentage of single population, cost of living, median income, unemployment rate, and access to dining and entertainment.
From the bustling streets of Atlanta, Georgia, to the charming neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, these cities offer many opportunities for singles to connect and thrive. With affordable living options, vibrant entertainment scenes, and bustling dating environments, these cities are the perfect places to embark on your cuffing season journey, or to relish in the joys of singlehood.
Key takeaways:
- Atlanta, GA is the overall best city for singles
- New Haven, CT has the highest population of singles at 61.49%
- Gilbert, AZ has the highest dating satisfaction rate among renters
- Bakersfield, CA is the overall worst city for singles
1. Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, Georgia, tops our list as the best city for singles, and for good reason. Atlanta boasts a healthy percentage of singles, with over 57% of its population unattached. The city ranked in the top five in both the entertainment and restaurant categories, offering many destinations to meet people and establishments to frequent on “date night.” A median non-family income of $71,069 , higher than the national average, also adds to the city’s appeal, which helps offset a higher median 1-bedroom rent of $1,688.
2. St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, Missouri, comes in second place, offering affordable living with an average rent of $864 per month and a low cost of living index. The city has a high percentage of singles, making it easy for those looking to meet new people. St. Louis is also known for its rich entertainment options and various restaurants, reflected in its high scores in both categories. St. Louis has a slightly higher unemployment rate of 4.40% and a lower median non-family income of $38,199. Still, with a low cost of living and affordable rent, budget-minded singles will live comfortably.
3. Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, takes third place with a median 1-bedroom apartment rent of $1,289 per month. Over 55% of the population in Minneapolis is single, making it an ideal city for those seeking companionship. The city also offers ample entertainment options and a thriving restaurant scene, all contributing to a robust dating environment. Renters appear to be mostly satisfied with the dating opportunities in Minneapolis, reflected by the “A” grade in this category. An unemployment rate of 4.60% is balanced by a median non-family income of $54,558, providing economic stability.
4. Boston, MA
Boston, Massachusetts, ranks fourth on our list. Despite a high median rent of $2,697 per month, Boston is a vibrant city for singles. With a percentage of singles above 58%, it’s easy to meet new people. The city’s entertainment options per capita are remarkable, and its restaurant scene is top-notch. An unemployment rate of 5.20% is offset by a high median non-family income of $75,252.
5. Madison, WI
Madison, Wisconsin, secures the fifth spot with a median rent of $1,387 per month. Over 53% of the population is single, fostering a lively singles community. The city offers substantial entertainment options and a burgeoning restaurant scene. The unemployment rate is a low 2.20%, and the median non-family income is $50,711, ensuring financial stability for singles.
6. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., ranks sixth on our list. With over 57% of its population single, it’s a city where you’re likely to meet like-minded people. The nation’s capital has abundant entertainment options and a rich culinary scene. Locals agree, with an above-average dating satisfaction score. While the unemployment rate is 5.10%, the city boasts a high median non-family income of $82,505.
7. Orlando, FL
Orlando, Florida, takes the seventh spot. While it has a slightly lower percentage of singles at 51%, Orlando makes up for it with an impressive entertainment scene and numerous restaurants, ranking first in the restaurant category. With an unemployment rate of 4.10% and a median non-family income of $54,133, Orlando is an attractive place for singles.
8. Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City, Utah, secures eighth place with a median 1-bedroom rent of $1,295. Over 54% of its population is single, creating opportunities for meaningful connections. The city offers a moderate level of entertainment options and a commendable restaurant scene. With a low unemployment rate of 3.00% and a healthy median non-family income of $54,787, Salt Lake affords single professionals an excellent environment to live and work.
9. Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, ranks ninth. Boasting a high percentage of singles at 60%, Richmond is a great place to meet new people. The city offers moderate entertainment options, and its restaurant scene is impressive. Richmond has a slightly higher unemployment rate of 6.60%, but a relatively low cost of living provides financial security.
10. Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, rounds out the top 10 best cities for singles. The city’s 59% single population makes it an excellent place for singles to connect. Pittsburgh also offers a moderate level of entertainment options and a well-rounded restaurant scene. Pittsburgh is a city that combines affordability with ample dating opportunities.
Cities ranked by top categories
Lowest median 1-bedroom rent
- Wichita, KS
- Akron, OH
- Shreveport, LA
- Lincoln, NE
- Des Moines, IA
When finding an affordable place to live as a single person in the United States, these cities should undoubtedly be on your radar. Wichita, Kansas, leads the pack with a remarkably low median 1-bedroom rent price of just $643 per month, followed closely by Akron, Ohio, at $714. Claiming the third spot is Shreveport, Louisiana, where you’ll find a median 1-bedroom rent price of $734, closely followed by Lincoln, Nebraska, with a rate of $765. Finally, Des Moines, Iowa, rounds out the list with a median 1-bedroom rent price of $799, offering various budget-friendly housing options for singles looking to make the most of their time without breaking the bank.
Largest percentage of singles
- New Haven, CT
- Cleveland, OH
- Richmond, VA
- Tallahassee, FL
- Detroit, MI
New Haven, Connecticut, has an impressive 61.49% of its population as singles, securing its top spot on the list. Not far behind, Cleveland, Ohio, takes the second position, with 60.62% of its residents identifying as single. Richmond, Virginia, closely follows in third place with a thriving single population of 60.22%, making it an attractive destination for solo living. Tallahassee, Florida, claims the fourth spot, with an equally impressive 59.91% of residents embracing single life. Rounding out the top five is Detroit, Michigan, with a vibrant community of singles at 59.46%, offering an array of opportunities for individuals to connect, socialize, and enjoy the city.
Entertainment options per capita
- Gilbert, AZ
- Orlando, FL
- Mesa, AZ
- Denver, CO
- Atlanta, GA
For singles who crave an abundance of entertainment options, these top five cities in the United States offer a remarkable array of choices. Gilbert, Arizona, claims the number one spot. In Gilbert, residents can revel in the natural beauty of the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch or immerse themselves in the vibrant arts scene at the Hale Centre Theatre. Orlando, Florida, secures the second position. Mesa, Arizona, follows closely behind at third place. Denver, Colorado, ranks fourth on the list. Top destinations include the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an iconic outdoor concert venue, and an expansive craft brewery scene. Atlanta, Georgia, rounds out the top five.
Restaurants per capita
- Orlando, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Denver, CO
- Portland, OR
- Richmond, VA
In Orlando, culinary delights are never-ending, with notable establishments like Victoria & Albert’s, an upscale dining experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and The Ravenous Pig, serving modern American cuisine. Atlanta, Georgia, secures second place in this category. Here, foodies can indulge in the farm-to-table cuisine of Miller Union or explore eclectic flavors at The Optimist, a seafood haven. Denver, Colorado, ranks third on the list, with notable venues including Fruition Restaurant, celebrated for its seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and Root Down, known for its creative small plates. Portland, Oregon, comes in fourth place. Locals can relish dishes at Le Pigeon, known for its innovative tasting menu, or enjoy the food cart culture, including Nong’s Khao Man Gai, celebrated for its Thai chicken and rice. Richmond, Virginia, rounds out the top five, with places like L’Opossum, offering French-inspired cuisine, and Perly’s Restaurant & Delicatessen, a beloved spot for Jewish and Southern comfort food.
Highest dating satisfaction
- Gilbert, AZ
- Boston, MA
- Madison, WI
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Des Moines, IA
Regarding dating satisfaction, these top five cities in the United States have garnered the highest praise from our survey of renters. Gilbert, Arizona, boasts an impressive 80% dating satisfaction rate, making it an ideal place for those looking for love. Boston, Massachusetts, claims the second spot, with a respectable 69% satisfaction rate. Madison, Wisconsin, secures the third position with a 60% satisfaction rate, signaling a welcoming environment for singles to connect. St. Petersburg, Florida, follows closely with a 57% satisfaction rate, where beautiful beaches and a thriving social scene set the stage for memorable dates. Lastly, Des Moines, Iowa, rounds out the top five with a 56% satisfaction rate.
Lowest cost of living
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Augusta, GA
- Knoxville, TN
- Akron, OH
- Des Moines, IA
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, takes the lead with a cost of living index of just 83.9, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their dollars. Augusta, Georgia, secures the second spot with a score of 84.5, promising a comfortable and economical life for its residents. Knoxville, Tennessee, follows closely behind in third place with a cost of living index of 84.9, providing a high quality of life without breaking the bank. Akron, Ohio, claims the fourth position, with a cost of living index of 85.9. Lastly, Des Moines, Iowa, rounds out the top five with an index of 86, offering a pleasant and cost-effective living environment.
Lowest unemployment rate
- Boise, ID
- Arlington, VA
- Madison, WI
- Knoxville, TN
- Scottsdale, AZ
These top five cities in the United States boast not only vibrant communities but also remarkably low unemployment rates, making them ideal destinations for job seekers. Boise, Idaho, leads with an impressively low unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Arlington, Virginia, secures the second spot with a rate of 2.1%, reflecting a robust local economy and numerous employment prospects, particularly in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Madison, Wisconsin, follows closely behind in third place with an unemployment rate of 2.2%. Knoxville, Tennessee, claims the fourth position with a rate of 2.3%. Scottsdale, Arizona, rounds out the top five with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, combining a flourishing job market with the city’s renowned quality of life, making it a desirable place for single professionals.
Highest non-family median income
- San Francisco, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington, D.C.
- Oakland, CA
San Francisco, California, takes the lead with a staggering non-family median income of $102,409, reflecting the tech and innovation-driven economy of the Bay Area. San Jose, California, closely follows with a median income of $88,180, highlighting the prosperous opportunities in Silicon Valley. Seattle, Washington, secures the third position with a median income of $83,237. Washington, D.C., ranks fourth with a median income of $82,505, driven by its high-paying government and professional sectors. Oakland, California, rounds out the top five with a median income of $76,182, showcasing the economic growth in the San Francisco Bay Area that extends beyond its more famous neighbor, San Francisco. These cities offer abundant economic prospects for non-family households, attracting individuals seeking financial success and career advancement.
The worst cities for singles
- Bakersfield, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Newark, NJ
When it comes to the worst cities for singles in the United States, these five locations stand out as challenging places for locals seeking romantic opportunities and an active social life. Newark, New Jersey, scores low in factors such as dating satisfaction, entertainment options, and cost of living. Fresno, California, follows closely, struggling with a lack of entertainment choices and a less than stellar dating scene. Anaheim, California, despite its attractions, lags in terms of affordability and employment opportunities. Santa Ana, California, similarly struggles with high living costs and limited entertainment. Bakersfield, California, claims the title of the overall worst city for singles, offering limited dating satisfaction and entertainment, making it a tough place for singles to find their match and enjoy a vibrant social life. For singles, these cities pose unique challenges that may lead them to explore more welcoming options elsewhere.
Final thoughts
The best cities for singles in the United States offer a diverse tapestry of opportunities and experiences, catering to the unique preferences and lifestyles of individuals looking to embrace their single status. From the affordability of Wichita, Kansas, to the bustling entertainment options in Orlando, Florida, there’s a city to match every single’s desires. These rankings serve as a valuable guide for singles seeking to settle down in a city that resonates with their aspirations, be it love, leisure, or financial stability. So, whether you’re a solo explorer or searching for your perfect match, these cities stand as beacons of possibility for all the single individuals ready to embrace the world on their terms.
Methodology
To compile this comprehensive list of the best U.S. cities for singles, a robust methodology was employed, taking into consideration a wide range of factors that are particularly relevant to the single lifestyle. The methodology for ranking these cities involved the utilization of various data sources and weightings, as follows:
- % Single Population (20%): Data from the U.S. Census Bureau, an authoritative source for demographic statistics, was utilized to determine the percentage of single individuals in each city. The weightage of this data was set at 20% to highlight cities with a higher proportion of singles.
- 1-BR median rent price (15%): The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in each city was sourced from Zumper. Affordability is a crucial factor for singles, and this data was weighted at 15% of the overall ranking.
- Dating satisfaction (15%): Our renter satisfaction survey, designed to measure dating satisfaction among renters, provided valuable insights into the dating experiences of singles in each city. This data was weighted at 15% to capture the overall dating scene and satisfaction in each location.
- Entertainment & restaurant per capita (10% each): Open Street Map data was employed to calculate the number of entertainment and restaurant options per capita in each city. An active social scene and dining opportunities are vital for singles. Therefore, both of these metrics were each weighted at 10% of the overall ranking.
- Composite (Cost of Living) (10%): Data from COLI.org, an organization specializing in cost of living data, was included to determine the overall affordability of each city. This composite data, which considers various cost-of-living factors, such as housing, transportation, and groceries, was given a weightage of 10%.
- Non-family median income (10%): Data from the U.S. Census Bureau was also used to assess the median income of non-family households in each city. This factor was weighted at 10% to reflect the financial well-being of singles in each location.
- Unemployment rate (5%): The U.S. Census Bureau’s data on the unemployment rate was utilized to evaluate the economic opportunities for singles. A lower unemployment rate indicates a healthier job market, and this factor was weighted at 5%.
The designated weights were applied to each data point to ensure a balanced evaluation across categories. We then assigned letter grades to each city based on the quintiles for each data point:
- A = rank higher than 80% of cities
- B = rank higher than 60% of cities
- C = rank higher than 40% of cities
- D = rank higher than 20% of cities
- F = rank in the bottom 20% of cities
The overall ranking of cities was determined by the collective scores based on the data and weightings described above. By employing this methodology, we aimed to provide a well-rounded perspective on the best U.S. cities for singles, taking into account various aspects of city life that matter most to those embracing the single lifestyle.
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