New Report: This Is the No. 1 City for Singles in the U.S.
Updated: Nov. 17, 2023
Looking to boost your dating life? You might just want to consider a move. A new report says these are the best cities for singles.
When considering cities to call home, which factors play a role? Are you interested in the most popular city to live, one with ample job opportunities, a reasonable cost of living and a high quality of life? Maybe you’re looking for somewhere experiencing rapid growth, an excellent location for entrepreneurs and creatives. If your focus is on the bottom line, you might be looking for the most affordable city. Perhaps terrific health care is top priority. Or maybe you’re looking for a disability-friendly city. What about the best cities for singles?
If you happen to prioritize your dating life, then meeting someone—either for a season or a lifetime—could impact your city of choice. And if that’s the case, we’ve got some good news: A recent report listed the top U.S. cities to boost your dating life. Here’s what you need to know.
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How did the report determine the best U.S. cities for singles?
Research done by real estate company Zumper (whose tagline is “Find your fresh start”) analyzed 100 U.S. cities with singles in mind. They looked at the percentage of singles, one-bedroom rental rates, non-family median income, entertainment and restaurant options per capita, dating satisfaction, unemployment rates and overall cost of living. Here’s what they found.
Atlanta is the best U.S. city for singles
According to the report, Atlanta, Georgia, is the best city to live in if you’re single. Not only is 57% of Atlanta’s population single, this city in Georgia also had top marks in dating satisfaction, income, city size, unemployment rate and access to entertainment. Here’s more on Atlanta’s top traits.
Dining and entertainment
Atlanta ranked No. 5 in entertainment options per capita, including nightlife, shows, exhibits, museums, concert venues and more. They also ranked second in the number of restaurants per capita. Their vibrant restaurant and entertainment scene means ample opportunities for fun date nights that go beyond the basic.
Income and cost of living
Atlanta’s rent and cost of living are higher than other cities on Zumper’s list, but the city also has a median non-family income of $71,069, which is higher than the national average. Compare that with the most recent income report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reported that singles across the country earn an average salary of $56,420.
City size
Although the Atlanta metro area is the 8th largest in the U.S. (with 6.2 million people), the city itself has fewer than 500,000 people, making it a manageable size for meeting other singles. “Smaller cities, in which there is greater opportunity to interact with other people—whether that be on public transportation or at local bars and restaurants—are more conducive to organically meeting a partner,” says Sarah Intelligator, a relationship expert and divorce attorney who is also the author of Live, Laugh, Find True Love.
“Whereas larger cities tend to be melting pots, consisting mostly of transplants from a diverse array of places, people who choose to live in smaller cities generally live in that city because they align with the city’s commonly shared ethos,” Intelligator says. “There’s greater opportunity for interaction. Coupled with shared values, it’s a recipe not just for meeting people, but for meeting a compatible partner.”
What other cities made the list?
These are the top 10 cities for singles, according to Zumper. Some of the cities on this list are also considered the best places to live in the U.S., but all of them have a percentage of singles higher than 50%.
- Atlanta, Georgia
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Washington, D.C.
- Orlando, Florida
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Richmond, Virginia
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
In the more expensive cities on the list, the higher cost of living is typically offset by above-average wages. Boston, for instance, has a high median rent of $2,697 per month, but a high median non-family income of $75,252. Similarly, while Washington, D.C. has a high cost of living, it also boasts a high median non-family income of $82,505.
But the report didn’t just take into account financials. It really focused on cities that offer many opportunities for singles to connect and thrive. Two critical differences among the cities on this list are weather and culture. Singles in Salt Lake City, for instance, might enjoy ski dates, while singles in Orlando have milder weather year-round and lots of opportunities for fun outdoor dates or easy day trips to either coast of Florida. No matter which of these U.S. towns you choose, you just might find love.
About the expert
- Sarah Intelligator is a relationship expert and divorce attorney who is also the author of Live, Laugh, Find True Love.
Sources:
- Zumper: “The Best U.S. Cities for Singles”
- U.S. Census Bureau: “Income in the United States: 2021”
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics”
- U.S. Census Bureau: “Quick Facts: Atlanta city, Georgia”
Originally Published: November 17, 2023
