In search of love in all the wrong places? A new ranking can prove that it is verbatim in the worst place so far.
December analysis published by WalletHub analyzes which of the 182 most densely populated American cities are the best and which are the worst for singles. And Atlanta, Seattle and Denver are in the top 10.
“The already difficult process of finding the perfect match can become even more difficult when cities lack the conditions necessary for successful dating,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in a report.
“The best cities for singles have a large, gender-balanced population of singles, along with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, day and night,” he said. “They also have reasonable prices for love affairs or high average incomes to cushion inflation.”
Don’t worry if you want to date and aren’t having much luck. List data put singles to approximately 46% of the total US adult population. But as WalletHub notes in its analysis, those singles are very differently concentrated across the country.
The new ranking is based on a set of “35 key dating indicators,” according to WalletHub. Because inflation has driven up prices, WalletHub looked at the average cost of popular dating activities in each area, including movie tickets and restaurant meal costs. Analysts also took into account the number of nightlife options available to residents in each city, rental prices, lounge costs and online dating opportunities.
Another key factor was the overall percentage of singles living in an area—since you need other singles to find successful matches, unless we are officially in the AI ​​dating era.
Here’s more on the top three cities for singles:
Atlanta
Atlanta ranks first for singles thanks to its dynamic social scene, which includes plenty of nightlife, restaurants and attractions. The city stands out for its high density of shopping malls, spas and social clubs, providing diverse settings for a first (and hopefully second and third) date. Additionally, Atlanta’s accessibility—ranked 22nd in the U.S. for biking, walking, and public transit—makes getting to these destinations convenient.
Another key factor is Atlanta’s significant single population, with more than 69% of its citizens identifying as single. This ranks the city in eighth place in the country in terms of available partners. Furthermore, the median household income here approaches $79,000, making it likely that you’ll meet someone with solid financial security.
vegas
Las Vegas deserves second place for singles by offering some of the most diverse entertainment and social options in the country, according to WalletHub. With its array of music festivals, spas, shopping destinations, fitness and social clubs, the city caters to many different interests. Surprisingly, dating here can also be cost-effective, with low average costs for grooming and fitness, including some of the cheapest haircuts in the country and gym memberships, a WalletHub analysis found.
The city also ranks 23rd for gender equality among singles, offering a balanced environment for those seeking companionship. For singles who find love in this colorful city, quick and quirky wedding options like Elvis-themed chapels add a touch of fun to the romance.
Seattle
WalletHub’s analysis puts Seattle on the map as a singles haven, ranking third overall for its diversity of cultural and outdoor offerings. The city stands out for providing unique opportunities for going out, from parks and music festivals to luxury restaurants and shopping malls. For those looking for meaningful connections, the city’s community-oriented atmosphere makes it a great place to build relationships, according to WalletHub.
Known for its thriving tech industry, Seattle boasts a high median household income of over $80,000, adjusted for the cost of living, making it more likely that you’ll meet someone financially secure. The city also ranks among the best for online and app dating, offering plenty of opportunities to connect virtually.
