Best Cities for Singles

Dating can be tough, it’s true. Rejection, mixed messages, ghosting… don’t even get us started on situationships. But what if your romantic struggles aren’t your fault, but where you’re living? New survey data shows that certain cities are, well, just more dater-friendly than others. WalletHub recently compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 35 key indicators of dating-friendliness. The categories included economics (everything from the cost of a two-person meal at a restaurant to the average cost for a haircut), fun and recreation (access to attractions, restaurants, coffee and tea shops, etc.) and population statistics (like the number of single people living in said city, plus how active that population is on dating apps). The top-ranking cities on this list were interestingly spread out across the country and couldn't be more different from one another. RELATED: AskMen's Ultimate First-Date Guide So if you’re considering a move to give your love life a jumpstart, here's a look at the top five best U.S. cities for singles, and why they made the cut. 5. Tampa, Florida Tampa's large population of single people, combined with easy access to fun and a moderate cost of living, earns it the number five spot on this list. Recent data shows that around 42% of Tampa's residents are currently single. Access to free beaches and public parks helps set the scene for affordable dating. Think romantic sunset strolls on the beach, or a picnic in one of Tampa's 2,000 acres of green space. Walkable attractions like the Riverwalk or the historic streets of Ybor City increase your chances of meeting someone out in the wild. Tampa's economy is stable and growing, according to recent reports, which means many daters here have the leeway to spend money on hobbies and attractions that this city affords. Whether you prefer to bond over water-based sports like paddleboarding, fall in love dancing the night away at one of Tampa's many nightclubs or enjoy live music at a festival hosted by this city, there are no shortage of date options for singles in Tampa to partake in. The French call love at first sight a “coup de foudre” — like being hit by lightning. With the local pro hockey team being called the Lightning, maybe Tampa’s where you’ll find yourself truly thunderstruck by that loving feeling… 4. Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh's combination of economic affordability, high single population and wide variety of recreational offerings makes it a strong option, ranking fourth on this list. The average one-bedroom in Pittsburgh rents for around $1,500 per month, with median incomes averaging around $70,000 per household. Pair the low cost of living with access to plenty of fun and activities that won't break the bank, and it's easy to see why dating in Pittsburgh earns high marks. The city's parks and green spaces offer cash-strapped singles a variety of free romantic date options. For instance, Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Park spans over 800 acres, offering numerous interconnected trails for exploration. Downtown, the cultural district offers theatres, restaurants, art galleries and wine bars that cost noticeably less than other cities on this list. Plus, Over 50% of Pittsburgh's residents are single, with a high population of daters who are active on online dating platforms. 3. Seattle, WA Seattle comes in strong at number three, boasting a standout number of attractions, restaurants, and fun activities for daters. There's kayaking on Lake Union, hiking in Discovery Park and plenty of live music in Capitol Hill, to name a few. With plenty of parks, social clubs and music festivals, there's a wide variety of date locations no matter what you're into. On the flip-side from Pittsburgh’s low-cost vibes, Seattle is a fast-growing city that attracts high earners, with the average household income exceeding $120,000 per year. Access to transportation and public health options make it an attractive city that draws in young professionals — particularly those working in the tech sector. This city ranked highly on the list of virtual daters, coming in as the third-best mobile dating opportunity and the 15th-best online dating opportunity in the country, according to WalletHub. 2. Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas may seem like an unexpected city to find at the top of this list, which is fair given its reputation as “Sin City.” While many people do get married here, it’s not necessarily seen as a conventional place to start a serious relationship so much as a location to indulge in drunken debauchery. But don’t sleep on Vegas. In reality, the cost of dating here ranks in the lower half of the country in terms of love life-related expenses. RELATED: How Much Should You Spend On a First Date? For instance, it's surprisingly affordable to get yourself date-ready in Las Vegas. This city has the sixth-lowest haircut cost, 13th-lowest fitness club membership cost, and 45th-lowest beauty salon cost out of the more than 180 cities WalletHub's study. It goes without saying that access to fun is no challenge in Las Vegas. Singles have their pick of some of the most enticing nightlife date options in the country, from comedy to concerts to the local pro sports teams, plus their pick of the best restaurants and exciting attractions, along with music festivals and social clubs. While vacationing in Las Vegas is undoubtedly expensive, staying here is less so — the average cost for a one-bedroom clocks in at around $1,895 per month. 1. Atlanta, GA Ahh, the Big Peach… It’s not just a naughty emoji, you know. Atlanta offers one of the deepest dating pools in the country. According to WalletHub, over 69% of the city’s population are single, making it the eighth-highest percentage in the country. Access to fun dating activities abounds in Atlanta, from food festivals to live music, art walks, brewery patios, and a thriving nightlife scene, spanning from Buckhead to East Atlanta Village. Getting around Atlanta is also a breeze. It ranks as the 22nd most accessible city on WalletHub's list, making it easy to travel to and from the numerous activities and restaurants this city has to offer. Atlanta's above-average median household income (around $80,000) and decently affordable cost of living (about $1,700 for a one-bedroom) also make it an enticing place to live for single professionals. Sad you didn’t see your own hometown — or at least something nearby? Portland, OR, Madison, WI, and Cincinnati, OH, also rank highly on WalletHub's list. On the other hand, Brownsville, TX, Port St. Lucie, FL, and Pearl City, HI, make up the bottom three, so if you’re from any of those, we’d understand if you were just about ready to pack your bags. You Might Also Dig: Map Shows the Average Cost of a Date In Every U.S. StateHere’s How You’re Going to Find Love in the Next Year Worst Online Dating Profile Mistakes to Make