Navigating the world of dating in your 20s and 30s can be a daunting task, especially when it seems like everyone else is already settled down. Finding yourself in a location with fewer couples, a higher proportion of individuals under 35, and an abundance of potential date spots might just make the journey a bit easier. While every city has its unique dating scene, residing in an area with more singles and like-minded individuals can certainly enhance your chances of finding romance.
Hims has compiled a list of the top 25 U.S. counties for dating by analyzing data on single households, median age, restaurant availability per capita, and proximity to major metropolitan areas. These key metrics can offer valuable insights into the dating scene in different regions:
– Single-person households: In counties with fewer married or cohabitating partners, the odds of meeting a potential partner can be higher as indicated by a Pew Research Center survey.
– Median age: Despite evolving trends, most couples still prefer partners close to their own age, making areas with a younger population more appealing for those under 35.
– Restaurants per capita: Cities with a higher concentration of restaurants are often considered ideal for romantic outings, based on research from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
– Proximity to major cities: Closeness to urban centers significantly influences romantic interactions, suggesting that living near a populous area can boost dating opportunities.
Some interesting findings from the study include Washington, D.C. leading the list with a high percentage of single households and a vibrant dining scene. The presence of major cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia also signifies a significant gathering of young, single individuals.
Moreover, counties with prominent college towns such as Ames, Iowa, and Athens, Georgia, ranked well due to their student populations and post-graduation employment prospects. However, populous states like California and Texas missed the list due to their lower percentage of single households based on Census data.
If you’re curious to see if your city made the cut, the results may surprise you. Explore the top U.S. cities for dating under 35 according to Hims:
1. Washington, D.C.
2. Ames, Iowa (Story County)
3. Athens, Georgia (Clarke County)
4. Nashville, Tennessee (Davidson County)
5. Corvallis, Oregon (Benton County)
6. St. Louis, Missouri (St. Louis City)
7. New York, New York (New York County)
8. Denver, Colorado
Below are the rewritten texts:
Denver, Colorado (Denver County)Fargo, North Dakota (Cass County)Ithaca, New York (Tompkins County)Gainesville, Florida (Alachua County)Iowa City, Iowa (Johnson County)Boston, Massachusetts (Suffolk County)Columbia, Missouri (Boone County)Fayetteville, North Carolina (Cumberland County)Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia County)Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Milwaukee County)Greenville, North Carolina (Pitt County)Atlanta, Georgia (Fulton County)New Orleans, Louisiana (Orleans Parish)Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County)Bloomington, Illinois (McLean County)Baton Rouge, Louisiana (East Baton Rouge Parish County)Lincoln, Nebraska (Lancaster County)Dayton, Ohio (Montgomery County)
Insights and Trends
The criteria used for the rankings provide a detailed view of each county. Let’s explore how each category influenced the final rankings.
Cities with the Fewest Couples
Metropolitan areas, popular among young adults post-college, showed the highest percentage of single households on the list. Living in such areas increases the likelihood of finding a partner, as most single Americans aged 18-49 seek committed relationships or casual dates, as per Pew Research. St. Louis, Missouri, had the highest number of single-person households relative to its population, followed by New York City, Washington D.C., and New Orleans.
Cities with the Youngest Median Population
Counties hosting large college towns had younger median populations. For example, Ames, Iowa (Story County) and Athens, Georgia (Clarke County) have median ages below 30. Despite this, a significant portion of inhabitants in these areas are not students, suggesting ample opportunities to meet potential partners even after graduation.
States with the Most Restaurants Per Capita
Establishing relationships often involves public dates, contributing to shared experiences crucial for building a lasting connection. Research highlights the importance of shared experiences over physical attractiveness. Washington, D.C., boasts the highest number of restaurants per capita, followed by Corvallis, Oregon (Benton County) and New York City.
Impact of Proximity to Metro Areas
Several rural regions have young, single populations but are situated far from major cities. The report focuses on counties within 25 miles of metropolitan areas, emphasizing areas with vibrant entertainment, food, and travel scenes for young individuals.
Data and Methodology
To determine the top counties for dating under 35, Hims examined every U.S. county’s proximity to Census-designated metropolitan areas. Counties were prioritized due to the lack of city-specific data from the Census. The report identified the largest city near each county and excluded duplicates to rank the top 25 cities. Each county received a final score based on a point system applied to four criteria.
Counties were ranked at the top of the list based on several factors. The median age by county was determined using the latest data from the Census Bureau. A point system was applied to each region, with counties having a median age less than 30 receiving the most points. Those with a median age between 30 and 40 received points on a sliding scale, while counties with an average age over 40 were not awarded any points.
One-person households were also considered in the ranking. The Census Bureau categorizes U.S. households based on whether they contain married couples, unmarried cohabiting couples, or single individuals. The report assigned the most points to counties where 15% or more of total households consisted of single individuals. Counties with 5% or less one-person households did not receive any points.
The number of restaurants per capita in each state was calculated using data from the National Restaurant Association and the Census Bureau. Counties in states with a higher number of restaurants per capita were awarded more points in the ranking.
Additionally, proximity to a metropolitan area played a role in the ranking process. Counties that ranked high but were not within 25 miles of a Census-designated metropolitan area were excluded from the list.
For those in their 20s or 30s looking to improve their dating prospects, living in an area with a higher number of young, single individuals and a vibrant restaurant scene can be beneficial. However, there are ways to enhance your dating life regardless of where you live.
Whether you are new to dating apps or have been actively dating for some time, it is essential to prioritize your well-being. Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial for showing up as your best self in the dating scene.
Seeking support for mental health conditions such as social anxiety or depression is important. Consulting with a mental health professional about therapy or medications can help improve your overall functioning. Prioritizing adequate sleep, typically at least seven hours for adults, is key to maintaining a positive mindset and physical well-being.
Communication is also vital in dating. On a first date, show interest in the other person by asking open-ended questions. Active listening can help ease nerves and facilitate a smooth conversation.
Addressing any health conditions that may impact your dating life, such as low libido or erectile dysfunction, is recommended. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help you understand these issues and explore treatment options to boost your confidence in dating.
This content was created by Hims and reviewed and shared by Stacker.
