Are you a single adult looking for a new adventure in a big city? With great employment opportunities and tons of exciting places to go out with friends and meet new people, these are the 12 best U.S. cities for singles!
- Atlanta, GA
- Austin, TX
- Boston, MA
- Chicago, IL
- Denver, CO
- Madison, WI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Missoula, MT
- New Orleans, LA
- Portland, OR
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
Atlanta, GA
Photo via @jerrito1
- Population: 456,378
- Home Price: $222,300 median purchase price; $998 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 42% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 6.7%
Atlanta is one of the best cities in the South for singles! Not only does this Georgia city offer career opportunities with major corporations like the Coca-Cola Company, Delta Airlines, and Home Depot, but it’s also an affordable place to live. Additionally, there are 57 colleges and universities in the Atlanta area like Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, which means there’s a higher concentration of singles getting an education. Residents enjoy life in the Big Peach thanks to its bustling nightlife scene, year-round professional sporting events, and diverse music culture!
Things to Do in Atlanta
Cheer on one of the many professional sports teams in Atlanta, including the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Braves (MLB), and the Atlanta Hawks (NBA). Spend the day at Centennial Olympic Park and take in some of the best views of Downtown Atlanta from the 20-story Ferris wheel SkyView Atlanta. Experience special up-close encounters with giant pandas, elephants, and lemurs at the Zoo Atlanta. Enjoy live music almost every night—including open mic nights on Mondays—at Smith’s Olde Bar. Grab brunch items like Fried Chicken Sandwich or Breakfast Tacos with a side of Fried Shrimp at Atlanta Breakfast Club. Impress a date with a good time eating delicious meals like the Westside Smash Burger and Foghorn’s Lament, along with an extensive craft beer list, at stylish speakeasy Ormsby’s. Consider a dinner of Crisped Berkshire Pork Belly or Butter Braised Maine Lobster at multi-award-winning Aria. Or indulge in a New York Strip or Loin Lamb Chops at one of Atlanta’s best steakhouses, Bones Restaurant.
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Austin, TX
Photo via @flowkyte
- Population: 907,779
- Home Price: $257,800 median purchase price; $1,106 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 14% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Singles love living in Austin! This vibrant Texas city has a hot job market, active LGBTQ community with fun events, and an alluring vibe. Plus, ATX is the Live Music Capital of the World, making it a great place to attend major music festivals and catch live shows every night of the week. If you’re looking for a fun place to mingle with other singles, Austin may be the place for you!
Things to Do in Austin
Go for a jog, walk the dog, or ride your bike along the ten-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Experience everything from Latin American paintings to Greek pottery while visiting the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin. Cheer on the Texas Longhorns (D-1) at DKR Texas Memorial Stadium on football Saturdays in the fall. Get tickets to some of Austin’s largest festivals like SXSW or Austin City Limits. Catch a live comedy show at Fallout Theater or test your own comedy skills at an improv class. Listen to live music at one of Austin’s oldest music venues The Continental Club. Visit the Rainey Street District—Austin’s street that never sleeps—and be sure to make a stop for hand-made pies like Prosciutto & Goat Cheese or The Theresa at Salvation Pizza Kitchen & Bar. Grab a crazy cocktail like the Coat and Tails with dishes like Spicy Thai Jam Pei Mussels at DrinkWell. Order an artisanal cocktail such as a White Rabbit or Nitro Espresso Martini at chic Eberly. Or experience Texas-style BBQ at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, where you can try the Brisket, Pork Chops, and more.
Boston, MA
Photo via @abovesummit
- Population: 658,279
- Home Price: $423,200 median purchase price; $1,369 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 15% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 5.5%
Boston is one of the best places to live on the East Coast—and it’s great for singles, too! The Massachusetts capital offers rich American history, an exciting pro sports scene, and tons of outdoor recreation. In addition, Beantown is one of the best college towns in America! It’s home to major schools like MIT and Harvard University, making it an ideal place for singles who also want to earn a degree.
Things to Do in Boston
Do the seventh-inning stretch at the historic Fenway Park while watching the Boston Red Sox (MLB) play, or root for other local teams like the New England Patriots (NFL) and Boston Celtics (NBA). Pick up fresh local produce, delicious pastries, and handcrafted goods at Boston Public Market. Spend an afternoon outside and ride the carousel at Rose Kennedy Greenway in Downtown Boston. Dive into American history with Boston tours like The Revolutionary Story Tour and WeVenture Boston. Tour the Samual Adams Brewery and sample a flight of beers in the taproom. Try specialty cocktails like the Blood Orange Sangria or The White Lotus at Banyan Bar + Refuge. Get an authentic Irish pub experience at The Black Rose while drinking pints of beer and enjoying a Roisin Dubh Club. Or check out the views at Boston Sail Loft, which serves up seafood favorites like New England Lobster and Boston’s Best Fish and Chips.
Chicago, IL
Photo via @jamielinkphotography
- Population: 2,714,017
- Home Price: $225,200 median purchase price; $987 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 5% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 7.3%
Chicago gives singles a big-city experience in the heart of the Midwest. Even though it’s the third-largest city in America, Chicago’s cost of living is more affordable than other large metros like NYC and LA. Better yet, The Windy City has plenty of employment opportunities with major corporations like Boeing and Conagra Brands, some of the best pizza joints in the U.S., and an array of hidden gems, fun things to do at night, and on the weekends. In the summer you can visit the 10 beaches on Lake Michigan to swim, sunbathe, go paddle boarding, and more!
Things to Do in Chicago
Take your pick of Chicago professional sports teams to cheer on—like the Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), and more. Catch an improv show at iO Theater or The Second City. Walk through Millennium Park to see The Bean (aka Cloud Gate). Check out Broadway shows at Cadillac Palace Theatre—an historic theater with a breathtaking design inspired by the French palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau. Take photos on the all-glass Skydeck at Willis Tower. Meet up with a first date and enjoy a Honey Bear Latte or Cappuccino at ’80s-themed cafe The Wormhole Coffee. Order affordable drinks and listen to live indie music at The Empty Bottle. Try a familiar meal with an interesting cocktail, like a Double Cheeseburger and a Hemingway Daiquiri, at the diner-style bar and restaurant, Au Cheval. Experience Chicago deep-dish pizza at popular spots like Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s Pizza. Enjoy Filipino food like Chicken Adobo and pastries like Chocolate and Salted Caramel Tart at a Michelin Star-winning restaurant that won’t break the bank, Kasama.
Denver, CO
Photo via @guerilla_capturing
- Population: 663,303
- Home Price: $292,700 median purchase price; $1,035 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
Many singles find themselves drawn to living in Denver for multiple reasons. The Mile High City is one of the best places for business and careers, one of the best U.S. cities for outdoor adventures, and has an excellent bike culture! Not only can you spend your days hiking scenic trails in and around the Colorado capital—but you’ll also experience the best of city life with bars, breweries, outdoor patios, restaurants, and hidden gems in Denver. Also, just over an hour away is Rocky Mountain National Park, providing even more outdoor recreation opportunities!
Things to Do in Denver
Support local pro sports teams like the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Broncos (NFL), and Denver Nuggets (NBA). See mummies, learn about space exploration, and more at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Take in some mountain views just outside of Denver at Rock Park on Castle Rock Trail. Head to a historic block featuring tons of restaurants, shopping, and bars, Larimer Square. Sneak over for classic cocktails like Cosmopolitans or opulent options like Sherry Barrel Margaritas at the speakeasy Williams & Graham. Try some of the best food trucks in Denver like Mile High City Sliders and Roll It Up Sushi Truck. Dig into delicious wood-fired pizzas such as the Daisy or Fennel and Merguez at Cart-Driver. Or order the Denver Turkey sandwich with a 24-Hour Cold Brew from an historic carriage house-turned-quaint escape from busy city life, Weathervane Cafe.
Madison, WI
Photo via @samuelli
- Population: 246,034
- Home Price: $217,000 median purchase price; $959 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 27% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
If you’re a single adult and looking for one of the best places to live in the Midwest, look no further than Madison! Wisconsin’s capital city is well-known for its affordability, bike-friendly streets, local breweries, and—of course—cheese! Madison is also home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which provides tons of degree programs and job opportunities to singles and young professionals—and has earned the city recognition as one of the best college towns in the U.S.!
Things to Do in Madison
Join the exciting fall football tailgates in support of the Badgers at UW. Visit the Babcock Dairy Store to sample one of the 23 flavors of cheese made by students at the university. Get some fresh air while seeing gorgeous landscapes of local greenery and discovering exotic plants at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Go kayaking or stroll along the waterfront at James Madison Park. Step inside event venue The Bur Oak to find Ahan, which serves appetizing Southeast Asian dishes like Lao Egg Rolls, Mok Pa, and Pineapple Soft Serve. Discover your new favorite local craft beer at Great Dane Pub & Brewing or Karben4 Brewing. Sample regional Wisconsin food like Pork Schnitzel or Wisconsin Fondue at The Old Fashioned. Or enjoy a cozy, casual atmosphere while dining on Russian dumplings of Beef or Potato Pel’meni at Paul’s Pel’meni.
Minneapolis, MN
Photo via @andrewpetercanton
- Population: 404,670
- Home Price: $212,800 median purchase price; $898 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 2% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
Experience single life up north in Minneapolis! The largest city in Minnesota is one of the best big cities to live in the U.S., thanks to its outdoor recreation, sustainable public transportation, thriving tech industry, and bustling live music scene. There are ample employment opportunities here, with Fortune 500 companies like Target, U.S. Bank, and Ameriprise Financial. You’ll also find plenty of bright, single people at outstanding colleges like the University of Minnesota and Dunwoody College of Technology.
Things to Do in Minneapolis
Cheer on major sports teams like the Minnesota Twins (MLB), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), Minnesota Lynx (WNBA), Minnesota Vikings (NFL), and more. Visit the biggest mall in the U.S., Mall of America, where you can shop at both large chain stores like Barnes & Noble and unique shops like Mona Williams, Alpaca Connection, and Tomodachi. Spend the day boating on one of three lakes, strolling along the walking paths, or enjoying a picnic at one of the many green spaces at Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Walk through inspiring exhibitions of photography, fiber art, paintings, and more at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Sing karaoke at The 1029 Bar—home of the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives-featured food truck, Smack Shack, which offers delicious Lobster Mac. Dine on modern Mexican cuisine at Colita, where you can order Tempura Fried Shrimp Tacos and fun cocktails like the Curado de Maracuya. Try modern Vietnamese street food such as Water Fern Cakes or Kabocha Squash at Hai Hai. Or enjoy elevated American dishes like Blue Crab Beignets or a 20 oz. Ribeye at Butcher & The Boar.
Missoula, MT
- Population: 70,117
- Home Price: $241,000 median purchase price; $772 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 14% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
Due to Missoula’s relatively low rental rates, plenty of nightlife, and bikeable streets, it’s a wonderful city for singles wanting to live in the Northwest! The outdoor recreational opportunities are endless since the city of Missoula is situated in the Northern Rocky Mountains at the junction of three rivers. If you want to continue your education, the University of Montana provides degree programs in a broad range of subjects. As a small but vibrant metropolis, Missoula also produces some of the best craft beer in the U.S.!
Things to Do in Missoula
Go camping, horseback riding, boating, swimming, and more in Lolo National Forest. Surf Brennan’s Wave or ride the carousel at Caras Park. Stroll through the Contemporary American Indian Art and Montana Modernist collections at Missoula Art Museum. Browse funky shops like Ear Candy Music and Shakespeare & Co., and grab lunch at one of several trendy restaurants on the Hip Strip. Visit excellent breweries on a brewery tour—like Draught Works, which has been voted the best brewery in Missoula five years running—and enjoy a drink in the beer garden at Bayern Brewing, Inc. Experience the pleasing combo of great food and wine with a meal like Garlic Shrimp and a glass of plonk white at Plonk Missoula. Build your own Brazilian street food meal with options like Lemon Roasted Tilapia, Steamed Collard Greens, and Mango Barbecue Sauce at Five on Black. Or indulge in locally-sourced ingredients on handcrafted pizzas such as the Prosciutto & Fig or Flathead Cherry at Biga Pizza.
New Orleans, LA
Photo via @barracokevin
- Population: 382,922
- Home Price: $197,000 median purchase price; $929 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 1% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
New Orleans is a hot spot for singles! The Big Easy is one of the most romantic cities in the U.S. and well-known for being a cultural hub thanks to its incredible live music, nightlife scene, annual Mardi Gras, and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival celebrations. From the iconic French Quarter and all of the happenings on Bourbon Street, to the job opportunities in the Central Business District—you’ll find plenty in NOLA to keep you busy!
Things to Do in New Orleans
Get tickets to watch the New Orlean Saints (NFL) or New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) play. Spend the day at New Orleans City Park, where you can explore botanical gardens, bike along the paths, or relax in the rolling green spaces. Celebrate Mardi Gras by dressing up and participating in extravagant parades in New Orleans. Listen to local jazz, blues, funk, and more at The Spotted Cat Music Club. Learn about African American culture and New Orleans traditions at the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Head to one of New Orleans’ best dive bars, Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge—which features retro holiday decor year-round. Visit The Roosevelt New Orleans to sip on a Sazerac or other classic cocktails at The Sazerac Bar. Get your caffeine fix and a Ham & Brie Panini or Breakfast N’ a Go-Cup at Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe. Order a Chicken Skinny bowl or Dathel’s Golden Wrap at Hippie Kitchen Good Food Stand. Or dig into crave-worthy Cajun dishes like New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp or Grouper Cauliflower at Jacques Imo’s.
Portland, OR
Photo via @felicityoftheseas
- Population: 620,589
- Home Price: $319,400 median purchase price; $1,025 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 10% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
Trendy Portland is a popular West Coast destination and one of the best cities for young professionals, making it a perfect spot for singles! This Pacific Northwest city offers outdoor adventures wherever you turn, a budding arts scene, tons of farm-to-table restaurants, and career opportunities with major employers like Nike and Wells Fargo.
Things to Do in Portland
Attend a game at Providence Park to cheer on the Portland Timbers (MLS) or Portland Thorns (NWSL)—or see the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) at Moda Center in the Rose Quarter. Enjoy a picnic or test your skills at the archery range in Washington Park. Head just outside of PDX to Columbia River Gorge, where you can hike the trails and discover breathtaking waterfalls. Check out art, events, and food vendors like La Carreta Pura Vida and AleCocina at the hub for Latino culture, Portland Mercado. Taste brews from the two-time Oregon Beer Awards‘ Large Brewery of the Year winner, Breakside Brewery. Sample a variety of cuisines from food carts and trucks like Ruthie’s and Stretch the Noodle at one of Portland’s food cart pods. Celebrate the farm-to-table movement with an Ensalata Bomba or Fried Chicken at G-Love New American Kitchen. Or order Indian soul food like Pork Vindaloo skewers or Kashmiri Tomato & Eggplant at BHUNA.
San Francisco, CA
Photo via @nothingsunknown
- Population: 850,282
- Home Price: $858,800 median purchase price; $1,632 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 10% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
Living in San Francisco may be on the expensive side, but this Bay Area city is also a fantastic place for singles! With its proximity to Silicon Valley, SF has a thriving business and tech scene. Residents can find tons of job opportunities with cutting-edge companies like Twitter, Uber, and Airbnb. Additionally, San Francisco is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the U.S.—offering everything from Pride events and community activism, to historic gay bars and clubs!
Things to Do in San Francisco
Catch Golden State Warriors (NBA), San Francisco 49ers (NFL), and San Francisco Giants (MLB) games. Walk or bike the iconic Golden Gate Bridge—or take a guided tour with San Francisco City Guides. Shop, watch sea lions sunbathe, or dine at incredible seafood restaurants at PIER 39. Relax in the sun and stroll along 3.5 miles of sand at Ocean Beach. Play with your four-legged friend in the off-leash dog area at Mission Dolores Park. Spend an evening at The Punch Line San Francisco, where you can see touring stand-up comedians. Enjoy high-end Chinese dishes in a historic Chinatown building at Michelin Star-winning Mister Jiu’s. Try one of SF’s mouth-watering food trucks—like Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie at one of eight locations around the city or El Tonayense near the intersection of Harrison and 14th Streets. Head to the popular Balboa Cafe for delicious eats like the Buffalo Chicken Wrap and Apple Crumble. Or dine on Thai-American fusion cuisines such as Chicken Skewer or PCU Noodles at Lapisara Eatery.
Seattle, WA
Photo via @codycm
- Population: 668,849
- Home Price: $484,600 median purchase price; $1,266 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 7% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
If you’re single and looking for a city with a little bit of everything, Seattle is the place for you! This gem in the Pacific Northwest has major employers like Amazon and Nordstrom, some of the best coffee shops in the U.S., amazing outdoor recreation, and a culture that puts sustainability first. It’s no wonder the Emerald City is one of the best places to live on the West Coast!
Things to Do in Seattle
Watch the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) or Seattle Sounders (MLS) play at Lumen Field. Stand on the world’s only revolving glass floor to see spectacular views of the city at the iconic Space Needle. Visit the Olympic Sculpture Park, part of the Seattle Art Museum, to see a beautiful mix of art and nature. Head to Pike Place Market to watch the famous fish throwers, order coffee at the original Starbucks, and check out local vendors like Made In Washington and Radiator Whiskey. Catch a burlesque show or see a trapeze artist while enjoying Italian fare like Tortelloni in Brodo or Insalata Misticanza at The Pink Door. Munch on delicious donuts like a Chocolate Marshmallow or Lemon Curd at General Porpoise. Eat and learn about Filipino cuisine with dishes such as Licia’s Lumpiang Gulay and Short Rib Kare Kare at Musang. Or try Caribbean eats like a Palomilla Steak or Tofu Con Gusto at Un Bien.
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