As a certified personal coach and relationship expert, I’ve helped countless singles find love through online dating sites and in-person meetups. My 15+ years of experience have taught me not to expect instant chemistry—secure relationships take time to grow.
I’ve also seen how priorities change across generations. Location matters, too. In certain cities, meeting the one is a breeze; in others, it feels like an endless cycle of swiping. Let’s explore the best and worst cities for dating for different age groups.
» Ready to begin your digital search for love? Find out if online dating is worth it.
Our Methodology
We gave cities a score between 0 and 5 for each ranking factor, with five being the most favorable. To determine each city's rank, we added the totals of each factor together, giving different weights to each according to how important they are in the generational dating scene. This gave us a final score out of 50 for each city, where higher totals suggest better dating prospects for that generation.
The “Percentage of Generation that is Single” factor receives the highest weight of 3.5 since more singles typically mean better opportunities to match. On the other hand, the “Number of Cocktail Lounges” gets a lower weight of 0.5, showing it's less crucial than the number of singles.
Percentage of Generation That is Single
- Weight: 3.5
- Source: Yellow Pages
- This indicates the size of the dating pool. A higher percentage of singles means more potential partners.
Online Interest in Dating Sites
- Weight: 2.75
- Source: Google Trends
- A high Google search volume for major dating sites like Tinder and Match indicates that people are actively looking to date in that particular city.
The Cost of a Typical “Date Night”
- Weight: 2.5
- Sources: Numbeo and Expatistan
- The cost of an average dinner and movie influences the affordability of dating in a specific city.
Number of Dating Events
- Weight: 0.75
- Source: Eventbrite
- Cities with more speed dating, singles mixers, and other meetups offer better opportunities to meet someone.
Number of Cocktail Lounges
- Weight: 0.5
- Source: US Census
- More lounges provide relaxed environments to meet people. However, this was weighted lower than other factors.
The Top 10 Best and Worst US Cities for Dating for Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
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With an impressive score of 36.1, San Antonio offers an active social scene tailored to an older crowd. This Texas city has affordable date night options and is home to more single Baby Boomers than any other US city.
Las Vegas scored 35.3, placing it second. It hosts many Boomer-focused activities, including casino gaming, shows, and adult communities. The city's vibrant entertainment scene also appeals to the young-at-heart Boomer. Additionally, Nevada has a high concentration of single retirees looking for companionship.
On the other end of the spectrum, San Jose scored only 13.7, and Salt Lake City got 13.9, making them the worst-rated cities for Baby Boomers. If you’re a senior in these areas and you’re struggling to find a match, dating sites like SilverSingles and OurTime can help expand your search.
» Make meaningful connections with our best senior dating sites.
The Best and Worst US Cities for Dating for Gen X (1965-1980)
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New Orleans has many cultural attractions that appeal to Gen Xers, like local music venues, street art and galleries, and film and food festivals. With a total of 37.1, New Orleans is the best city for dating for Gen Xers.
Denver comes in second place with 34.9. It scores high for outdoor recreation options for family outings with kids, like museums, parks, and sports events. Other top cities for Gen X dating include Pittsburgh (34.5), Las Vegas (33.7), and Louisville (32.5).
However, San Jose got only 12.4, making it the worst city for Gen X to find a match. If you’re looking for online dating options, EliteSingles and eHarmony are popular apps among this generation.
The Best and Worst US Cities for Dating for Millennials (1981-1996)
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Scoring 37.5, Seattle comes in at number one for its vibrant culture and job opportunities as a tech hub. It’s home to the largest share of single millennials. It also has high search volumes for millennial-friendly dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge.
San Diego ranks second with a total of 36.8. Its laidback vibe, beaches, breweries, and music events appeal to millennials. Abundant networking and recreational activities also cater to this generation’s interests and budgets. The blend of culture and economic stability creates ideal conditions for millennials to find their special someone.
Other top millennial matchmaking cities are Portland, New Orleans, and Austin. San Jose ranks last with 20.9 since it offers fewer cultural attractions and financial prospects.
The Best and Worst US Cities for Dating for Gen Z (1997-2012)
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Richmond takes the top spot with a score of 38.1. It's known for having an active Gen Z social scene bolstered by universities like Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) or the University of Richmond. Social media connects youth to events at music venues, breweries, and cafes. The affordable cost of living also allows for more romantic opportunities and nightlife.
Pittsburgh got 37.3, with its vibrant arts scene, university presence, and unique neighborhoods like Lawrenceville. It also has major tech and healthcare industries, which offer several job opportunities following graduation.
Both cities balance in-person socializing with connecting through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Gen Zers use niche dating apps beyond the mainstream ones. You can even match with people based on Meyers-Briggs personality types and memes. Still, traditional sites like OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, and Grindr remain popular for meeting diverse matches.
Other top Gen Z cities include Raleigh, Hartford, and Cleveland. Salt Lake City ranks as the worst city with 16.8. This city seems to be tricky for finding connections no matter your generation.
» Wondering if you should take it to the next level? Here are the benefits of dating your best friend.
You may also find these articles interesting:
- 10 Science-Based Tips to Avoid Dating Disasters
- 10 Pros and Cons of Older Women Dating Younger Men
- 10 Things 50-Year-Old Men Want in a Relationship
Unveiling the Best Cities for Dating in Every Generation
Finding love and connection can be challenging, but the right setting often helps. Our analysis aimed to pinpoint US cities that offer ideal dating conditions for different generations. The rankings are a handy reference for singles thinking about moving or traveling. But remember, everyone's needs and experiences are unique.
Ultimately, successful relationships come down to putting yourself out there and making authentic connections, regardless of your location. Explore your own city with a positive outlook. Join new social groups, get involved in local events, and approach dating with an adventurous spirit.
» Struggling to find love? Learn why dating is so hard.
