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10 Best Cities for Dating in Your 30s

Wondering what the best cities for dating in your 30s are? Here are the top 10 you should consider for meeting new people.

Dating in your 30s can be tough. You’ve likely put in the work to establish your career, build a solid group of friends, and maybe even start a family. And so have your potential partners.

This means with all these responsibilities, it gets harder and harder to find the time and energy to date. 

Because of this, you might end up feeling the dating scene blues especially if you have been dating within the same city for a while.

So if you are tired of swiping left on dating apps or hitting dead ends with your current social circle, it might be time to consider a change of scenery. 

In this article, we’ll be exploring the dating scenes in 10 cities across the United States that are known for being great places to find love in your 30s.

We’ve shortlisted these cities based on a number of factors, including the number of singles in the city, the number of bars and nightclubs per capita, and the overall vibe of the city.

For each city, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of dating there and also offer suggestions for where to go and what to do on a date.

Best Cities for Dating in Your 30s

Sounds good? Great! Here is a list of the cities that will be covered in this article: 

  • New York City
  • San Francisco
  • Chicago
  • Seattle
  • Los Angeles
  • Denver
  • Austin
  • Portland
  • Boston
  • Washington D.C.

Before we get to the nitty-gritty, though, let’s first tackle why dating is so hard once you hit your 30s. 

Challenges of dating in your 30s

Dating in your 30s can be fun, unique, exciting, and interesting. However, it does not come without its challenges.

Most of these challenges relate to the fact that people in their 30s tend to be more experienced and mature, with a good understanding of exactly what they want in a partner.

man and woman eating

This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. Here are some of the challenges you may face: 

  • Less time: People in their 30s are often more established in their careers, families, and so on, which can make it harder to find time to date.
  • Increased pressure: There is a lot of pressure in your 30s to settle down and find a long-term partner, which can add extra stress to dating.
  • Different priorities: You have different priorities than you did in your 20s. For example, you may want to start a family or buy a house, which can make it harder to find someone on the same page.
  • Difficulty meeting new people: As people get older, they tend to socialize less with new people, making it harder to meet potential partners.
  • More baggage: By the age of 30, people have more past relationship experiences which can make them more guarded or hesitant to get into a new relationship.

It’s not all negative, though. As mentioned before, dating at this stage of your life can be immensely enjoyable and fulfilling.

You’re dealing with people who have a better understanding of themselves, and you also know exactly what you want or don’t want in a partner.

This means you are more likely to meet people that you have a lot in common with, which can lead to more fulfilling relationships

10 Best Cities For Dating In Your 30s

Here is a look at US cities with the best dating opportunities for people in their 30s: 

New York City

new york city

The dating scene in New York City is to die for. With a population of over 8 million people, there’s no shortage of single men and women to meet.

The city is also home to some of the best bars and nightclubs in the world, making it a great place to go out and meet new people.

You’ll enjoy the dating pool in New York because the city is incredibly diverse, so you’re sure to find people from all walks of life.

It is always buzzing with energy and excitement, which can make for a fun and exciting dating experience.

On the downside, dating in New York City can be incredibly competitive. There are so many single people in the city that it can be hard to stand out from the crowd.

The cost of living is also quite high, so you’ll need to have a solid income to afford to live and date here.

If you’re looking for a great place to take a date in New York City, consider heading to Central Park. The park is a great spot for a picnic or a stroll, and it offers some of the best views of the city.

You can also take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, which offers incredible views of the city and is a great spot for a romantic walk.

According to the people living there, New York is one of the best places to live and for online dating. As one of the largest metro areas on the east coast, it’s considered to be a great place to find plenty of young people.

Plus, there are plenty of coffee shops for a first date.

San Francisco

san francisco

The dating scene in San Francisco is known for being laid-back and casual. The city is home to a diverse population of young singles.

One of the best things about dating in San Francisco is that the city is incredibly gay-friendly.

There are many LGBT-friendly bars and nightclubs, and the city is home to a large and active gay community. 

The city is also known for being environmentally conscious, so if this is something that you are passionate about, you’re likely to find plenty of people who share your values.

What you may not like about dating in San Francisco is the cost of living. It can be quite high, and this can be a barrier for some people.

Plus, the dating scene can be quite competitive, as there are many high-achieving, successful single women and men in the city. It’s a good place to live but if you think it’s a little fast-paced, you might consider San Diego instead.

A great place to take a date in San Francisco is Golden Gate Park. The park offers a variety of activities such as the Japanese Tea Garden and de Young Museum.

Another great option is to take a ferry to the nearby island of Sausalito for a picturesque waterfront walk and a bite to eat at one of the local seafood restaurants.

Chicago

chicago

The dating pool in Chicago is friendly and welcoming. There are many young, single people and plenty of bars and nightclubs to choose from.

One of the pros of dating in Chicago is that the city is known for having a great food and drink scene.

You’ll find plenty of delicious restaurants and bars to choose from, and the city is home to a number of famous breweries and distilleries.

The city is also known for its vibrant music scene, so you’re sure to find plenty of opportunities to catch live music.

That said, the dating scene in Chicago can be quite segregated, with different neighborhoods and groups of people tending to stick to their own social circles.

Plus, the city can be quite cold and snowy during the winter months, which can make it hard to enjoy outdoor activities.

Wondering where to go on a date in Chicago? Well, Millennium Park is a great option that offers lots of opportunities for outdoor activities such as the famous “Bean” sculpture and the Crown Fountain.

You can also take a boat tour on the Chicago River to get a unique perspective of the city.

Seattle

seattle

The dating pool in Seattle (known as the Emerald City) is known for being tech-savvy and outdoorsy.

The city is famous for being very environmentally conscious, with many residents being passionate about sustainability and eco-friendly living. 

Additionally, the city is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains. This can make for some fun, adrenaline-pumping, adventurous dates.

Now to the cons about dating in Seattle: the dating scene can be quite competitive, with a high number of tech professionals in the population.

It can also be quite rainy during the fall and winter months, which isn’t great if you enjoy outdoor activities.

Of course, the must-visit location when dating in Seattle is the Space Needle. The landmark offers great views of the city and is perfect for a romantic sunset view. There’s plenty of opportunities to find your perfect match.

Los Angeles

los angeles

The dating scene in Los Angeles is known for being diverse and glamorous. The city is known for its beautiful weather, which makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities and events year-round. 

Los Angeles is also home to a thriving entertainment industry, so you’re likely to have plenty of opportunities to attend events such as movie premieres and music concerts.

On the downside, the dating scene in Los Angeles can be quite superficial, with many people being more focused on appearances and status rather than substance. Plus, living in LA can be rather expensive. 

For a fun, romantic date in Los Angeles, head to Griffith Observatory. The observatory offers great views of the city and is perfect for a romantic sunset view. Alternatively, you can simply take a walk on the beach in Venice or Santa Monica.

Denver

denver

The dating scene in Denver is known for being active and outdoorsy. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains that make it a great destination for skiing and hiking.

Denver also has a thriving beer scene, with many famous breweries and distilleries in the area.

If you are thinking about exploring dating opportunities in Denver, keep in mind that the city experiences long and harsh winters with heavy snowfall, which can be difficult for some people to adjust to.

Air pollution can also be a problem in the city, particularly during the summer months.

If you’re looking for a great place to take a date in Denver, head to Red Rocks Park. The park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and live music performances.

Austin

austin
Photo by MJ Tangonan on Unsplash

Austin is famous for its vibrant music scene. There are many famous music festivals and live music venues.

The city also has a growing food and drink scene, with many delicious restaurants and bars to choose from.

It is important to point out that the dating scene in Austin can be quite casual, with many people being more focused on having a good time than finding a serious relationship.

Austin can also be quite hot during the summer months, which can make it hard to enjoy outdoor activities.

Zilker Park is a great destination for a date in Austin. There you can check out the Barton Springs Pool and the Zilker Botanical Garden. 

Portland

portland

Portland is famous for its environmentally conscious and alternative culture, with many residents being passionate about sustainability and eco-friendly living.

The city also has a thriving food and drink scene, with many restaurants and bars serving locally-sourced and organic menu items.

On the downside, Portland can be quite rainy during the fall and winter months, which can make it hard to enjoy outdoor activities.

A great idea for a date in Portland is to visit the International Rose Test Garden. The garden offers beautiful views of the city and is perfect for a romantic stroll. 

Boston

boston

Boston has a rich history and culture. If you are a history buff,m you will love the many famous historical landmarks and museums that you can visit.

The city also has many prestigious universities, making it a great place to meet new people that are intellectually minded and well-educated.

Some downsides of the dating scene in Boston include the high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing prices, as well as the city’s traffic and parking problem, which can make driving a nightmare.

Boston is also prone to heavy snowfall and cold winters, so no outdoor activities during those months! 

The Boston Public Garden is a very popular location for dates in Boston. It is perfect for a romantic stroll. You can also take a walk along the Freedom Trail, which offers a great way to learn about the city’s history.

Washington D.C.

washington dc

Washington DC is full of young professionals and ambitious singles. Many of them work in politics, law, and advocacy.

The city also has many famous landmarks and museums. If you are looking for culturally aware, intelligent dating partners, this is exactly where you need to go! 

What you may not like about dating in DC is how competitive it can be. It may surprise you to find out the number of people who are more focused on their careers than on finding a partner.

If you’re wondering where to take a date in Washington D.C., consider heading to the National Mall. The mall offers plenty of opportunities to visit famous landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. 

Other Cities You Might Consider

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, these cities are smaller but still offer something unique to the dating scene:

  • San Jose
  • San Antonio
  • New Orleans
  • Las Vegas
  • Long Beach
  • St. Louis
  • Colorado Springs
  • Salt Lake City

Final Thoughts on The Best Cities For Dating in Your 30s

The dating scene in your 30s can indeed be a tricky business.

However, with the right mindset and perhaps a change of scenery, you can find love pretty much anywhere. The right person in the right place is a myth – love takes work no matter where you find it

From the hustle and bustle of New York City to the laid-back vibes of Austin, each of these 10 cities has its own unique dating scene with its pros and cons.

Ultimately, it’s important to be open to new experiences. Have fun and try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Dating is not a one-size-fits-all experience, so what works for someone else may not work for you, and that’s OK. 

It is also important to remember that the dating scene is always changing. So even if you don’t find love in one of these cities right away, don’t give up hope.

Keep an open mind, and be willing to try new things. And try to enjoy the unique opportunities and experiences each city has to offer!

We would love to hear your thoughts on the best cities for dating in your 30s. What has your experience been like?

Share your opinions and insights in the comments section below. Who knows, your advice might just help someone else find true love! Thank you for reading! 

About the Author

The GenThirty Team is a collaborative team of writers and creatives behind GenThirty.com.


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