The Best City In America To Live In If You're Single
Single people in America are looking for a variety of high-quality features as they hunt for cities and towns to call home. Whether you're on the prowl for a new local community within striking distance of the area you grew up in or are looking farther afield, a few key features pop up time and time again.
The Irish Independent notes that Dublin is one of the best cities in Europe for single people looking for love. But it goes on to suggest that many Dubliners (and those who've flocked to the city from elsewhere) are seeking a change from Tinder and other dating apps that have often been popular.
Instead of simply searching for other local singles, people have begun to prioritize the experiences of their community alongside and even sometimes above the dating and entertainment scene. Enter Austin, Texas. Bankrate reports that the median age of Austin residents is 34.9 years old and that the city boasts a healthy dose of singles, at 34.8% of the population.
But beyond these dating-focused statistics, Austin has been a community on the rise when it comes to economic opportunity, entertainment value, and even outdoor lifestyle. Austin is characterized by a wealth of exciting things to do and see. It's the best place in the United States for single people to call home, and for a wide variety of reasons.
Austin's job market is a hub for young talent
One feature of the Austin metro area that is sure to draw in a sea of singles is the job market. Young talent flocks to local communities that provide great opportunities for mobility and growth within industrial spheres. Austin provides this healthy base for employment and has remained strong, even amid the tremors that shook all aspects of life during the pandemic: The Austin American Statesman reports that in October 2022, the number of employed people in Austin was at its highest ever, with 1.237 million people.
The Statesman notes that recent trends across the tech, manufacturing, retail, and financial services industries may slow growth in Austin in the future, but it's precisely this broad swath that makes Austin such a healthy job market. There are opportunities across many enormous economic sectors in this city and the suburbs around it. That makes job security a more engrained feature of working here, and The Statesman also suggests that any retraction of job growth is likely to be minor. This is certainly a fear that many Americans still have, and USA Today notes that job shrinkages can be felt in essentially all parts of the nation. Still, with a market as strong as Austin's, it's no wonder why young people continue to pour into the city, further strengthening its hold as a destination for singles.
Outdoor living is central to the Austin experience
Young people aren't just looking for a quality paycheck and an acceptable team of coworkers these days. The Undercover Recruiter notes that millennial workers have become accustomed to certain workplace (and out-of-work) perks. With the national job market continuing to struggle to attract new talent, and social and health concerns remaining a central theme for all Americans, the young contingent of the American workforce is seeking out flexible working schedules and hours, health (both mental and physical) support schemes, social events, and career development opportunities that go beyond tired workplace learning practices (via The Undercover Recruiter).
Spending time with coworkers outside of the office is a big one, and Austin offers a non-stop scene for people to do just that. Visit Austin notes that the city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year and sports an average year-round temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. On top of this, there are many options for swimming, hiking, sitting in the park, and much more throughout the Austin area. The city can easily provide something for everyone when it comes to finding outdoor amenities that will boost your lifestyle. Whether you've been lucky enough to enjoy private outdoor living spaces at your home or not, finding something to do outside in Austin is a breeze.
Austin is home to the Texas Longhorns
The University of Texas is located in Austin, and the Longhorns play football, basketball, and many other highly competitive sports in the city. For those looking to advance their career with a return to the university classroom, UT is a great option in a variety of fields. Furthermore, UT offers distance learning for those seeking Masters and Doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and other specialty coursework (via UT Extended Campus). This means that you can study with the University of Texas with flexible course loads that can see you on campus or working entirely from home.
This is also a great city for recent graduates to remain in. Austin's job market ensures that competitive and well-educated candidates will be highly sought after in a variety of industries. Sticking around to enjoy Austin life even after leaving school can provide a rich professional environment that retains some of your best memories from a community that you already know and love.
Regardless of your affiliation, a steady stream of graduates entering the job market throughout Austin ensures that new people are always entering your orbit. This is a critical feature in any community that purports itself to be a singles' paradise.
Austin boasts a low crime rate
Crime rates are another important feature of places that are ideal for singles. Singles naturally will spend a lot of time doing things on their own. As a single person in Austin, you might live on your own in a small apartment or home or spend a portion of your day commuting to and from work without your peers or even roommates (if you have them).
This makes criminal activity a particularly important thing to consider for singles. Without the safety that pairs or groups naturally add to a situation, singles will rely on the relative safety of the community itself to remain out of danger on a routine evening commute home or at the end of a night out with friends. U.S. News & World Report notes that Austin's violent crime rate is lower than the national average, making it a great place for singles to enjoy an excellent evening out on the town and the concurrent peace of mind to get home without incident.
Crime rates are an important factor for anyone seeking a new place to call home, but it's a particularly important piece of the puzzle for singles looking to make the most of their city.
Finally, the dating scene
Single people have been consistently moving away from the use of dating apps (via The Guardian). Real-world connections have always been a strong presence in the growing affection of two people in a relationship, and Austin can act as the perfect backdrop for your own burgeoning love story. With a variety of things to do and a thriving community of young, single individuals to meet, there's always an opportunity to enjoy the company of someone you're attracted to in this community.
Austin's dating scene has been named the best in the United States (via KXAN). On top of all the fantastic lifestyle and community perks that the city brings to bear, this final piece of the puzzle brings the whole picture into focus. With young, single people constantly looking to have fun and enjoy the company of other like-minded individuals, the Austin dating scene is one that you simply can't miss if you're in the market for a new place to call home.