Finding the right place to move to for a summer internship or a job after graduation takes on a whole new shade of gray if you’re also trying to find Mr. Right (or at least, Mr. Right Now). We decided to take out some of the guess work for you by using research and the Internet to find the cities with the highest single guy-to-girl ratios and the most fun and romantic places to go on dates, or to just meet someone new. We’ve listed them from highest to lowest. Enjoy!
San Jose
According to NerdWallet’s latest study this city wins with a ratio of five single guys for every four single girls. Divya Raghavan, the NerdWallet analyst who conducted the study, pulled data from the U.S. Census, and San Jose came out on top. Downtown San Jose offers stunning sidewalk fountains and the cultural hub at Plaza de César Chávez. Relive your childhood by running hand-in-hand through the spouting water. Catch an outdoor play or attend a festival. There are plenty of fun, flirty venues to meet new guys.
Or head to San Jose’s Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, which is the home of more than 4,000 artifacts, to impress an educated cutie. You might run into other college students who think Egyptian history is interesting. It also provides great conversation on a date with a dreamy grad student.
San Diego
San Diego followed closely behind with almost the same ratio. Spice things up by going on an evening Hornblower dinner cruise, where you eat a gourmet meal under the stars and dance along San Diego Bay. Known for its romance and enjoyed by couples and singles alike, the nighttime cruises would heat things up between you and a new guy, or give you an opportunity to meet one of the cute cruise employees!
Or visit San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter after dark. You’ll find all of the hottest places to be (and we’re not just talking about the climate). The Quarter boasts several bars and restaurants, including Sevilla and Bar Vie. Experience the single-and-looking life in one of the sexiest cities in California.
Austin
This large Texas city came fourth in Raghavan’s study with a ratio of six single guys to five single girls. If you’re a music maven, then you’ll find plenty of things to do here. Music fuels this Austin’s nightlife. According to the city’s website, there are “nearly 200 venues that feature everything from rock and blues to country and jazz every night of the week.” Staying on top of the music scene will help you to meet new people.
The Broken Spoke features an authentic and traditional Texas experience: Honky Tonk music and two-step dancing. Check out Rebels Honky Tonk for live country music and a spacious dance floor. Or if you prefer something different, Austin offers the blues at Antone’s Night Club or a diverse mix of reggae, ska, Latin and world beat music at the Flamingo Cantina. Dance the night away!
San Francisco
According to Jessica Schimm, a journalism major at San Francisco State University, her city is “a fantastic city to be single.” The population is diverse, so you’ll have the opportunity to meet all kinds of guys: hipsters, businessmen, start-up techies and college guys. No one is in a rush to get married; you can focus on your career and date to your heart’s content.
Not sure where to go? You can hit the Foreign Cinema and watch a French film, or visit Lolinda for an after-dinner cocktail. With a ratio of seven single guys for every six single girls, you have an awesome chance of meeting Mr. Right (Now).
Houston
Houston also boasts a ratio of eight single guys for every seven single girls, according to NerdWallet’s study, which means finding someone to talk to should be easy. If you get a summer internship or post-graduation job here, count yourself lucky!
If you’re looking for some romance, Brennan’s of Houston Restaurant & The Courtyard Bar offers elegant decor and well-lighted dining, as well as an extensive menu of quality wine and gourmet dishes. Experience elegance at its finest. Or you can head to the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston to mingle with the city’s local artists and art lovers. It’s easy to strike up a conversation when you’re looking at paintings, sculptures and photographs.
[pagebreak]
Dallas
Once again, Texas gives us another hot city for single women. Dallas has guy-to-girl ratio of ten to nine, or 114.5 single guys for every 100 single women. According to the Texas Almanac, Dallas is also the third most populous city in the state!
If you like sushi, cocktails and cozy couches, then the RA Sushi Bar Restaurant is the place to go. Try the strawberry saketini and chat up the hottie at the other end of the bar. Order lobster spring rolls or crunchy calamari rolls. You won’t be bored and neither will your taste buds. End your Friday or Saturday evening with Latin dancing at Gloria’s.
Honolulu
Imagine your life as one big vacation destination. Sure, you’ll have to go to work every day, but you can head to the beach afterward. If that isn’t enough to convince you, Raghavan’s study found that there are 114.1 single guys for every 100 single girls. All you’ll have to do is head out to the beach and strike up a conversation! Aloha!
Go snorkeling, surfing or sunning and meet someone new while you explore everything Honolulu has to offer. Once the sun has gone down, head to Rumours Nightclub in the Ala Moana Hotel.
Seattle
Known for its arts and smarts, you’re likely to find a brainy guy who paints on the side. Downtown Seattle is teeming with places to go and things to do. Visit the Seattle Art Museum for a dose of culture before going to the Hard Rock Cafe to get the scoop on the local alternative music scene.
“Live somewhere fun and you’ll find people with similar interests,” says Raghavan. This city has 10 single guys for every nine single ladies, according to the findings of NerdWallet’s study.
Denver
If you’re looking to meet someone, the Falling Rock Tap House is one of the most happening bars in town. Offering vegetarian, fishetarian and gluten-free menu options, as well as 75-plus beers on tap, there’s something for just everyone.
Other things to do include mountain climbing, white water rafting and skiing. These activities give you and your date an opportunity to enjoy nature and exercise your bodies, all while creating memories. Meet your nature-loving guy in Denver!
Boston
Home to Her Campus Media, Boston is the only East Coast city on the list. “Boston is a great city for college students to date because there are so many young people around,” says Raghavan. The city is rich in history and the arts with several museums and music and art venues. Head to Scullers Jazz Club to get in the mood or stroll along the cape at Rockport Harbor to watch the boats. One thing’s for sure: you won’t be bored!
So if you’re planning on moving where the guys are, these ten cities are the places to start. “Many of the cities on our list were on the West Coast,” Raghavan says. “This is because the West Coast cities tended to have a higher ratio of unmarried men to unmarried women, putting the odds in favor for single women, and these cities had plenty of opportunities to meet people.”
Each city does offer more than just the chance to meet your next Mr. Right, though. Arts, culture and history will keep you busy and help you to integrate into the life of your new city. Pack your bags, ladies! Your dating life is about to embark on a new adventure!