Enjoy our hilarious guide that tells you which app to use per city and why dating in each of these cities is great. If you are relocating and looking for love, then don’t go a minute longer without reading this guide.
Top U.S. Cities for Single Men Looking to Move Cross Country: A Guide to Finding Love (and Finally Swiping Right)
Ah, the search for love on Tinder. For single men, it often feels like a cross-country road trip, complete with holes in the road, detours that you aren’t sure how you ended up on, and a GPS that keeps telling you to “recalculate” your choices in life.
If you’re one of the brave souls deciding it’s time for a fresh start, relocating to a new city might be just the ticket to starting over romantically. You should know that not all cities are created equal when meeting new people- especially if you’re navigating the Wild West, which we call dating apps.
Disclaimer: The following list contains cities that have been carefully researched based on a few factors, including the local dating scene off and online, nightlife, job opportunities, and, yes, the availability of normal people on your preferred dating app. You can thank us later; our thumbs are still sore.
1. Austin, Texas: Where the BBQ is Hot, and So Are the Women
Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World,” but we prefer to think of it as the “Love Capital of the World.” Why? Because when you’re swiping on Hinge here, there’s a good chance that the person on the other side of the screen is not just looking for a casual date; they’re also probably into outdoor music festivals, bar hopping, and trying the local taco truck.
Most people who move out to Austin have similar laid-back vibes, and that’s why it works.
Reasons You’ll Love It
- With more food trucks than you can count and craft breweries on every corner, Austin has the perfect setting for casual dates where you can actually hear each other ramble on.
- Whether you’re into kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, attending a local music festival, or just swiping right at happy hour, there’s no shortage of opportunities to meet new people in real life.
- Austin’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird,” and the locals live up to it. That means you can take your date roller skating, vintage shopping, to an escape room or whatever other weird activities you love.
Austin Tinder Tip: Be sure you’ve updated your Hinge profile—Austin loves someone with a well-curated “About Me” section. Bonus points if you can reference a local band no one else has heard of.
2. Los Angeles, California: Swipe Right on Your Favorite Actor and Hope It's Not a Catfish
The land of palm trees, gluten-free avocado toast, and actors who are always “just about to break into the industry.” L.A. can feel like a bit of a circus in the dating world, especially with everyone fancy on dating apps like Raya. You might find someone at your level if you can survive the swipes.
Why You’ll Love to Hate It
- At a swanky rooftop bar or a gross karaoke night, the chances of meeting someone interesting are higher than your likelihood of getting a second date.
- Everyone’s either an aspiring actor, screenwriter, or influencer—but hey, they’ve got great stories to tell so at least your night won’t be boring.
- If you’re into hiking, yoga, or just making your booty look good for that first impression, L.A. is your spot. You will find your partner in crime and heath protein shakes.
- If you’re tired of swiping through profiles with people in winter coats, L.A. has endless sunshine, which is great for a spontaneous beach date or rooftop dinner with a small jacket.
Raya App Tip: Try to avoid being “that guy” who only talks about your “side hustle.” It’s called personality, my friend. Don’t show up looking ten times more botoxed than your photos, either. Real is sexy.
3. New York City, New York: Where Love is a Taxi Ride Away
NYC is the city of dreams or crushed dreams, and it’s also the city of “I thought I swiped right on you, but now I’m late for a meeting.” If you’re a single man with a side hustle, you’ll thrive in this fast-paced NYC space. The dating scene here is like the subway here- crowded, chaotic, and sometimes confusing yet with so much to gain.
Reasons for NYC
- New York City is the city that never sleeps, and neither do the apps. You’ll find yourself swiping while walking down 5th Avenue, and hopping from one date to another like a pro. You can pencil in drinks at 5 pm, dinner at 7:30 and still have time for cocktails at 10 pm. Three down, one wife to go.
- Whether you’re into intellectuals from Brooklyn or finance bros from the Financial District, there’s no shortage of people here. NYC offers so many different types of personalities to choose from.
- Who doesn’t love a spontaneous date in the middle of a weeknight? Grab drinks, chat, and find out if you’re crazy enough to survive this city. There are so many great bars you will have no lack of options.
Bumble App Tip: If you’re looking to impress, take your date to aa rooftop bar in Brooklyn. Watch out for How I Met Your Mother references all night.
4. Denver, Colorado: Outdoor Adventure Dates
Denver is for the man ready to get his hands dirty! If you move here for love, you will enjoy the great outdoors with a mountain climb or chill with a freshly brewed IPA with a view.
Denver locals take their outdoor adventures seriously, and their dating lives just join along. If you love the outdoors, beer, and hiking, Denver might just be your next home where your future wife is scaling a mountain.
Why You’ll Learn To Love It
- From hiking up a huge mountain to skiing in the winter, Denver offers adventurous travelers plenty of ways to connect. Take your date on a ski trip, and you will definitely score a second date.
- Denver has some of the best craft breweries in the U.S., hands down. That makes it easy to find a cozy date spot that serves up the best new and exciting beer. Let’s just hope that not only the beer is interesting but also the conversation.
- Whether you’re a biker or a runner, the people here appreciate staying fit and the lifestyle that goes along with it. You can bond over a run and then grab drinks.
Tinder Tip: Mention your favorite outdoor activity early and invite her to join you. If your date is also a hiker, boom- you’ve just found someone to split a protein shake after your next hike.
5. Chicago: The Windy City Where Everyone Needs To Stay Warm
Chicago is often overlooked as a cool Midwest city, but let’s be honest, it’s a gem. Chicago locals are passionate, and will happily go all out in a contest with you over the best deep-dish pizza in town.
Why You’ll Love It Despite The Cold
- Dating in Chicago means engaging in important talks like “Is deep-dish pizza really pizza if I add pinapple?” If you love to eat, Chicago has endless spots for dinner dates that aren’t as greasy.
- Once you get past the sarcasm, people from Chicago are some of the warmest and most open people you’ll meet. A great start for a date.
- Chicago is a bit more affordable than other cities in the US, meaning you won’t have to take out a second mortgage just to go on a couple of dates to find your wife.
Raya App Tip: Use Raya here- it works amazing! Here in Chi-town, you should keep it casual but engaging at the start. As a personal tip- Never, ever argue about pizza on the first date. You’ll win in the end but lose that second date if you chose the wrong spot.
6. Miami, Florida: Sun, Sand, and Beautiful People
Miami is the land of spring break, where the nights are hot, and the women on the dating apps are even hotter. If you’re a man who loves the nightlife scene, great white sand beaches, and plenty of places to show off your summer bod, Miami could be the city where your dating life goes from 0 to 100 just like a movie.
Why You’ll Enjoy It
- From walking along the beach before you commit to sitting down, to enjoying a drink at a beach bar, Miami has laid-back yet romantic spots for any date.
- If you’re into Latin culture and food, art, or just want to salsa dance with your date, Miami has a melting pot of diverse people and personalities. You can even go alone to the Latin dance spots and leave +1.
- Miami’s nightlife scene is second to none. You probably won’t find your future wife here, but hey, you never know. If you love dancing and hitting up the best clubs, you’re going to thrive here.
Hinge App Tip: Change your profile picture to be something that isn’t classic. If you on a roof seems bland then change it up and show off how you are different.
No matter which of these cities captured your heart, Moving APT will be proud to get you there! We are pros are cross country moves and mending hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which city is best for me?
It really depends on what you’re looking for in a city: Active lifestyle lovers head to Austin or Denver. Beaches and nightlife means Miami or LA. A fast-paced dating scene will have you loving New York or LA. You can’t go wrong with any of these great cities!
Should I rely only on dating apps?
Not at all! While apps are simple and introduce you to people you wouldn’t meet otherwise, always look for real-life opportunities to meet people. You can attend events, hit up happy hours, and don’t be afraid to start conversations in person on the street.
What should I do if I’m having trouble with dating apps?
Don’t stress. Take a break, rewrite your profile, and try new apps. You can delete them and come back to them without any issues. Sometimes all it takes is a change in perspective or just swiping right a little more often and giving others a chance.
Is it hard to meet people in big cities in real life?
It can be, but it’s all about putting yourself out there. Big cities can feel impersonal and like everyone has their own circle, but if you’re open to new experiences, you’ll find plenty of chances to meet new people in real life.
Do I have to be “perfect” to find someone?
No! Just be yourself. No one is perfect except Chris Hemsworth. Honesty, humor, and a good sense of adventure will go a long way in the dating world. And if all else fails, send a meme and delete the guy.
