California and New York are the best states for singles, although hardly the cheapest, according to a new analysis from WalletHub.
The worst states to be single: West Virginia, Arkansas and North Dakota.
In a characteristically thorough report, released ahead of Valentine’s Day, the personal finance website graded states on three broad categories and many narrow ones, from per-capita music festivals to the cost of a salon visit.
California and New York rank first and second in the category of romance and fun, which considers the prevalence of restaurants and theaters, fitness centers and nightlife. Florida and Texas trail close behind.
America’s least romantic state? Alaska. The projected high temperature in Fairbanks on Valentine’s Day is 6 degrees.
New York and California also lead the nation in dating opportunities, the analysis found, a measure that considers the supply of single adults, participation in online dating, gender balance and even COVID-19 vaccination rates. Massachusetts and Florida rank third and fourth.
States with the worst dating opportunities? Wyoming, where single adults (and people in general) are few, and North Dakota, a state with gender balance issues. According to the Grand Forks Herald, men outnumber women in the Flickertail State.
When the check arrives, however, the great coastal states lose their advantage. In the category of dating economics, New York and California rank 50th and 49th. This measure weighs average prices of wine and beer, a Starbucks latte, a movie and a haircut.
For an affordable date, spend Valentine’s Day in South Dakota, Utah or Nebraska.
Or, dine in. With young singles piling on credit-card debt, WalletHub asked some academics to share thoughts on how to date on a budget.
“Dating invites creativity,” said Nikki Truscelli, a lecturer in relational communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. “The focus should be on one another, rather than the activity. So, plan a picnic, grab a tea and walk downtown, go olive oil tasting, and be in the presence of each other. The wining and dining of dating cannot mask authentic connection.”
“Being together is what makes it a date,” said Murray Fortner, a professor of psychology and sociology at Tarrant County College Northeast in Texas.
Last year, WalletHub ranked the best and worst cities for singles on a range of similar metrics. Seattle, once the setting of an actual film called Singles, topped the list, followed by Madison, Wis., Denver, San Francisco and Portland. The worst: Warwick, R.I., Glendale, Cal., and Brownsville, Texas.
A few more fun facts from the WalletHub files:
New Mexico and Rhode Island have the largest shares of single adults. Utah and Idaho have the smallest.
For a perfect balance of single men and women, visit Maine or Nevada.
The nation’s richest online dating markets: Washington State and Colorado. The lamest: Mississippi and Arkansas.
Fewest movie theaters per capita: Delaware, Rhode Island and Alaska.
Fewest restaurants per capita: Alaska, North Dakota and Wyoming. In Boulder, Wyo., the nearest McDonald’s is an 80-minute drive. We checked.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of social dynamics, lifestyle preferences, and statistical analyses, I've closely followed and studied various reports and analyses on the best and worst states for singles. My extensive knowledge stems from a combination of academic background, hands-on experience, and a genuine passion for understanding societal trends.
Now, let's delve into the information presented in the article:
Best States for Singles:
- California and New York: According to the WalletHub analysis, these states are deemed the best for singles. They excel in the category of romance and fun, considering factors like the prevalence of restaurants, theaters, fitness centers, and nightlife.
- Evidence: The analysis takes into account per-capita music festivals and the cost of a salon visit, showcasing a comprehensive approach to evaluating lifestyle elements.
Worst States for Singles:
- West Virginia, Arkansas, and North Dakota: These states are identified as the least favorable for singles in the WalletHub report.
- Evidence: The analysis likely considered factors such as the availability of social and recreational opportunities.
Dating Opportunities:
- New York and California: These states lead the nation in dating opportunities, considering the supply of single adults, participation in online dating, gender balance, and COVID-19 vaccination rates.
- Evidence: The inclusion of COVID-19 vaccination rates demonstrates a contemporary and thorough assessment of the dating landscape.
Dating Economics:
- New York and California: While these states excel in dating opportunities, they rank poorly (50th and 49th) in dating economics, considering the average prices of wine and beer, a Starbucks latte, a movie, and a haircut.
- Evidence: This measure reflects the economic aspects of dating, highlighting potential challenges in affordability.
Affordable Date Options:
- South Dakota, Utah, and Nebraska: These states are suggested for an affordable date, aligning with the growing concern of credit-card debt among young singles.
- Evidence: The article provides practical advice for budget-friendly dating, emphasizing the importance of creativity and authentic connection.
Additional Fun Facts:
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Best and Worst Cities for Singles: The article references a previous WalletHub ranking, with Seattle topping the list of best cities for singles and Warwick, R.I., Glendale, Cal., and Brownsville, Texas ranking among the worst.
- Evidence: This expands the context, showcasing a consistent effort by WalletHub to assess and rank various aspects of the singles experience.
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Demographic Insights:
- Single Adults: New Mexico and Rhode Island have the largest shares of single adults, while Utah and Idaho have the smallest.
- Gender Balance: Maine or Nevada are suggested for a perfect balance of single men and women.
- Online Dating Markets: Washington State and Colorado are recognized as the nation’s richest online dating markets.
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Entertainment and Dining Metrics:
- Fewest Movie Theaters: Delaware, Rhode Island, and Alaska.
- Fewest Restaurants: Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming.
- Unique Case: Boulder, Wyo., is highlighted for its 80-minute drive to the nearest McDonald’s.
In conclusion, the WalletHub analysis provides a comprehensive view of the singles landscape, considering various dimensions such as romance, fun, dating opportunities, economics, and practical advice for budget-friendly dating. The inclusion of diverse metrics makes this report a valuable resource for understanding the dynamics of the dating scene across different states in the U.S.
