25 Best Cities to Live in For Single Women in the U.S.

Single women have a very different list of demands than married couples and even single men. If you’re searching for the best cities for single women, we’ve taken the time to round up the top 25 based on location, cost of living, career opportunities, and even ways to get out and meet new people.

Choosing a city with other singles in place is important. Whether you’re looking for someplace new and different from where you are now or somewhere close by, we have cities that span both coasts of the US and plenty within the Heartland.

Methodology

Determining the best places for single women to live in the United States requires looking at a number of different factors. We chose 25 cities and ranked them based on such things as safety, cost of living, percentage of singles in the city, and the various opportunities – both for careers and entertainment and socialization.

Some singles want to meet the love of their lives, date, and get married. Others want to focus on their career and have plenty of opportunities to choose from. We’ve considered all of this and provided an overview of the best cities for single women.

We used a few resources, too:

Government websites: We used city websites to describe popular industries, populations, and demographics.

Cost of living sites: We used sites like BestPlaces.net to tell us the cost of living and housing in a particular city.

US News: US News has ranked the top cities for singles.

Safety: We looked at sites like CNBC for the safest cities for solo females and crime stat sites like Numbeo to tell us what the crime index is of a particular city.

We also used other sites to ensure we could provide you with plenty of details about the city to determine if it checks all of the boxes you have when looking for a city to live in as a single woman.

25. Providence, Rhode Island

With a median age of 32 years old and more than half the population single, Providence, Rhode Island, has many opportunities for a single woman.

The average monthly rent on an apartment is less than $1,000. Boston and New York City are not too far from Providence. Within the city, the cost of living is relatively low. The economy is good, with most jobs in the healthcare field, textiles, and jewelry manufacturing, and in education, there is plenty of opportunity for a career.

There are seven universities and colleges in Providence, including Brown University. In fact, there is a district known as the “Knowledge District.” Providence has several parks, historic buildings, and three rivers.

24. Tallahassee, Florida

Tallahassee, Florida, is a great place for a single woman to live. The state capital of Florida is a medium-sized city of about 197,000 people with a relatively low cost of living. Homeownership is more affordable here than in many other parts of the state. More than half the population is single. Located close to the Gulf coast, there is much to do in Tallahassee and nearby.

The city sponsors several festivals throughout the year. These include an annual Wine and Food Festival, First Fridays at Railroad Square, and Winter and Spring festivals. There are several cocktail bars, breweries, and dance clubs in Tallahassee for nighttime fun.

Tallahassee is home to Florida State University, which makes it a popular college town. Additionally, it is one of the top employers in the area, along with the Florida Department of Children and Families.

23. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge has a convenient location on the Mississippi River, offering phenomenal views. Regarding safety, Baton Rouge is safer than many other places in Louisiana…and ranks well on US News & World Report in terms of the best places to live in the US.

There are plenty of job opportunities throughout the city, with Gresham Smith being identified as the top company to work for five years in a row. Some of the top industries in the area include audio engineering, energy, education, manufacturing, and digital media.

PayScale identifies that the cost of living is 3% less than the national average and 8% lower in terms of housing costs. Combine this with a population where approximately 51% are single, and it can be one of the best cities to live as a single female. With museums, festivals, and countless music venues to choose from, there’s always something to do. Plus, for those looking for a wild girl’s weekend, New Orleans is only about 90 minutes away.

22. Tampa, Florida

About half of Tampa, Florida’s population is single. The tourist spot on the Gulf Coast of Florida may have a high cost of living, but there are plenty of career opportunities for single women. It is also a growing area for the LGBTQ community.

The economy centers on tourism, healthcare, finance, insurance, technology, and maritime activities. Several restaurant chains are headquartered in Tampa, including Outback Steakhouse, Carrabbas, The Melting Pot, Fleming’s Steakhouse, and Bonefish Grill. Recently, Tampa has developed its urban residential area.

Nightlife is active, especially downtown in areas including SoHo, Channelside, Ybor City, and International Plaza Seminole Hard Rock. With parks, beaches, and the bay, Tampa has plenty of recreation. In 2018 Tampa Bay was named one of the hottest real estate markets.

21. Boulder, Colorado

Boulder, Colorado, is a hot spot for young singles. While the cost of living is high, the average income is nearly $65,000. There are health care, education, publishing, manufacturing, and technology jobs. Located at the scenic Rocky Mountains base, Boulder is a haven for outdoor sports and recreation.

When you’re searching for work, the Boulder Economic Council boasts a long list of key industries and companies, ranging from aerospace to bioscience. There’s also a significant amount of tourism and research that happens within the city.

The city is just 25 miles from the larger city of Denver. Boulder has a lot of things to do in itself and is rated high for arts, health, education, and quality of life. There are plenty of coffee houses, bars, breweries, and clubs for a single woman to meet friends and find a partner.

20. Buffalo, New York

Buffalo is home to a population of 1.1 million people, and approximately 53% of that population is single. Compared to the full state of New York, the cost of living is considerably lower – and there are plenty of job opportunities. It also ranks high on various quality-of-life lists, including one by US News & World Report.

There are plenty of activities throughout Buffalo, including several sports teams, such as the NFL Buffalo Bills and the NHL Buffalo Sabers. While winters can include several feet of snow, the summer and fall months are filled with festivals where it’s possible to mingle and meet new people.

Of course, there’s also the University of Buffalo, which sits in the city’s heart. Students there are always looking for excitement and new ways to meet people.

19. Las Vegas, Nevada

Although you might think of Las Vegas as a rowdy tourist city, it’s actually a good place to live as a single woman. The cost of living is higher than in other parts of the country, but it also depends on the neighborhood you choose to live in – closer to The Strip will be more expensive. There are also many opportunities for a lucrative career, and the city has a large single population, so it’s a great place to meet new friends and maybe find a partner.

Company headquarters located in Las Vegas include Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, MGM Resorts, Bally Technologies, Nevada Power Company, National University, Allegiant Air, Zappos, and AMERICO. There are many other opportunities if you’re not working in the hospitality and tourist field.

Las Vegas is the biggest city in Nevada and the state’s financial, commercial, and cultural center. There are plenty of opportunities for a single woman in Las Vegas. Of course, there are a lot of places to socialize, but the residents know the best places.

18. Thousand Oaks, California

Thousand Oaks, California, has ranked as one of the safest US cities for single females, according to CNBC. This allows you to confidently travel around the city day or night without fear of committing any crime.

Thousand Oaks has the benefit of being in the northwest part of the Los Angeles metroplex. It’s only about 15 miles from downtown LA, providing plenty of job opportunities. The population is only 125,000, making it easier to travel around the area without fear of traffic. It can also be easier to meet people.

While the area is fairly affluent within Ventura County, the average salary is also high, making it easy to comfortably survive.

Singles will also find wine bars, The Gardens of The World, and plenty of other places to go in order to meet people and go on dates.

17. Springfield, Massachusetts

The city of Springfield, Massachusetts, offers single women great career opportunities, a great location, and plenty of opportunities to socialize. The city is located on the banks of the Connecticut River. It is not far from Boston and New York City, so it is a nice location if you want to visit the larger cities.

Springfield has had steady growth and currently has a population of about 153,000 with more than half single. The economy of Springfield is considered mature and, therefore, steady. Good career opportunities can be found in education, healthcare, trade and transportation, manufacturing, tourism, and hospitality. Springfield has an exciting nightlife scene in the “Club Quarter” that is home to many clubs and music venues.

Niche.com also ranks Springfield in the top 200 cities for young professionals to live in the US. Crime is slightly higher than the national average, but you can easily get around that by choosing a safe neighborhood within the city and taking the necessary precautions when you go out.

16. Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin, has everything a single mid-western woman needs, including job opportunities, social opportunities, and outdoor activities year-round. The city is known to be the home of highly educated people. There are job opportunities in education, healthcare, biotech, and advertising.

Major companies in Madison include Spectrum, Alliant Energy, and American Family Insurance. Rent in the city is reasonable, averaging about $1,000 a month. Located amid four lakes, city residents enjoy winter iceboating, ice skating, hockey, ice fishing, and skiing. Many trails are great for biking and hiking.

The Wisconsin State Journal also acknowledged that the city ranks #2 in the nation for single people. However, the dating scene can be difficult to access, so it’s not ranked higher on our list of the best cities for single females. That being said, there is a vibrant area around Old Market Place where you’ll find various bars, clubs, and lounges to meet people.

15. Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona, known as a “desert oasis,” has a large, young, single population and low cost of living. The median household income is $64,323, and rent can range from $600 to $1,000 monthly.

Tucson’s economy flourishes mainly because of the University of Arizona, Davis-Monthan Air Base, Texas Instruments, IBM, and Intuit. Also, Tucson is sometimes called “Optics Valley” because companies manufacture optics and opto-electronics.

Tucson has fun activities for singles, including NCAA sports, parks, swimming, hiking, camping, biking, and fishing. Tucson has an annual rodeo, a Folk Festival, the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, and the Meet Yourself Festival.

14. Lincoln, Nebraska

Middle America is a great place for a single woman to call home. Many cities are known for their safety and lower cost of living. Lincoln, Nebraska, is one of the best. Lincoln is a large college town home to the University of Nebraska.

Its neighborhoods consist of old and newer developments with a growing population downtown. Along with its college basketball and football teams, Lincoln has a great concert venue at Pinnacle Bank Arena, a farmers’ market at Haymarket, and several parks and recreational areas.

Career opportunities include education, healthcare, IT, telecommunications, pharmaceutical, finance, insurance, and publishing. Also, the average monthly rent in Lincoln is just about $700.

13. Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, is not only the capital city but also one of the up-and-coming cities in the world of tech. Many large companies are choosing to call this area home, including Apple, Twitter, and more. Additionally, there are a number of events within the city every year, making it easy to meet new people, add excitement to a single life, and more.

With a metropolitan population of 2.1 million, there’s no shortage of new people to meet within Austin. While the area is growing, it’s also growing in terms of cost – and the median home price is about $504,000. Still, according to US News, Austin is popular because of the net migration (8.45% in the past five years) and over 50% of the population is single.

The area is popular with its proximity to Hill County, where there are countless wineries and several lakes for boating and outdoor recreational opportunities.

12. Denver, Colorado

Denver makes it into the top cities for single women to live in the U.S. Although the city of about 711,000 people has a high cost of living, it also has many job opportunities and an average income of $85,853. The average age of Denver residents is about 34 years old. More than half of the population is single.

This is due in part to students and young professionals. The city is the headquarters of companies including MapQuest, Quest Communications, and Newmont Mining Company.

Several mining and energy companies, telecommunication companies, and start-up companies call Denver home. The city is breathtakingly scenic. You can enjoy outdoor activities, sports, festivals, concerts, theaters and nightclubs, bars, concerts, and standup comedy.

11. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah, is the state’s capital and largest city. It has great career opportunities, outdoor activities, and cultural events. The city of over 1 million also has a large unmarried population. The average age of Salt Lake City residents is 32 years old. While it does get cold in the winter, there are many activities that make the most out of it – and create opportunities to meet people.

The city’s eastern neighborhoods are filled with young professionals, students, and young families and is a great place for a single woman to live. Salt Lake City is known as the “Crossroads of the West,” with the western United States’ railroads crossing there.

The city has steel mills, mines, and oil refineries. It also is the headquarters of several corporations including Fortune 500 companies like Zions Bancorporation and Questar Corporation. It is a major convention center location and has many hospitality job opportunities.

Salt Lake City is a nice place to live with popular outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and cycling. The city is known for its Church of Latter Day Saints presence but is also a diverse community with a large LBGTQ population.

10. Roseville, California

Roseville, California, is one of the safer places for solo females – and it consistently ranks in the top 5 for this reason. This city is found within Placer County and has one of the larger populations of 151,900. It’s within the Sacramento metropolitan area, providing countless job opportunities – though the crime rate is much lower.

Singles will always find something to do in Roseville, as there’s so much to do within the area. This includes the Miners Ravine Trail Loop, various art galleries and festivals, an amusement park, scavenger hunts, and more.

According to Best Places, the cost of living is on an index of 139.3. However, that’s lower than the state’s average. Housing is considerably less in Roseville than elsewhere across California, making it easier for singles to stay single, should they wish to do so.

9. Cambridge, Massachusetts

According to CNBC, Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the #1 safest city for solo female travelers, which is why it ranks in the top 10 of our list. Additionally, the city, just across the Charles River from Boston, provides the big city life when desired.

Cambridge has a population of 117,000, with many activities to do without crossing into Boston. This includes museums, festivals, and a growing food scene. It’s also home to two top-tier schools – Harvard and MIT.

The city also has a significant amount of diversity. People from all sorts of backgrounds live within the city, and the city’s website shows that quite a few people live in college dorms or apartments – so singles will often have roommates.

8. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri, is best known as the “Gateway to the West” with its famous arch. The city is also known for its single population. The median age is 35 with more than half the population single. The city’s cost of living is not very high, with an average apartment renting for about $900 monthly. There’s also a significant amount of public transportation, so many find that there’s no need for the expense of owning a car.

Single women have plenty of career opportunities in St. Louis and social opportunities in this safe city. The second largest city in Missouri, St. Louis, lies along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals and NHL’s St. Louis Blues offer fun opportunities to enjoy a day or evening at a sports venue. St. Louis has many parks to spend time in, too.

Some companies that are in St. Louis include Edward Jones Investments, Mastercard, Pfizer, Anheuser-Busch, and Boeing. There are also several biotech companies in and in neighboring suburbs.

7. Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida, has a large population; much of it is young and single. Known mostly for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, the amusement parks employ many of Orlando’s single residents, but there are also career opportunities for those in industry, technology, hospitality, engineering, and research.

Orlando is home to the Central Florida Research Park and the University of Central Florida. Sports enthusiasts enjoy the NBA’s Orlando Magic and soccer, tennis, and more. The music scene is diverse, and there are plenty of opportunities for nightlife with shopping, dining, and clubbing. Orlando is home to the Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival. The city is known as “Hollywood East” because it is home to movie and recording studios providing jobs to its single residents.

US News also ranks Orlando as #52 for best places to live and #24 in best places to retire because of all that there is to see, do, and enjoy.

6. Charlotte, North Carolina

Nearly half of Charlotte, North Carolina’s population is single. The city has had a surge in population but remains relatively low-cost to live in. Charlotte offers many career opportunities, has great sports teams, and has a fun social vibe. Businesses with headquarters in Charlotte include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Truist Financial, Honeywell, Credit Karma, and Lowes.

Charlotte is home to the University of North Carolina and sports teams, including the NFL’s Panthers and the NBA’s Hornets. The city is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Divided into neighborhoods, there are several popular with young singles, including Belmont, Dilworth, Elizabeth, and Freedom Park, according to Extraspace.

Charlotte has many restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, bars, pubs and nightclubs. It’s also home to the Carowinds theme park. If you’re single in Charlotte, you’ll always find a way to stay busy and meet people within your age range.

5. Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington, has everything a single woman wants. It’s a great place for a career and has been named the best place for businesses and careers by Forbes Magazine. It has outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and sports teams (including the NFL Seahawks, the MLB Mariners, and the NHL Kraken). Companies located in Seattle include Amazon, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Seattle’s Best Coffee, T-Mobile, Expedia, Inc. and Nintendo America.

The city that gave us grunge music has plenty of venues for those interested in the music scene. Nearly half of the population is single. Located on the Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, residents and visitors enjoy water activities, including sailing, kayaking, hiking, and skiing.

Known as the “coffee capital of the world”, Seattle has plenty of coffee shops to meet up with friends or enjoy a first date. Of course, Trip Advisor would also say that the best things to do include Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and even the Washington State Ferries.

4. Atlanta, Georgia

This city falls within the top 5 places to live in the U.S. as a single woman. Atlanta has plenty of opportunities for those interested in living in a big city. While the cost of living is high, the city has career opportunities and a youthful population.

Atlanta is headquarters to The Coca-Cola Company, Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, Turner Broadcasting, AT&T, and UPS. Sports fans enjoy the MLB Atlanta Braves and the NFL Falcons. The city has several cultural attractions, including opera, ballet, and theater. There are parks to enjoy by day and clubs to enjoy by night.

CNBC says that about 57% of the population in the city is single, too – and that means even more ways to meet people. It is often ranked as the #1 single city, but it’s not quite as high on this list because crime is a bit higher, making it not as safe for single women as many would like.

3. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts, offers many opportunities for a single woman. As with any big city in the U.S., the cost of living in Boston is high. Rent alone can be more than $1,500 a month. However, there are many opportunities to have a successful career.

Major companies in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, Liberty Mutual, Gillette, Wayfair, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase Co., Dell, Verizon Communications, and Johnson & Johnson. Boston is home to several universities, Boston College, Northeastern University, and Boston University, so education is a good field to be in.

The city also has many career opportunities in healthcare. Historic Boston, located on the Atlantic Coast and the beautiful Charles River, has many distinct neighborhoods combining old colonial architecture and modern buildings.

The city has amazing parks, including Boston Commons, which is the oldest public park in the United States. Boston is active night and day with shopping, dining, clubs, museums, and more. It is also the home of the Red Sox, who play at Fenway Park and the Boston Marathon.

2. Burlington, Vermont

When you look at the best cities for single women, safety should always be a top priority – and Vermont consistently ranks as one of the safest states in the US. Burlington is the most populated city within the state at approximately 45,000.

According to Trip Advisor, there are always things to do – and singles will find that there are activities to do individually and meet new people. This includes taking advantage of the bike paths, the Church Street Marketplace, and exploring the Lake Champlain ferries.

The unemployment rate is only 2.1%, which is considerably lower than the national average. While the cost of living is higher than the national average, there are plenty of high-paying job opportunities for single women to explore.

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach finally reached the #1 spot as the best place for single women to live, and much of this has to do with location and cost of living. US News & World Report identifies it as the #1 place for singles, and approximately 45% of the population is unmarried.

The median home price is only $198,000, which is considerably lower than the average across the US. This makes it easier for singles to consider home ownership without getting married or having roommates.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a growing metropolitan area that has become a popular place for tourists. Those who are single and ready to mingle will find plenty of bars and nightclubs, beach activities, and a bustling city for shopping, restaurants, and festivals.

While the population has a slightly older median age of about 48 years compared to other places on this list, plenty of younger single females are in place – it’s just about finding the right places to explore. Neighborhoods such as Surfside Beach and Socastee, according to Niche, are where the young professionals choose to reside.

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