New York just ranked as one of the best states for singles

A new nationwide ranking of the Best & Worst States for Singles puts New York firmly near the top, naming it the second-best state for singles in America, right behind Florida.

The ranking comes at a moment when dating feels increasingly complicated—and expensive. “Nearly half of American adults are single and dating can be especially hard given that the cost of activities and dining out has skyrocketed in recent years,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo explained. The states that perform best, he added, balance strong economies with abundant date options, high concentrations of single residents, relatively even gender ratios and clear interest in dating based on online search behavior.

On paper, New York checks nearly every box. The state ranked first in the nation for romance and fun, thanks to the sheer density of restaurants, attractions, nightlife, bars, movie theaters and entertainment venues. In other words, there’s always somewhere to go, whether that’s a dive bar date, a museum wander or a low-stakes coffee that winds up turning into dinner.

Demographics also play a major role. New York has the fourth-highest share of single adults in the country, along with one of the strongest gender balances among singles in key dating age groups. Singles here are both plentiful and actively looking. Search data shows that New Yorkers are far more likely than residents of most other states to look up dating-related terms, indicating real intent rather than passive swiping.

Florida ultimately claimed the top spot, buoyed by job growth and its staggering number of attractions per capita. “Florida is the best state for singles in part due to its large variety of attractions,” Lupo said, pointing to its rankings for restaurants, music festivals and amusement parks, plus strong employment growth.

Experts say rankings aside, the best place to date is one that supports your individual happiness. “Ending up in a place you like will enhance your quality of life while also increasing the likelihood of matching with someone who shares your interests,” said Jeff Temple, PhD, a professor at UTHealth Houston.

And if dating costs are making you flinch, you’re not alone. Research increasingly points toward simpler, cheaper approaches. “Most people know within 10 minutes whether they want to continue seeing someone,” said Riki Thompson, PhD, who suggests low-stakes meetups, video dates and casual park or café encounters instead of pricey dinners.

Which, frankly, sounds very New York.