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If you've ever watched a couple get engaged in Central Park, kissed someone on the Staten Island Ferry or somehow managed to score a last-minute table at a candlelit restaurant, this probably won't come as a shock: New York has officially been crowned America's most romantic city.
According to a new study by dating app Agilis, New Yorkers search for romance-related ideas more than residents of any other major U.S. city. The research analyzed Google searches across 30 cities for 28 love-themed terms—from "romantic getaways" and "date night ideas" to "proposal locations," "anniversary ideas" and "romantic restaurants"—then adjusted the results based on population.
New York topped the list with 212 romance-related searches per 100,000 residents, narrowly edging out Nashville (201.5) and Austin (200.4). Chicago and Jacksonville rounded out the top five.
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Of course, there's a bit of irony here: New York has long had a reputation for being one of the toughest places to date. Between endlessly swiping through apps, packed schedules and the ghosting epidemic, finding romance here can sometimes feel like a competitive sport. Yet the city's residents also seem to spend plenty of time looking for ways to make it happen.
"New York taking the top spot makes sense when you consider the sheer variety of experiences available to couples," said Jehan Rajendra, founder of Agilis. "From Central Park walks and rooftop dinners to Broadway shows and countless restaurants, there are plenty of ways to plan a memorable date."
One especially interesting detail: the single biggest romance-related search category wasn't "romantic restaurants" or "proposal spots." It was "wedding venues," suggesting plenty of New Yorkers are thinking several chapters ahead of the first date.
So, we couldn't help but wonder: Is New York really America's most romantic city? That's up for debate. But if Google searches are any indication, New Yorkers certainly aren't giving up on love.