Single and Not So Ready to Mingle
Ever felt super single in the city? Well you’re right in thinking so because there are stats to back you up. And you are certainly not alone, in fact, you’re the majority.
According to Nerd Wallet’s “Best Cities for Singles” survey of the 50 largest U.S. cities, 70 percent of Washington, D.C. resident’s are not married. Overall, D.C. ranked as the second best city for singles based on availability, average cost of date and social scene.
Graphic:NerdWallet
Just up I-95, Baltimore came in fourth with nearly 69% of it’s population single. A three-course dinner and a movie in Bmore will cost about $70 in Baltimore, which is a bargain compared with the other East Coast cities on the list. Neither city scored in the Top 20 for single women, but Baltimore was first for single men while D.C. placed third.
To determine each city’s score, Nerd Wallet looked at the percentage of the population 15 and over that’s unmarried in each city, as well as the number of single men per 100 single women and number of single women per 100 single men. It also calculated how much it costs to date based on a three-course meal for two and two movie tickets at a mid-range restaurant in each city. They also considered the median earnings for workers to gauge the relative affordability of dating. Finally, they assessed date-friendliness by calculating the number of arts and entertainment businesses and restaurants per 1,000 residents in metro areas and included walk scores to evaluate how easy it is to get around and meet people.
Why is everyone so single in the city?
There’s no single answer to why D.C. is so single. In a place where sex in the city is advertised, why is single in the city so in? Here are a couple reasons why I believe couples aren’t so prevalent on the streets of D.C.
Financially delinquent
It’s hard enough to support yourself financially in the city, so I suppose two is a crowd. With the average date costing $95 according to Nerd Wallet, it’s not exactly cheap to date. I know personally I never offer to pick up the tab unless its a special occasion, so I can’t blame people for not perusing expensive dates that may lead to no less than a one night stand.
Business over pleasure
The city is known for being full of young professionals. If you are too focused on making your way up the corporate ladder, it can be easy to give love the side eye. Living in a constantly fast paced environment also pressures singles to believe that they need to become successful younger and postpone relationships until they are older and wealthier. There’s a price to pay for success, and it seems to be love.
Too many fish in the sea
Some city goes would agree they are all about the sex, but that’s the problem. With sex in this single city so prevalent, why would anyone want to settle down. Relationships can get complicated, so why not just date at random with no commitment.
Being single has it’s pros and cons. (Photo: guestofaguest.com)
Bottom line
Despite swimming in a sea of singles, your best bet in finding love is in the city. You need to figure out how to DTR (define the relationship) and tie down that busy young professional. Although some are obsessed with finding their soulmate at the bar, others could care less about being tied down. If that’s you, just enjoy your playing field.
D.C. is filled with singles that apparently have no intention on slowing down. Date multiple people with no shame, because you are most likely not their first date of the week either. Live it up, but know you have the option to settle down if you want. If there’s no hurry, live with no regrets and say yes to that date. After all, if they are picking up the tab, that’s $96 you don’t have to spend. And who doesn’t love a free meal?
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Christina aspires to be a public relations professional in a big city after graduation from James Madison University. In her free time when she’s not blogging away about dating and relationships, Christina loves to go shopping, watch Netflix and play with every puppy that crosses her path.
