In this article, we look at the 25 best cities for singles over 50. People have different needs at different stages of their life, and where they choose to live is particularly important. From vibrant nightlife to parks and opportunities to meet new people – you can skip our detailed analysis on the best-suited cities for people aged fifty or above by heading over to our article, 10 Best Cities for Singles over 50.
According to the PEW Research Survey, about 31% of Americans in 2020 called themselves single. The youngest and oldest age groups in the country were most likely to be single. 41% of the youth aged between 18 and 29 were single according to the survey. They were closely followed at second spot (36%) by America’s elderly population aged 65 or above. An estimated 28% of the population aged 50-64 were also single.
While half of America’s single population is content being single, the other half is actively on the lookout for a relationship or casual dates. Interestingly, the older segment of the population that is aged 40 or above are more likely than younger adults to search for casual dates. A number of old adults are also turning to online dating platforms to find romance.
A report by PEW in July 2023 highlighted that about one in six Americans aged 50 or above have used a dating application at least once. About 6% of the people in this age group who are now partnered say they found their significant other through online dating. Match is the preferred dating service for the elderly population.
The service is owned by Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH), along with several other dating platforms such as Tinder, Hinge, Meetic, OkCupid, and Plenty of Fish. The company operates the largest portfolio of online dating services in the world and is a key player in the online dating industry, which had an estimated size of $9.62 billion in 2022, as noted by Research and Markets. The size of the industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% to reach $16.4 billion by 2030.
Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH) also owns OurTime, which is a dating app specifically created for men and women aged 50 or above. Fraud or scam on online dating apps has been a major concern for senior citizens, with about 47% reporting that they encountered persons trying to scam them. Moreover, 45% of the adults aged 50 or above said they faced unwanted behaviors such as receiving sexually explicit messages or images they had not asked for and receiving threats of physical harm.
OurTime ensures safety of users with its features like web-based messaging system that allow matches to talk to each other without sharing personal information like phone number or house address.
Catering to the dating requirements of all age groups has allowed Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH) to be the market leader in the dating industry and results show. Gary Swidler, the President and CFO of the company made the following remarks in Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH)’s Q2 2023 Earnings Call:
"Q2 adjusted operating income, or AOI, was $301 million, exceeding $300 million for the first time ever. It was up 5% year-over-year, representing a margin of 36%. Q2 AOI and margins were above our expectations, as Tinder outperformed and we continued to achieve cost savings across the company. Overall expenses, including SBC expense, were up 4% year-over-year in Q2, excluding depreciation and amortization/impairment of intangibles. We incurred approximately $6 million of severance and similar costs in the quarter. Cost of revenue, including SBC expense, grew 4% year-over-year and represented 30% of total revenue, flat year-over-year. App Store fees increased $18 million year-over-year, including the $8 million escrow payment to Google. The last required escrow payment of approximately $3 million was made in July.
Another big player in the online dating industry is Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ:BMBL), which owns popular dating services Bumble, Badoo, and Fruitz. The company generated a revenue of $903 million in 2022, up by 19% compared to the previous year.
Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ:BMBL) is one of the top dating sites for single women over 50 because of its unique feature of women initiating conversations. This helps them feel safer and more secure, as well as confident in starting conversations. Founder and CEO, Whitney Herd, shared in Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ:BMBL)’s Q2 2023 Earnings Call about how this has driven strong word-of-mouth and had a positive impact on the company’s growth:
"Bumble app’s business model is built around generating durable growth. We focus on building preference, particularly with women, for our brand and our product, which in turn, drives strong word-of-mouth, downloads and high engagement. This delivers consistent growth quarter after quarter and is sustainable as we scale. The results are clear. Our core markets continue to grow, fueled both by new registrations and re-engaged users.
That being said, while dating services remain popular among young and old alike, and help them find the perfect match, no relationship can remain strong only in the digital space. It is of great significance to meet and understand each other in person. Cities that are best-suited for singles over 50 are those that have a sizable population of singles in their age group and have places of congregation where they can get the opportunity to gather, meet new people, and enjoy different experiences and activities.
Methodology
We have ranked the 25 best cities for singles over 50 based on the percentage of populations across various cities in the US that are aged 50 or above, and are single. This is because senior citizens are more likely to find a match of their age group in cities where there is a greater percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single. Data on population and marital status has been sourced from the Census Bureau and is for the year 2022. Men and women aged 50 or above who are divorced, separated or have never married have been considered in our analysis as well.
25 Best Cities for Singles over 50
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Let’s now head over to the list of the best cities for singles over 50.
25. Boston, Massachusetts
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 46.13%
Boston was listed as the best city for singles of all age groups in 2021 by Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ:BMBL). The city has plenty to offer for senior citizens looking for their perfect match with its vibrant nightlife and an abundance of bars.
24. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 46.70%
Philadelphia is a great place to be for singles over 50 since it has plenty of bars, restaurants, and places for outdoor activities during the warmer months. There are approximately half a million men and women in the 50 years or older age group in the city.
23. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 47.22%
About 23% of the senior population at Fort Lauderdale has never married. It is a happening city that is well known for its beaches and parties. It also has several parks, outdoor restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The cost of living in the city is also lower compared to Miami. All of these factors combine to make Fort Lauderdale one of the best cities for singles over 50 in America.
22. Norfolk, Virginia
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 47.25%
Norfolk in Virginia is home to more than 30,000 people that are aged 50 or above, and are single. About 40% of them have never married in their lives. Norfolk is among the best cities for singles over 50 due to its affordable and safe living. Moreover, its abundant wildlife and pristine beaches offer plenty for its residents to enjoy in outdoor activities.
21. Toledo, Ohio
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 47.50%
A significant share of Toledo’s elderly population is single. The city offers various outdoor activities and places to visit. A notable one is the Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Zoo, and the Toledo Botanical Gardens. There are also a number of restaurants and bars lined up in the streets that present singles over 50 a place to gather and socialize with people of their age group.
20. Oakland, California
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 47.55%
Nearly three in every ten people in Oakland belonging to this age group have never married, while 18% are single after divorcing or separating from their partners. The city has a host of sports teams where people can go to attend games and socialize. Moreover, there are plenty of eateries and pubs that serve as great dating spots, such as the Mad Oak Bar, Telegraph Bar and Beer Garden, and Drake’s Dealership.
19. Columbus, Ohio
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 48.26%
Columbus is one of the most populous cities in the United States and about a quarter of the residents are aged 50 or above, of which 28% are divorced and single, while 20% of the men and women in this age group never married at all. It is one of the best cities for singles in America for people over 50 and has a host of outdoor activities to attend that present opportunities to meet new people. The city is home to several sports teams including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Crew, and Columbus Clippers. Columbus is one of the top cities for seniors to find a date.
18. Newark, New Jersey
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 49.42%
Meetup is one of the preferred dating platforms in Newark. It hosts several groups, comprising people aged 50 or above, that plan outdoor activities such cycling, hiking, book chats, and happy hours. These present a great opportunity for senior citizens who are on the lookout for their perfect match to meet and socialize with singles from their age group.
17. Miami, Florida
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 49.48%
Miami is the second most populous city in the state of Florida and is known for its pristine beaches. Nearly half of the city’s population aged 50 or above is either divorced or has never married. Miami has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor activities for singles looking to date. It is also home to several sports teams – most notably, the soccer team Inter Miami FC.
16. Memphis, Tennessee
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 49.62%
Memphis is one of the best cities for singles of all age groups looking to date, and is popular across the US for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, where you can potentially find your future soulmate. It is one of the best cities for senior dating.
15. Birmingham, Alabama
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 50.10%
One-third of the population in Birmingham, Alabama comprises men and women who are aged 50 plus. Of them, more than half are currently single, with about 22% who never married at all. The Library in the Forest, Birmingham Picnic Company, and the Oak Mountain State Park are popular dating sites in the city.
14. New Orleans, Louisiana
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 50.47%
Love blossoms at every corner of New Orleans. There is a great vibe to this city with its jazz music, top notch cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. According to Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH), The National World War II Museum, Garden District, and Frenchmen Streets are some of the top places to go on a date.
13. Portland, Oregon
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 50.69%
Portland is one of the best cities for singles over 50. It has consistently been rated among the top cities in America for singles, with about 45% of the adult population unmarried and 13% divorced. An estimated 24% of the population aged 50 or above in the city never got married.
12. St. Louis, Missouri
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 51.99%
St. Louis has a collection of vibrant neighborhoods that are known for their nightlife. According to Fox 2, it has the fourth highest number of nightlife attractions in the country per 100,000 people. While dating services owned by Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH) and Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ:BMBL) remain popular, there is a home-grown dating app as well, called Approach Dating. This is developed by two women, Allison and Riley, who also arrange meet-events for users, which allows single people an opportunity to meet their match in person.
11. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Percentage of population aged 50 or above that is single: 52.42%
An estimated 23.40% of the elderly population in Minneapolis is divorced, while 29% never got married. The city is full of exciting locations and also offers affordable living, which is a key facet required by singles to thrive. Having a wide range of bars to museums, libraries, and beaches – Minneapolis is among the best cities for singles over 50.
