Find a Job You Really Want In
For many young professionals today, achieving success goes beyond just career advancement.
It also involves selecting a city that offers a vibrant social life and financial stability.
Unfortunately, not all cities provide affordable living conditions or a dynamic social scene. To identify the best locations for single young professionals to thrive, we analyzed factors such as affordable rent, job availability, and the concentration of singles.
Check below to see if your city ranks among the top 10 best cities for single young professionals in 2026.
Top 10 Cities For Young Professionals in 2026
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Arlington, Virginia
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- St. Paul, Minnesota
- Nashville, Tennessee
Overall, the Midwest and Southeast regions provide excellent opportunities for both love and career growth. If your state didn’t make the top 10, scroll down to discover the best city for single young professionals in your state.
How We Determined the Best Cities for Young, Single Professionals
We analyzed over 200 cities and ranked them based on the following criteria:
- Number of Singles
- Median Income
- Average Rent
- Unemployment Rate
First, we assessed the number of adults over 15 in each city who have never married. While just one potential partner can spark a connection, a larger pool of singles facilitates social interactions and friendship-building.
However, dating can be costly! Young professionals often seek partners who are financially independent and successful in their fields.
Next, we evaluated median incomes to identify cities where young professionals can expect to earn competitive salaries. While money can’t guarantee happiness, it can provide comfort and help manage student loan debt.
We then examined average rent costs. For recent graduates entering the workforce, affording first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit can be a significant challenge. Therefore, lower rent is a crucial factor.
Finally, we looked at unemployment rates. If a first job doesn’t turn out to be a dream position, it’s vital to be in a city with a strong job market for easier transitions to new opportunities.
All data was sourced from the latest Census ACS.
We then selected the city in each state that ranked highest overall, excluding West Virginia.
1. Madison, Wisconsin
% Never Married: 50
Median Income: $45,382
Rent: $1,125
Madison, Wisconsin is the premier destination for single young professionals in the United States. What sets Madison apart? It boasts the second-lowest unemployment rate among the cities analyzed, providing young professionals with a robust job market to explore various career paths without fear of prolonged job searches.
2. Fargo, North Dakota
% Never Married: 43
Median Income: $38,525
Rent: $818
Fargo is an underrated gem. With a median income of $38,525 and an average rent of just $818, it offers a favorable environment for young professionals looking for love and career opportunities.
3. Salt Lake City, Utah
% Never Married: 42
Median Income: $43,458
Rent: $1,001
As the capital of a state known for its appeal to millennials, Salt Lake City offers young professionals a low cost of living combined with competitive incomes and a supportive social atmosphere.
4. Raleigh, North Carolina
% Never Married: 43
Median Income: $47,701
Rent: $1,131
In Raleigh, 43% of adults over 15 have never married, creating a vibrant dating scene. Coupled with a strong job market and favorable income, it’s an excellent choice for young professionals.
5. Cambridge, Massachusetts
% Never Married: 57
Median Income: $77,382
Rent: $2,350
Located just a short distance from Boston, Cambridge is home to prestigious universities and a high concentration of career-driven individuals, with 57% of residents over 15 remaining unmarried.
6. Charleston, South Carolina
% Never Married: 42
Median Income: $56,121
Rent: $1,288
Charleston ranks as the 6th best city for single young professionals, offering promising salaries and a robust job market that supports social engagement.
7. Arlington, Virginia
% Never Married: 44
Median Income: $96,802
Rent: $1,924
Arlington, Virginia features an impressive median income of $96,802. Although rent is higher at $1,924, the robust salaries and an unemployment rate of only 1.6% make it appealing for young professionals.
8. Lincoln, Nebraska
% Never Married: 39
Median Income: $37,481
Rent: $843
With an affordable rent of $843 and a 2.4% unemployment rate, Lincoln, Nebraska provides an attractive environment for young professionals seeking to establish their careers.
9. St. Paul, Minnesota
% Never Married: 45
Median Income: $41,425
Rent: $947
St. Paul offers single young professionals a wealth of dating opportunities, with 45% of residents never having married. The affordable rent of $947 enhances its appeal for those starting their careers.
10. Nashville, Tennessee
% Never Married: 41
Median Income: $48,807
Rent: $1,117
Nashville is emerging as a prominent destination in the Southeast for young professionals, with 41% of residents never having married. Despite higher rent, its low unemployment rate makes it an attractive option.
These Are Great Places to Start Your Career and Social Life
While we cannot guarantee that everyone in Madison will find love or financial security, the city has many advantages in its favor. Similarly, the other top 10 cities provide favorable conditions for young professionals.
Competitive salaries, affordable rent, and a high ratio of singles create an excellent foundation for launching both careers and social lives.
If you prefer to stay closer to home (or simply wish to explore where young professionals thrive), you’re in luck. Below, find the best city for single young professionals in every state.
Best City For Single Young Professionals
| State | City | % Never Married | Median Salary | Rent | Unemployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Mobile | 40 | $26,244 | $837 | 3 |
| Alaska | Anchorage | 34 | $53,789 | $1,238 | 3 |
| Arizona | Tempe | 53 | $46,385 | $1,158 | 3 |
| Arkansas | Little Rock | 37 | $33,938 | $819 | 3 |
| California | San Francisco | 45 | $88,771 | $1,880 | 2 |
| Colorado | Denver | 42 | $54,571 | $1,330 | 2 |
| Connecticut | New Haven | 57 | $33,103 | $1,191 | 5 |
| Delaware | Wilmington | 54 | $31,526 | $974 | 5 |
| District of Columbia | Washington | 56 | $71,189 | $1,516 | 5 |
| Florida | Orlando | 43 | $39,789 | $1,187 | 3 |
| Georgia | Athens-Clarke | 54 | $29,956 | $843 | 3 |
| Hawaii | Honolulu | 36 | $42,265 | $1,472 | 2 |
| Idaho | Boise City | 34 | $38,078 | $941 | 2 |
| Illinois | Chicago | 48 | $45,215 | $1,100 | 5 |
| Indiana | Indianapolis | 42 | $33,805 | $881 | 4 |
| Iowa | Des Moines | 39 | $36,273 | $837 | 3 |
| Kansas | Wichita | 33 | $32,337 | $772 | 3 |
| Kentucky | Lexington-Fayette | 38 | $36,825 | $915 | 3 |
| Louisiana | Metairie | 32 | $34,532 | $919 | 2 |
| Maine | Portland | 45 | $34,041 | $1,079 | 2 |
| Maryland | Baltimore | 52 | $38,052 | $1,057 | 4 |
| Massachusetts | Cambridge | 56 | $77,382 | $2,350 | 2 |
| Michigan | Ann Arbor | 56 | $38,256 | $1,282 | 3 |
| Minnesota | St. Paul | 45 | $41,425 | $947 | 3 |
| Mississippi | Jackson | 48 | $27,797 | $831 | 6 |
| Missouri | Columbia | 48 | $33,098 | $881 | 3 |
| Montana | Billings | 29 | $32,434 | $895 | 2 |
| Nebraska | Lincoln | 39 | 37481 | $843 | 2 |
| Nevada | Reno | 35 | $42,106 | $1,068 | 2 |
| New Hampshire | Concord | 32 | $36,318 | $1,052 | 2 |
| New Jersey | Paterson | 48 | $23,446 | $1,186 | 1 |
| New Mexico | Albuquerque | 37 | $33,240 | $870 | 3 |
| New York | Buffalo | 51 | $30,828 | $792 | 3 |
| North Carolina | Raleigh | 42 | $47,701 | $1,131 | 2 |
| North Dakota | Fargo | 42 | $38,525 | $818 | 2 |
| Ohio | Columbus | 45 | 41000 | $954 | 3 |
| Oklahoma | Norman | 41 | $32,341 | $843 | 2 |
| Oregon | Portland | 41 | $49,487 | $1,297 | 2 |
| Pennsylvania | Pittsburgh | 52 | $32,122 | $917 | 2 |
| Rhode Island | Providence | 54 | $32,577 | $977 | 4 |
| South Carolina | Charleston | 41 | $56,121 | $1,288 | 2 |
| South Dakota | Sioux Falls | 33 | $35,942 | $811 | 2 |
| Tennessee | Nashville-Davidson | 40 | $48,807 | $1,117 | 2 |
| Texas | Austin | 43 | $54,979 | $1,314 | 2 |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | 42 | $43,458 | $1,001 | 2 |
| Vermont | Burlington | 62 | $25,234 | $1,177 | 2 |
| Virginia | Arlington | 43 | $96,802 | $1,924 | 1 |
| Washington | Seattle | 44 | $68,343 | $1,699 | 2 |
| Wisconsin | Madison | 50 | $45,382 | $1,125 | 1 |
| Wyoming | Casper | 29 | $35,799 | $859 | 2 |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
