Looking for Love? Florida is the Best State for Singles.

Live, work, play hard, but still looking for love? Then Florida is the right choice. Recently named the No. 1 state for singles in WalletHub’s Best & Worst State for Singles report, the Sunshine State outranked California by close to two points. 

The study compared all 50 states across three key dimensions – Dating Economics, Dating Opportunities and Romance and Fun. Florida ranked No. 3 for Dating Opportunities, which includes things like the Share of Single Adults, Openness to Relationships, and more. Florida also ranked highly in the Romance and Fun category, coming in as the fourth-best state for things like restaurants per capita, number of attractions, music festivals per capita, and more. Florida also tied as the top state in the country for Most Restaurants per Capita!

From Tampa Bay to Orlando’s arts and nightlife options, Florida’s top cities earned high ranks for romance and fun. As the weather warms and the days continue to get longer, residents and visitors alike will flock to the famed beaches surrounding the Tampa Bay area, from Clearwater and St. Pete Beach to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. 

After a day of fun in the sun, you’ve likely worked up an appetite, and Tampa’s dining options won’t disappoint. Indulge in Italian at La Terrazza, enjoy authentic Brazilian food at Terra Gaucha or indulge in great seafood and even better views at Ulele. 

If you’re not ready for the night to end after dinner, you can partake in Tampa’s growing craft brewing scene, with nearly two dozen to choose from between North Tampa and Hyde Park. Or, experience the nightlife in the legendary Ybor City historic district. From live music at the RITZ to dancing the night away at Club Prana, there is something for everyone in this hot spot.

Tampa is also home to a number of special events and activities, many of which are perfect places to meet others or take a first date. The unique Gasparilla Pirate Festival is perhaps the city’s most well-known event that brings together area residents and visitors from all over the world. For music-lovers, concerts and other events are regularly held at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, with upcoming shows including The Lumineers, Sam Hunt, The Doobie Bothers and more. Or, plan a night at Amalie Arena, home to the Tampa Bay Lightning, events ranging from college basketball to the WWE, and the occasional concert. For a different kind of performance, head to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, home of musicals, plays, and opera performances, or laugh the night away at Tampa Improv, the city’s premier comedy club.

There are even great opportunities for a staycation in Tampa! Plan a weekend escape to Seminole Hard Rock Casino, an incredible resort home to exquisite restaurants, bars and lounges, a casino with games of every kind, and plenty of events to keep you busy throughout your stay. And of course, the spa and salon and the beautiful pool are ideal places for relaxation. When you want to escape the confines of the hotel, keep your staycation going and visit the Tampa Museum of Art or stroll along the waterfront along the Tampa Riverwalk, viewing your city through the eyes of a tourist!

With Orlando slightly north-east of Tampa, more options for singles abound. Home to some of the world’s best theme park attractions, there’s more to love about this city in and around its limits. While Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios tend to get all the attention, there are plenty of other attractions to keep you entertained! Old Town in Kissimmee is a beloved local treasure that offers shopping, dining and year-round events in addition to traditional rides and attractions. Open daily, Old Town features special events such as a Wednesday Night Car Show and karaoke every Thursday, as well as plenty of opportunities to shop ‘til you drop at stores such as Tiki Jim’s and SaltWater USA. When you’re hungry (or thirsty), you’ll have an abundance of options to choose from, ranging from full-service restaurants like El Borrego to fast and casual options such as A&W, as well as popular bars including Southern Breeze and Sun on the Beach. And of course, you can’t miss the family-friendly rides including the carousel, Ferris wheel, Hurricane roller coaster, and more!

For more shopping, dining and cultural activities, head over to Mills 50, an urban district in the heart of Orlando’s diverse neighborhood that is part of the Main Street America® program. The district offers dining options, eclectic boutique, wine bars, art galleries and museums, as well as incredible large-scale (and highly Instagrammable) murals depicting life in Orlando. 

You can also head north of Orlando to Winter Park, a city filled with an abundance of arts and culture. Winter Park is also great for those who love the outdoors, with more than 70 parks in the city that all host events, festivals and celebrations. But Winter Park is perhaps best known for its incredible dining and shopping opportunities! A few of the most popular eateries include Ethos Vegan Kitchen for veggie-lovers, Winter Park Fish Company when you’re in the mood for seafood, or The Wine Room on Park Avenue for girls’ night out! For a little retail therapy, meander up and down Park Avenue for clothes, jewelry and more at places like Tuni Winter Park, Forema Boutique, and Frank.

Food and wine lovers will be so excited to live in Disney’s backyard, especially during the annual Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival. This global celebration features daily events, concerts, special dining packages, chef demonstrations and so much more. If you’ve never been to this incredible event, stay tuned – 2020 event dates will be announced soon, though expect them to be from late August through mid-November.

If you’re a nature-lover looking to meet others who want to be one with nature, head to Lake Eola Park. Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, this picturesque green space includes a sparkling lake surrounded by a sidewalk ideal for walking or running and swan-shaped paddle boats available for rent. You can also enjoy birdwatching, have a picnic among beautiful flower beds while enjoying skyline views, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants surrounding the park. You can even attend a concert or watch a movie or play in the Walt Disney Amphitheater. 

If you’re searching for a new home in the best state for singles, there is no time like the present to buy a new home in Florida! Learn more about our new homes in Orlando and Tampa by calling our Florida New Home Specialists at 863-797-4999 or send us an email!