- Deseret News - Monday, December 29, 2014

It’s a new year, which means it’s about to be a great time for singles.

According to new research cited by Mic, January is one of the best times to be single, since couples re-evaluate their love lives after the holiday season, either committing to the year ahead or preparing to date again before Valentine’s Day.

Dating apps, like Match.com, Clover or Tinder, see a rise in activity during the post-holiday months, too, Mic reported.

Most of this is because couples break up around the holiday season, which is often a time for self-reflection and reevaluation of relationships, and these new singles start dating again come January.

But where do singles have the best luck with dating?

WalletHub recently released a survey of the top cities for singles. The cities were ranked by the number of people who were unattached in the state, the cost of dating and the number of dating locations people can go to, among other factors.

Here are the 15 best cities for single people to find love, with some special spots you and your loved one can check out.

1. Boise, Idaho

Yes, you’ll have to travel all the way out west to see Boise, but it’s worth the trip if you’re looking for love, according to the WalletHub survey. Daters spend a lot of their time at the Twin Peaks Boise or Red Feather Lounge restaurants, both of which are moderately priced with high quality food.

2. Madison, Wisconsin

This Midwestern city ranks second in the best cities for singles, and it’s hard to disagree with that. Not only are you in the same town as the University of Wisconsin, but you’re not far from some choice dating spots like Harvest, A Pig in a Fur Coat or the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.

3. Denver, Colorado

Once you reach Denver, you’re surrounded by freshly powdered mountains. But that’s only a part of the fun the Colorado city brings. For example, you can catch some equally eye-catching sites at the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

4. Austin, Texas

Any single person worth their salt has probably thought about going to a live concert for a date. That’s easy to do in Austin, which is called the “Live Music Capital of the World.” A nice night on the town with a little bit of live guitar may be the right first step with your new date.

5. Lincoln, Nebraska

Lincoln has the lowest cost of dating in the nation, according to WalletHub’s list. That’s not surprising since the town is home to the University of Nebraska, and offers a wide range of affordable restaurants.

6. Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha’s a smaller city, but it’s packed with adventurous activities to kick your dating life into high gear. You’ve got Zio’s Pizzeria in the Old Market, and even Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium for those daytime dates.

7. Salt Lake City, Utah

Like Denver, Salt Lake City boasts some breathtaking mountain views for you and your date to embrace on a night out. Take a walk around the downtown mall, or venture off to some of Utah’s popular hiking spots — Bridal Veil Falls, anyone? — to have one heck of a dating experience.

8. Reno, Nevada

It’s not exactly Las Vegas, but that’s part of the charm. Reno is filled with places for singles to enjoy. You can spend time at the whopping 66-hole golf course at Magic Carpet Golf. Or there’s the Old Granite Street Eatery for some good eats.

9. Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Twin Cities won’t hurt singles, either. There’s a load of sports teams there. And there are some excellent dating locations like the Minneapolis Riverfront or the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

10. Raleigh, North Carolina

Singles won’t have a tough time making their dates work in Raleigh. Daters can spend some time at the North Carolina Museum of Art, or even check out Durant Nature Preserve when the weather’s nice.

11. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Like Denver and Salt Lake City, Colorado Springs has some brilliant mountain views. But that’s not all. Take a look through the Ghost Town Museum and the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum if you’re a fan of history. If you’d rather be outside, check out Manitou Springs, which is a great nearby location for hikers and those experienced in outdoor dating.

12. Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is a hip young college town, and it’s certainly a hot spot for a nice date. You can check out the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Columbus Museum of Art or even spend a few hours watching the Columbus Crew professional soccer team.

13. Lexington, Kentucky

Wait, singles will find a good time down south in Lexington? It’s no question. Daters spend a lot of their dating dollars at the Art Museum at the University of Kentucky, and even some time touring the chilling Waveland historic site, which is a former slave plantation turned into a state park.

14. Seattle, Washington

What’s there to really say about Seattle? Seattle has one of the most vibrant and colorful downtowns in America. You can check out the EMP Museum, for example, or grab some freshly caught salmon at Ivar’s Seafood Bar for starters.

15. Orlando, Florida

Singles in Orlando can bring their dates on a magic carpet ride out to Walt Disney World, the happiest place on Earth. No big deal. If that’s not enough, Orlando’s got the Kennedy Space Center nearby, where you and your date can gaze out and fall in love under the stars.

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