Finding love is no easy feat. For the single person navigating this maze of texting etiquette, ghosting, and gender role expectations, looking for ”the one” can feel like it’s not worth the effort. There are a variety of factors that prevent people from meeting their mates, and according to research, where you live can play a pretty serious role in that. For this reason, it’s not uncommon for men and women to pack up their belongings to move in search of love. But before we dive into the best states for singles to meet their match, it’s important to remember that there are ways to boost your chances of finding love, even without having to leave your hometown.

5 Tips for Finding Love

Finding ‘the one’ isn’t as easy as they make it out to be in movies and TV shows. In fact, loneliness is one of the most common difficulties that people face, regardless of age or background. But fortunately, there are plenty of ways for you to find that special someone. Here are five tips for finding love.

Expand your social circle.

One key to meeting your future partner is expanding your social circle. You can do this by attending social events, joining meetup groups and clubs, or signing up for fun group activities to meet new people, and hopefully a potential mate.

Utilize online dating platforms.

Dating apps and websites are the perfect way to connect with other people who share your values and preferences with just a click of a button. Plus, you can set your location to anywhere in the world, helping you expand your dating pool even more to boost your chances of finding your person.

Get involved in hobbies.

Taking up a fun hobby is another way to meet new people. When you pursue hobbies that bring you joy, you open up opportunities to meet like-minded people who may become more than friends.

Explore mutual connections.

Meeting a potential partner is a lot easier when they’re recommended to you by someone you trust. Tap into your existing network of loved ones to discover potential romantic connections. Because as the saying goes, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

Become a volunteer.

If you have a heart for service, volunteer centers are a fantastic place to meet a potential partner with a caring spirit. Sign up to help out with volunteer work or community service projects to meet other individuals who share your love for making a positive change in the world.

The Role of Environment

Taking a proactive approach to dating can really increase your chances of finding love. And according to a recent report by ConsumerAffairs, your geographic location can play a heavy part in your chances of finding love. To learn which areas are best for people looking to partner up, here are the top five best states for singles.

New York

The Big Apple a.k.a New York is home to the highest proportion of unmarried individuals in America. Plus, with a staggering 38.7% of people having never been married and 9% divorced, this bustling state is the perfect place for singles to mix and mingle with each other.

Alaska

Despite having a higher cost of living and housing than other states, Alaskans typically have a higher median income compared to residents of other states. Plus, Alaska is the perfect spot for health enthusiasts, with its bike-friendly infrastructure, offering alternative modes of transportation.

With 34.9% of its population having never married and 10.9% having experienced divorce, Alaska is a fabulous place for singles to share outdoor adventures with others, while maybe even finding love.

New Jersey

New Jersey, touted as the most densely populated state in the U.S., is where a substantial number of singles call home. Not to mention, recent Census data reveals that New Jersey boasts one of the country’s lowest divorce rates alongside the highest median income.

So if you’re a professional looking to meet a single man or woman, the “Garden State” might be the next place you call home.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to the second-highest concentration of same-sex couples per capita, making it an ideal place for people looking for love in the LGBT+ community. But beyond being relatively diverse, the state boasts the third-highest median income, too.

Additionally, 37.8% of its population have never married and only 9.2% have undergone divorce. This mix of factors positions Massachusetts as a prime destination for unmarried individuals seeking fulfillment.

Illinois

Illinois is a great place for singles for several reasons. It has an above-average percentage of singles and a higher-than-average median income. Plus, it boasts pretty impressive scores in affordable housing and cost of living.

36.4% of Illinois residents have never been married, while 9.4% have been divorced, making Illinois a potential option for anyone wanting to find love.