The 30 Best Cities to Live for Singles over 40 in the United States

There could be many reasons why people over forty are single. Some have been through a nasty divorce and are attempting to get back on the saddle again. Others parted ways with their old spouse but are now sitting back and enjoying the new freedoms that come with singlehood.

Then there are those who simply never married at all, and now they find themselves in their forties and single. Whether you are single by choice or just haven’t found the right person, being single is not a handicap. Instead, it is a canvas on which to paint a beautiful, meaningful, and exciting life.

Whether you are introverted or extroverted, high strung or settled down, these are the 30 best cities for singles over forty and all have something for everyone to enjoy.

1. San Francisco, California

With almost forty-five percent of its residents being single, there is almost a 50/50 chance of running into another single in this beautiful city. And when it comes down to having countless excitement-packed activities to choose from for dates, this is the place to live.

This beautiful area offers lots of nightlife for singles over forty who also enjoy getting out and making their own adventures. It is found in its sizzling hot dance clubs, endless outdoor recreation, and friendly conversation.

Living in the Bay Area also gives singles over forty close access to local beaches and breathtaking views from its shoreline cliffs. In addition, one can go bike riding, surfing, or rock climbing and are likely to find other singles who love to do the same.

2. Atlanta, Georgia

The ATL, or HOT-Lanta, as it is affectionately known, is another excellent choice for singles over forty to live. Atlanta has all the amenities of a large metropolitan area but with tons of southern hospitality, which makes this an incredible choice for places to live.

See a concert, try speed dating, go nightclubbing, check out an Atlanta Hawks basketball game, or head to the diamond to see the Braves baseball team play – ATL always has something great for singles to do.

If you are a movie buff, you and a date can tour famous film locations or tour the World of Coke a Cola. There is no shortage of singles in Atlanta over forty who are well established and looking to just have fun and enjoy life.

3. Austin, Texas

Austin, the capital of Texas, is an excellent place to live for singles over forty. This charming Texas town is well cultured and sophisticated. Not to mention, 35% of its population is single.

Austin is great for singles to enjoy food, fashion, music, technology, and arts. It is also a city that gives you a chance to explore your adventurous side by kayaking, hiking, or paddleboarding. End your evening with some delicious Tex-Amex food, fine dining, and nightclubs.

Rich in history and southern class, Austin is the place to live and settle if you’re looking for love over forty.

4. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is not only a city rich in beauty but also rich in singles – over thirty-six percent of its population, to be precise.

There are many activities for singles over forty to participate in while living in this great area. Whether your preference is yachting, fishing, jet-skiing, or windsurfing, we all know that forty is the new thirty, hence, all these adventurous activities suit you just fine.

Mixers, nightclubs, wine tastings, and painting classes are activities that singles over forty like to participate in in the Seattle area. Become a fan of the Seattle Mariners major league baseball team and enjoy the fresh air in the arena’s stands, cheering them on with your date.

5. St. Louis, Missouri

Living in Missouri doesn’t have to be misery when you are a single over forty. St. Louis, a city that sees a third of its population without a significant other, is a great place to live.

Like other cities on this list, St. Louis offers singles the opportunity to meet and have fun in groups. Singles over forty go backpacking, join walking groups, attend Cardinals baseball games, try pottery classes, and take advantage of the excellent nightlife.

Music festivals make St. Louis an excellent place for those who love to move and groove. In addition, residents in the STL want to live in a community where they have the opportunity to do good and have an influence on the lives of others. So if you are a charitable person, St. Louis is a great spot for you.

6. Miami, Florida

With nearly 40% of its population being single, Miami gives its residents an excellent opportunity to meet a special someone.

This area is rich in sandy beaches to relax on, and there are also yachting, boating, fishing, fine dining, music, and a booming nightlife to throw yourself into.

Miami is an excellent place to mingle and learn about other heritages, their language, food, music, and style, as this city is incredibly diverse. Miami is a fabulous place that will change your life for the better.

7. Boston, Massachusetts

As the capital city of Massachusetts, Boston is a city rich in history and culture. If you enjoy those things, and you’re a single over forty, you will undoubtedly love Boston.

Enjoy river cruises from its historic harbor, walk down some of its freedom trails, and enjoy shopping, Celtic music, and whale watching.

If you enjoy sports, you will love catching a Celtics game or seeing the Patriots take the field. Soak in history as you enjoy one of Boston’s fine bars. Boston is a suitable place to live for singles who love to have a fun time and make lots of friends.

8. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee, a city rich in history and culture, is a phenomenal place for singles who are over 40. For starters, almost 40% of its population is single, so there’s a great chance you’ll meet another single and hit it off if that is your desire. Memphis is also considered one of the best cities to live in when considering the cost of living.

This town offers many things to do. If you are an Elvis Presley fan, there’s Graceland. If you love history, visit its museums. If you love the outdoors, there are opportunities to hunt, fish, and visit botanical gardens. There are also great outdoor concerts on Memphis’ Mudd Island, just off the Mississippi River’s coast.

If you love good southern food, Memphis is one of the best cities in the world when it comes to Soul Food and barbecue. Lastly, there is the World-Famous Beale Street in Memphis. Beale is rich in music history, home to many talented Blues singers and musicians, past or present. Many locals over forty hang out there every week.

9. Houston, Texas

As one of the largest cities in the United States, Houston, Texas is a wonderful place to live for singles over 40 – and 30% of its millions of people are single.

Rich in Texas charm and culture, Houston is a place for people of excellence. Singles over forty often enjoy the bay areas of Houston and life on the water. They also love visiting once-in-a-lifetime attractions like the Space Center and other local museums and attractions that make Houston so special.

If you love tasty food, Houston has so many great restaurants that you couldn’t possibly enjoy them all unless you live there. In fact, Houston has even been dubbed the newest capital of great food because of the five-star restaurants and great chefs the city has produced. And this is something we know singles over forty appreciate.

10. Burlington, Vermont

Ok, so maybe big cities aren’t for you, but you can still enjoy many amenities with less congestion on the roadways and smaller crowds and be in a city. Suppose you love to go for a scenic drive, enjoy the greenery and how the leaves change colors in autumn. In that case, this little Vermont city is an excellent place for you, especially as a single person over forty.

Burlington was listed as a wonderful place for singles to live, one survey listed it as the number one place for singles to find a date.

If you enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces, cafés, bookstores, shopping experiences, street entertainment, and quirkiness, move here now!

11. New York City, New York

The “Big Apple,” New York City is a place that I’m sure we all knew would make this list. So, what can’t we say about this fascinating place? It is the home to many major sports teams, the communications hub of the world, and an entertainment powerhouse. It truly is the city that never sleeps.

Nearly forty percent of the city’s population is single, meaning there are millions of possible chances to find a match for you if you so choose.

Living in New York and being over forty not only allows you to go out and enjoy yourself but also opens the door to unlimited possibilities both personally and professionally. So, if you are over forty but still looking to build your empire, this city has the resources you need to make it happen.

12. Honolulu, Hawaii

I am sure most singles over forty, heck, even those who aren’t single and those who are under forty think that Honolulu, Hawaii is an excellent choice for a place to live. You know this is the place for you if you enjoy palm trees, warm weather, beach fronts, hula, and the sounds of crashing waves.

Honolulu is a beautiful city, especially for those over forty who enjoy hiking, camping, and diving. On the weekends, you and a group of friends can even enjoy cliff diving if you’re still feeling young and adventurous. Thirty-five percent of Honolulu’s population is single, so there is a great chance you will hit it off with someone and find a companion to enjoy this beautiful city with.

13. West Palm Beach, Florida

West Palm Beach, Florida, is an excellent place for singles forty and over to live. You will undoubtedly agree if you enjoy a smaller town, decent traffic, and access to nearby beaches.

This city has an excellent job market, no state taxes, excellent school systems (for the single parents out there), tons of outdoor events, access to numerous beaches, and sunshine almost every day. It’s not too far from larger cities and even has an accessible airport.

Over a third of its population is single, so you’re in good company. Some would call West Palm Beach Florida’s best kept little secret. It also wouldn’t be a bad place to call home.

14. Madison, Wisconsin

According to wallethub.com, Madison, Wisconsin, is the best place to live for singles and second-best for the chance of finding a date. With almost 270,000 people, this city is the second-largest in Wisconsin and also happens to be its capital.

Wallethub.com’s ratings are based on fun/activities, economics, and dating, and Madison ranks 12th in activities and 76th overall in economics – meaning this is a great city for fun, affordable dates.

If you enjoy speed dating, a nice beer at a classy bar, or love to hike and ski, this Wisconsin town is a beautiful place for you to come, hang your hat, and enjoy.

15. Denver, Colorado

The “Mile High City” of Denver, Colorado, is a great city to live in if you’re single and over forty. In fact, according to bestplaces.com, thirty-five percent of its people are single.

If you’re a person who enjoys greenery, plant life, wildlife, and the outdoors, then Denver is a suitable place for you. In addition, the Denver Library is an excellent place to visit and enjoy if you’re an avid book reader, especially if you have nowhere to store books at home. Denver also has many great museums for lovers of history.

This city has an abundance of nature trails where it’s not uncommon to bump into local wildlife (and other locals). If you enjoy rock climbing and hiking, this city will always keep you fulfilled.

16. Las Vegas, Nevada

“Sin City” is an excellent place for singles over forty to live, especially if they are the kind who love a city that’s always buzzing.

Las Vegas is a great place to meet new people, whether tourists or part of the thirty-seven percent of its single population.

Las Vegas offers fine dining, live shows, beach clubs, nightclubs, competitions, casinos, and now football with the Las Vegas Raiders.

17. Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, or L.A., is an excellent place for singles over 40 to live. What is not to love about this California city? Year-round residents enjoy its magnificent beaches, hiking, biking, breathtaking cliffs, wilderness, and wildlife.

If the outdoors is not your thing, you can still enjoy fine dining, great nightclubs, fashion, and live concerts. If you love sports, several sports teams can provide you with hours of entertainment.

Lastly, living in Los Angeles will undoubtedly give a single over forty the opportunity to run into a celebrity.

If you are single and over forty, you’ll have a great chance of finding a date in L.A. because almost forty percent of its population is single.

18. Detroit, Michigan

The motor city, Detroit, Michigan, is a great place to live if you are single and north of forty years old. Not only is its cost of living one of the best in the United States (for large metropolitan cities), but forty-four percent of this town’s population is single.

Detroit is a city that is rich in culture and has much of it represented throughout the city in several great venues. Living here will give a single person the opportunity to enjoy Detroit’s great riverfront areas, water activities, music, and nightlife. In addition, Detroit has a spectacular light display and entertainment at night in the heart of Detroit – think a smaller and more charming Times Square.

19. Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, has a population of well over 600,000 people, and one-third of them are single. Rich in culture and history, this city in the bluegrass state is a good place for anyone to live who is over forty.

Louisville has many bars and breweries, so if you are a connoisseur of beer and whiskey, you’ll always have something to wet your whiskers with in this town.

If you love history, there are museums like the Kentucky Derby Museum, and if you love adventure and brainteasers, there are fun scavenger hunts. And of course, if you love animals, racing, and gambling, head to Churchill Downs where you can see exciting races and place your bets on your favorite horse.

There’s something to do here to suit all personality types, making this a suitable place to stay if you are single and over forty.

20. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee, is the country music capital of the world and a beautiful place to live if you’re over forty. You don’t even have to be a fan of country music to enjoy living in this place.

With magnificent landscapes just outside city limits, various creeks suitable for fishing, and numerous concerts held all year round, you will certainly stay entertained here.

Nashville offers fine dining and wonderful places to sit and enjoy great barbecues, hamburgers, and pizza. You will find this gem has big city flair with a small-town feel.

This capital city has a population of close to 700,000, and thirty-two percent of them are single. So, living here, you’ll likely find other singles to mingle with.

21. Phoenix, Arizona

Known as the valley of the sun, Phoenix, Arizona, has a population of well over 1.6 million people – and over one-third of them are single. Therefore, if you are single and past 40 years of age, this is a suitable place to live and possibly meet someone if that is your desire.

Phoenix has it all. From cultural festivals, nightlife, excellent restaurants, camping, hiking, biking, concerts, and wildlife, you’ll never run out of things to do here.

An excellent place for getting beers after work, Phoenix has many awesome bars and taverns for anyone over forty to sit down in and have a great evening with friends.

22. Sacramento, California

Sacramento, the capital city of California, has 500,000 people, and a third of them are single.

You’ll find numerous concerts going on in this town, excellent museums, movie tours, and live events to enjoy. Sacramento is the place to live if you enjoy fine arts, theme parks, and ski resorts. Living in “Sac-Town” is only a short road trip away from the sandy beaches of the west coast. If you are single and over forty, Sacramento, California, gives you the opportunity to really live it up.

23. Pensacola, Florida & Pensacola Beach

With a population of just over 50,000, Pensacola is one of the smallest cities to make the list. However, it is one of the best options for a single person who is over forty – its singles population is an eye-popping 60%.

Pensacola allows singles to enjoy all that larger cities have to offer with its festivals, concerts, wildlife, outdoors, and water activities. It offers all this while still providing a cozy, small-town feel.

Its many museums, parks, and beaches give you the opportunity to live the good life in Pensacola or on the Island in Pensacola Beach.

24. Chicago, Illinois

“The Windy City,” Chi-Town is an excellent place for singles over forty to live. If you love sports, you have the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, and White Sox.

Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States, with over 2.7 million people and a metropolitan area of almost ten million residents. And guess what? Thirty-five percent of them are single.

Singles over forty will have no problem finding something fun to do in this incredible city and will love that Chicago is also an international center for culture, finance, education, industry, technology, and transportation.

25. New Orleans, Louisiana

The “Big Easy,” this Louisiana city has a population of over 390,000 people, and thirty-nine percent of them are single. Rich in French and Cajun cultures, this city is booming with fantastic water activities, music festivals, Mardi Gras, nightlife, and incredible food. So of course, this city is great for meeting other singles.

And if you’re into sports, you’ll be happy to hear that you and your date can catch a New Orleans Saints football game or watch the New Orleans Pelicans basketball games live in action. Whatever you choose to do here, you’ll never get bored living the good life in the “Big Easy!”

26. Portland, Oregon

Portland has a population of over 600,000 people and 200,000 of them are single. So, if you’re single and over forty, living in Portland is a great option for you. And this fascinating city has so much to do.

To get familiar with Portland, you could take a guided tour, then go for a nice hike or enjoy one of Portland’s many walking trails. This city is also known for its great parks, bicycle trails, bridges, eco-friendly environment, microbreweries, and coffee shops.

If you are looking for a hardworking yet laid-back place with all the amenities, Portland, Oregon, is one of the best places you can live.

27. Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock is the capital city of Arkansas, and of its 200,000 residents, over thirty percent are single.

Little Rock is one of the best places in the country for over forty singles to live. There is something for everyone and there is much to explore and discover. Take your date to catch a view of Pinnacle Mountain State Park or visit one of the city’s many museums, including the William J. Clinton Library and Museum. If you enjoy bars, bike riding, live events, great music, and other entertainment, Little Rock won’t disappoint.

Aside from its cultural activities, entertainment, and bars, Little Rock is known for its terrific barbecue and excellent bakeries. So, loosen your belt and get ready for one of the best places to live in the U.S. if you’re over forty.

28. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

OKC has a population of just under 650,000, is the capital city of Oklahoma, and thirty-one percent of its residents are single.

This is a great city for singles over forty, especially if one is a fan of history and the outdoors. OKC has many historical museums and botanical gardens, a zoo, and even a theme park.

You can spend the night under the stars or enjoy a night out at Chesapeake Bay Arena for live concerts or OKC Thunder basketball games. This is a great city to enjoy a great steak and go walking or biking with friends and an excellent place to meet other singles who are out enjoying this great city.

29. Columbia, South Carolina

Botanical gardens and great parks are some of Columbia’s main attractions. Populated at over 130,000 people, just over thirty-one percent are single, so there is almost a one-in-three chance to meet someone unattached in this beautiful South Carolina town.

With an urban-suburban mix, this area is full of lofty ideas, modern ideas, and forward thinkers. Great for singles over forty, this city also gives plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor life and beautiful landscapes out in the fields, on the water, or simply enjoying the gorgeous murals on buildings.

Food, festivals, and shopping are just a few more reasons this is a wonderful place for singles over forty to live.

30. Tampa, Florida

With almost thirty-six percent of its population being single, if you’re single in Tampa then you are in excellent company.

Tampa’s water tours are things people over forty enjoy while in the area, as well as beach days, speedboat tours, dolphin cruises, fishing charters, and celebrity home boat tours.

You’re likely to make new friends or bump into a special someone while you’re out exploring the city’s theme parks, nightlife, nature parks, and shopping.

Honorable Mention – Washington D.C.

The nation’s capital, the District of Columbia, is a good place for singles over forty to live.

Almost 45% of its residents are single, making it an excellent place to get a date or find a special friend if that’s what you desire. With a population of almost 700,000, the D.C. area is rich in history. It gives its residents an excellent opportunity to enjoy a number of monuments, museums, and historical sights. Take a tour of the nation’s capital with one of several capital tours and talk about what you liked with your date later.

Washington has excellent places for ambitious singles to go out and blow off steam at a local bar, meet other singles at one of many sizzling nightclubs, and dine in one of its excellent restaurants.