The two cities on opposite sides of the state are also on opposite sides of the spectrum for “dating friendliness,” according to a report.
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Published Dec. 8, 2024
In the game of love, location can be just as important as chemistry — and if you’re single in Florida, where you live might just be the deciding factor between love and loneliness.
After comparing 182 U.S. metros across 35 indicators of what researchers call “dating friendliness,” a new report from WalletHub ranks two Florida cities at opposite ends of the spectrum, with Tampa named as one the best cities for singles in 2025 — and Port St. Lucie listed among the worst.
Tampa took the No. 5 spot — following closely behind Atlanta, Las Vegas, Seattle and Pittsburgh.
Port St. Lucie barely missed the bottom spot — coming in at number 181, just ahead of number 182, Peal City, Hawaii.
So, what’s the secret to Tampa’s romantic allure — and why is Port St. Lucie seemingly stuck swiping left? Let’s dive in.
Finding the perfect partner is challenging enough, but it becomes even harder when cities lack the elements needed for a thriving dating scene.
“The already difficult process of finding the perfect partner can be made even tougher when cities lack the conditions necessary to make dating successful,” said Chip Lupo, an analyst for WalletHub. “The best cities for singles have large, gender-balanced single populations, along with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor, daytime and nighttime activities. They also have reasonable prices for dating activities or high average incomes to help ease the sting of inflation.”
Tampa, located on the western coast of the state, along the Gulf of Mexico, is known for its modern amenities, diverse population, top-notch attractions and celebrated sports teams. There’s a thriving arts scene, a bustling nightlife and a mix of cultural influences, including its Cuban heritage — as showcased in historic Ybor City.
Meanwhile, Port St. Lucie is a serene and rapidly growing city located along the Treasure Coast, midway between Orlando and Miami. It’s known for being family friendly, relaxed and offering a slower pace of life compared to Florida’s bustling metropolitan areas.
According to the data, across the board, date-related expenses — such as event tickets, beer and wine, taxi fares, beauty salon visits and gym memberships — tend to be much more affordable in Tampa than in Port St. Lucie.
Tampa also ranked significantly higher than Port St. Lucie for its walkability and scored huge points for its vast number of coffee and tea shops, nightlife options, spas, gyms and shopping centers. Tampa also wins big when it comes to the sheer number of nearby attractions — with 1,083 local hotspots — compared to just 143 in Port St. Lucie.
While the household annual median income is slightly higher in Port St. Lucie than Tampa ($75,700 compared to $69,400), statistics related to job growth, unemployment and housing affordability were relatively the same.
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But of course, the first consideration should be the number of singles in the city — and the data shows that nearly 60% of Tampa’s population is single and ready to mingle — compared to just under 47% in Port St. Lucie.
“Tampa shines as a top city for singles, with a No. 5 ranking overall, thanks to its vibrant mix of dating opportunities, recreational activities and relatively affordable dating costs,” Lupo said. “On the other hand, Port St. Lucie ranks near the bottom at 181st, as it struggles in key areas such as fun and recreation (180th) and dating opportunities (180th). While it does boast affordable movie costs, its lack of social variety and limited nightlife options make it less conducive for singles seeking romantic connections.”
According to the Pew Research Center, the youngest and oldest Americans are the most likely to be single — with 41% of those ages 18 to 29 and 36% of those 65 and older who say they are single — compared with 23% of those 30 to 49 and 28% of those 50 to 64.
However, the research also indicates that half of all singles say they are not currently looking for a relationship (or even a date for that matter) — a reminder that for many, being single is not a temporary status, but a fulfilling choice.