Divorce can be a challenging and life-altering event, but it can also be an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to rediscover yourself.
For older singles who are emerging from divorces, choosing the right small city to settle down in can play a pivotal role in the next chapter of their lives. From the cost of living to social opportunities and dating scenes, there are numerous factors to consider when making this important decision.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best small US cities (with populations below 1,000,000) for older singles coming out of divorces, analyzing each city based on a series of indexes, including livability, affordability, socializing, and dating. These cities offer not only a supportive environment but also exciting opportunities to rebuild and thrive.
Methodology
To compile this list, we’ve assessed over 500 small city using the following indexes, each scored out of 10:
- Livability Index: This index takes into account factors such as safety, healthcare, public amenities, and overall quality of life.
- Affordability Index: An important factor for those starting anew, affordability considers housing costs, taxes, and the overall cost of living.
- Socializing Index: This index assesses the city’s social scene, including the availability of community activities, cultural events, and recreational opportunities.
- Dating Index: Focusing on the dating scene for older singles, this index considers the number of singles, dating app usage, and dating-friendly venues.
The 10 Best Small US Cities for Older Singles: A Fresh Start After Divorce
Let’s dive into the top 10 small cities:
1. Inglewood, California
- Livability: 8/10
- Affordability: 6/10
- Socializing: 9/10
- Dating: 7/10
- Overall Score: 8.5/10
Inglewood, CA, stands out as a promising haven for older singles seeking a fresh start post-divorce. With a commendable livability score of 8/10, this city offers a comfortable and welcoming environment.
While affordability is moderate at 6/10, the vibrant social scene compensates, boasting a high 9/10 score. Inglewood also provides decent dating opportunities, earning a 7/10, making it conducive to forging new romantic connections. This city’s overall score of 8.5/10 signifies a balanced blend of quality living, social engagement, and dating possibilities, making it an attractive choice for older singles embarking on a new chapter in life.
2. Madison, Wisconsin
- Livability: 7/10
- Affordability: 8/10
- Socializing: 7/10
- Dating: 6/10
- Overall Score: 7.5/10
Madison, Wisconsin, emerges as a compelling option for older singles seeking a post-divorce sanctuary. With a respectable livability score of 7/10, this city provides a comfortable and pleasant living environment.
Affordability shines with a solid 8/10, ensuring financial ease for its residents. While socializing opportunities are decent with a score of 7/10, the dating scene is moderate, earning a 6/10. Madison’s overall score of 7.5/10 indicates a balanced mix of affordability and social engagement, making it an attractive choice for those looking to rebuild their lives after divorce. Its affordability and decent social scene create an environment where new beginnings can flourish.
.jpg)
3. Jacksonville, Florida
- Livability: 7/10
- Affordability: 6/10
- Socializing: 8/10
- Dating: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.5/10
Jacksonville, Florida, beckons older singles with a livability score of 7/10, promising a comfortable living experience. While affordability stands at 6/10, the city compensates with a vibrant social scene, earning a commendable 8/10. In the realm of dating, Jacksonville offers ample opportunities, garnering a 7/10.
With an overall score of 7.5/10, this city strikes a balance between a pleasant living environment, active social life, and promising dating avenues. For those navigating life after divorce, Jacksonville provides a welcoming atmosphere where livability, socializing, and dating converge, making it a promising choice for a fresh start.
4. Greenville, South Carolina
- Livability: 8/10
- Affordability: 7/10
- Socializing: 7/10
- Dating: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.25/10
Greenville, South Carolina, emerges as a delightful prospect for older singles seeking a serene post-divorce life. Boasting a high livability score of 8/10, Greenville offers a comfortable and pleasant living environment. Affordability is reasonable, with a score of 7/10, ensuring financial stability for its residents.
The city provides ample socializing opportunities, earning a commendable 7/10, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. In the dating arena, Greenville holds its own with a score of 7/10, indicating promising romantic possibilities. With an overall score of 7.25/10, Greenville strikes a harmonious balance between quality living, affordability, social engagement, and dating opportunities, making it an inviting choice for older singles embarking on a new chapter in life.
.jpg)
5. Lehi, Utah
- Livability: 8/10
- Affordability: 6/10
- Socializing: 7/10
- Dating: 6/10
- Overall Score: 7/10
Lehi, Utah, offers a tranquil haven for older singles seeking a fresh start after divorce. With a commendable livability score of 8/10, the city provides a high-quality living environment. Affordability, while moderate at 6/10, is balanced by the city’s overall charm. Socializing opportunities are ample, earning a respectable 7/10, fostering connections within the community.
In the realm of dating, Lehi provides decent prospects, earning a 6/10. The city’s overall score of 7/10 signifies a harmonious blend of a comfortable living atmosphere, social engagement, and moderate dating opportunities, making it a promising choice for older singles looking to rebuild their lives and find companionship after divorce.
6. Des Moines, Iowa
- Livability: 7/10
- Affordability: 7/10
- Socializing: 6/10
- Dating: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7/10
Des Moines, Iowa, stands as a solid choice for older singles embarking on a new chapter post-divorce. With a balanced livability score of 7/10, the city provides a comfortable and pleasant living environment.
Affordability is reasonable at 7/10, ensuring financial stability for its residents. While socializing opportunities are moderate, scoring 6/10, Des Moines compensates with promising dating prospects, also earning a score of 7/10. With an overall score of 7/10, the city offers a balanced mix of quality living, affordability, and dating possibilities, making it an appealing destination for older singles seeking a fresh start and meaningful connections after divorce.
.jpg)
7. Springfield, Missouri
- Livability: 7/10
- Affordability: 8/10
- Socializing: 6/10
- Dating: 6/10
- Overall Score: 6.75/10
Springfield, Missouri, earns its place as a top city for older singles with an overall score of 6.75/10. With a livability rating of 7/10, Springfield offers a comfortable living environment and a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. Remarkably, affordability is a strong suit, with a score of 8/10, allowing for a cost-effective lifestyle.
While the social scene scores a 6/10, there are still ample opportunities for community engagement and events. The dating scene is respectable at 6/10. Springfield’s combination of affordability, comfortable living, and a growing cultural scene makes it an appealing choice for older singles seeking a fresh start after divorce.
8. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Livability: 7/10
- Affordability: 7/10
- Socializing: 7/10
- Dating: 6/10
- Overall Score: 6.75/10
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, secures its position as an attractive city for older singles with a well-balanced overall score of 6.75/10. With a livability rating of 7/10, the city offers a comfortable living environment, rich in cultural and historical attractions.
Affordability, another strong point, is rated at 7/10, making it feasible for older singles to enjoy their lives here. Baton Rouge boasts a vibrant social scene, earning a solid 7/10, with plenty of opportunities for community involvement and events. The dating scene, while respectable at 6/10, complements the city’s overall appeal. Baton Rouge’s mix of affordability, culture, and social opportunities makes it an appealing choice for older singles looking to embark on a fresh journey after divorce.
9. Billings, Montana
- Livability: 7/10
- Affordability: 7/10
- Socializing: 6/10
- Dating: 6/10
- Overall Score: 6.5/10
Billings, Montana, earns its place as a potential city for older singles with an overall score of 6.5/10. With a livability rating of 7/10, Billings offers a comfortable living environment amidst the scenic beauty of Montana.
Affordability, rated at 7/10, ensures that residents can manage their finances effectively. While the social scene scores a moderate 6/10, there are opportunities for community involvement and outdoor activities. The dating scene, though decent at 6/10, adds to the overall appeal. Billings’ combination of livability, affordability, and access to outdoor adventures makes it a promising choice for older singles looking to start a new chapter in their lives after divorce.
10. Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Livability: 8/10
- Affordability: 7/10
- Socializing: 6/10
- Dating: 6/10
- Overall Score: 6/10
Grand Rapids, Michigan, stands out as a city with potential for older singles, earning an overall score of 6/10. With an impressive livability rating of 8/10, Grand Rapids offers a high quality of life in a welcoming community. Affordability, at 7/10, allows for comfortable living without straining finances.
The social scene, while moderate at 6/10, offers a range of cultural and recreational activities. The dating scene, also rated at 6/10, complements the city’s overall appeal. Grand Rapids’ combination of high livability, affordability, and a growing cultural scene makes it a promising choice for older singles seeking a fresh start after divorce.
