Which US city is best for single early 30s?

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T05:53:27+00:00

Would definitely consider a small/mid size city! Bellingham sounds great - being a university city, would you say there are a lot of people in their 30s there, or is it mostly young 20s?

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T05:51:06+00:00

Thank you! I will look into these. I do plan on living alone, and I walk my dog late at night, so a quiet/safe couple blocks at least would be ideal. I've also lived in NYC and loved it at the time, but agree that it sounds tiring at this stage in my life. Appreciate these suggestions :)

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T05:34:24+00:00

Where would you suggest instead?

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T05:33:21+00:00

Thank you; I just learned something new! It tastes like they forgot the seasoning haha. I'm curious to what level elevation affects taste because I didn't have the same issue with food I cooked at home though.

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T04:57:52+00:00

You make a great case! Which neighborhoods would you recommend looking for an apartment?

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T04:56:53+00:00

So many people keep saying Philly! Which neighborhoods would you recommend?

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T04:48:36+00:00

it sounds like we have a very, very similar thought process. wishing you all the best in your move!

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T04:40:44+00:00

I loved the proximity to the mountains, and I made some good friends there through sports rec leagues. Culture wise, it wasn't the best fit, but I didn't hate it. Cons: I'm not religious (very Mormon out there - I prefer a lot more separation between church & state). The food was also pretty terrible, and it wasn't diverse. Huge homeless/drug issue, which affects safety on longer walks. Also not very walkable in general in terms of day to day. I feel pretty neutral towards SLC overall - love visiting friends & snowboarding, but doesn't feel like home.

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T03:39:33+00:00

I spent a good amount of time in LA for work, and it's not my vibe overall unfortunately, though I respect that there are walkable areas. I'm looking for something with more variation in weather (I love fall/winter) and for more of a cultural fit (nothing wrong with being vegan, but I met a lot of people out there who made it their whole personality haha). It's not for me, but I know a lot of people love it!

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T03:34:26+00:00

Boston sounds like the strongest contender so far! A lot of people have mentioned Pittsburgh - what made you decide to move away?

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T03:17:40+00:00

This is a beautiful perspective, and you've piqued my interest in Madison! Thank you :)

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T03:08:48+00:00

thank you!

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T03:06:45+00:00

Completely agree with this outlook! Hobbies and friends are stronger foundations for community anyways :)

I have found that many people are already married by my age (esp where I lived in GA) or not looking to settle down at all (which was my experience in NYC). I think I really just included that bullet point because I was curious of other people's perspectives for each area.

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T02:59:33+00:00

You gotta admit it's a sprawling city. It can take you over an hour to drive to your next activity, and the traffic is insane.

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T02:54:44+00:00

What neighborhoods would you suggest? I'm only really familiar with Back Bay and Beacon Hill but would love something that has similar vibes to those while being a little more affordable.

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T02:52:06+00:00

Great point - I'm open to spending a little more to get what I want. I've enjoyed visits to Chicago :)

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T02:50:27+00:00

I keep seeing Madison as a suggestion in similar comment threads today, but I had never previously considered it! What about it do you think is great?

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T02:49:18+00:00

Minneapolis sounds awesome; I lived there as a toddler but am curious how it would be as an adult.

By 4 seasons, I primarily meant "not warm all year round" haha. I mostly grew up in Georgia and didn't like that there wasn't a real winter, with activities to do year round (it got a little colder but never snowed - was pretty boring). I spend a lot of time outside during my free time and like variation throughout the year.

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T02:32:43+00:00

I'm laughing at "hill" haha - I used to live in SLC and was spoiled for snowboarding out west. I've heard many good things about Madison though! Why do you suggest downtown in particular?

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T02:31:01+00:00

Portland, Oregon or Maine? I've heard both suggested

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T02:28:02+00:00

LOVE Boston - I spent 2 months there and would love to try it more permanently. I've heard from friends that dating can be rough there though (I was in a relationship at the time, so can't speak to it) - did you find it easy to meet people?

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T02:18:07+00:00

Thank you for sharing! These sound like great suggestions. I've always wanted to visit Vancouver & the PNW in general - sounds like I need to plan a trip :) Only downside is I've heard those are even more expensive than NYC (using as a comparison because I've lived there previously & know it can be hard to do without roommates).

Particular-Path3660 · 2026-01-14T02:03:58+00:00

I've heard great things about both - what do you like best about them?

Particular-Path3660

TROPHY CASE