In an era where digital fatigue is real and loneliness is on the rise, a new study by moveBuddha has identified the best US cities for Millennials and Gen Z to disconnect and meet people “IRL”. For us San Diegans, the news is promising: America’s Finest City has cracked the top 10!
Meeting people in real life in San Diego
San Diego secured the 10th spot overall with a score of 8.20, standing out as a premier destination, specifically for Millennials.
The city’s high ranking is driven by its exceptional performance in the “IRL Places and Events” category, where it scored a 9.3. Here, we tied with Seattle and outperformed cities like San Francisco and Portland. The data suggests that while San Diego may not have the highest density of singles, it offers an abundance of “third spaces”. From coffee shops and parks to run clubs and community events, these spaces make real life meetings easier.
Top 5 leaders
The West Coast dominated the upper part of the list, claiming 4 of the top 5 spots.
- Denver took the crown as the nr. 1 city to meet people, boasting a perfect score of 10 thanks to its vibrant connection culture.
- It was followed by Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, and Portland.
- Boston was the only non-Western city to break into the top 5, recognized as the best hub for Gen Z daters.
Worst 5 cities for meeting people in real life
- Atlanta – ranked 21
- Las Vegas – ranked 22
- New Orleans – ranked 23
- Baltimore – ranked 24
- Boise City – ranked last – 25
It’s important to note that these cities, while scoring lower than the heavyweights, still offer significantly better opportunities for meeting people in real life than dozens of others analyzed in the study.
For San Diegans, the message is loud and clear: we’re once again topping an important study. You’re in one of the best places in the country to find your crew! Find the full study and further insights here.