It's cuffing season — and we're in a pandemic — so just how in the hell are singles supposed to date? Do they make sexy hazmat suits?
Well, whether or not you're interested in barricading yourself in a full body condom or meeting strangers digitally, Cincinnati is apparently one of the best cities in America to do it — "it" being date during COVID-19.
Apartment List, an obvious expert in romance, has ranked the Queen City at No. 11 (out of 40) in their "Best Cities for Dating During the Pandemic."
"It’s no secret that the pandemic and state lockdowns have made dating a challenge this year. Dating is hard enough — but throw in a pandemic, where close proximity and physical affection with pseudo-strangers is severely frowned upon, and you’re dealing with a whole new ball game," says Apartment List. "Although indoor dinner dates and good night kisses are few and far between, our digital world offers a host of opportunities to put yourself out there and find your special someone this holiday season."
To come up with their rankings, the site use three separate data points:
- Dating Satisfaction (50%): In our Annual Renter Satisfaction Survey, we ask renters: “How satisfied are you with opportunities for dating in your current city?” The latest data reflects renter’s perception of a city’s dating scene during the pandemic.
- Outdoor Satisfaction (30%): In our Annual Renter Satisfaction Survey, we ask renters: “How satisfied are you with outdoor recreation in your current city?” Since most indoor dates are out of the question, we see outdoor recreation as the best COVID-friendly dating option. Masks included, of course!
- Percentage of Singles (20%): It can’t be a great city for dating if everyone’s taken! This final metric pulls recent data from the Census Bureau about the marital status of local residents.
Using the resulting info, they put together their top 40 list.
Cincinnati singles are apparently 34% satisfied with their local dating opportunities and 62% cool with the city's outdoor recreation opportunities.
The best city for dating during the pandemic? Austin, Texas.
The worst? Jacksonville, Florida — but that might be true all the time.
