Top 10 Cities For The Rich and Single
If there's one thing I've learned from the fabulous young women in my office, being single these days can be tough - especially since anyone can pose as someone else through the anonymous magic of Internet dating sites.
There's the awkward silence when you find the young wealthy jetsetter you met online is anything but, the blind dates with all the "nice young men" your mom knows, and the realization that you may be better off with a DVR and a couple of cats than you would be with any one of the people you've gone out with recently.
Dating can be especially hard for those professionals who work long hours to make big money and move up the career ladder. Not only does this lifestyle leave little room for socializing, but many of the single and ambitious complain they have trouble meeting people with whom they share professional goals. Hence the success of television shows like Bravo's "The Millionaire Matchmaker," where wealthy singles are shown rooms full of eligible, attractive, TV-ready prospects.
Isn't there an easier way? Perhaps. What if the answer is the real estate agent's maxim: Location, location, location?
We've already discussed the Top 10 Cities for Single Women and the Top 10 Cities for Single Men, but if you're looking to meet someone with the same financial and career aims (or just a sugar daddy or sugar mama)? CNN Money says these cities are the best places to live if you're rich and single.
1. Hermosa Beach, California
Population: 19,414
Single: 47.2%
With a median home sales price of $934,440, single life in Hermosa Beach ain't cheap. But there's plenty of bang for your buck â€" the town offers one of California's best beaches and plenty of fun in the sun for singles looking to mingle. Play a game of beach volleyball along Hermosa Beach's 1.5 mile stretch of sand, grab a surfboard and head out to the ocean or hop on a boat and watch the dolphins sun themselves.If you meet your future Mr. or Mrs. while on the beach and are looking for something more romantic, check out one of the three art galleries or enjoy a summer concert with the gorgeous sunset as backdrop. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs in Hermosa Beach that make perfect date destinations, but for a change of pace head to L.A. and enjoy a night out in Hollywood â€" it's only five minutes away.
What's #2?
2. Arlington, Virginia
Population: 204,568
Single: 41.6%
According to the visitor's site, Arlington is a mix of urban and small town with its diverse, unique neighborhoods. Known regionally as 'urban villages,' these areas offer plenty for a fun-loving single to enjoy. Each village boasts exceptional pubs, restaurants, nightlife, museums, boutiques and more. Arlington's eclectic blend of big city attractions and small town charm make this a perfect spot to start your search for The One.Arlington is just minutes from the National Mall and is home to George Mason University's law and graduate school as well as Defense Department research facilities, so finding a mate that's single and smart may prove to be pretty easy here. And when you and your new love decide to settle down, you'll have a mix of modern high-rises and turn-of-the-century homes to choose from. The median cost for one of these dwellings? Roughly $525,000, according to Trulia.com.
What's #3?
3. Coronado, California
Population: 22,845
Single: 36.1%
You'll have to head back to California to find number 3 on this top 10 list. Coronado is home to another one of the world's best beaches, a great spot to socialize with other singles. The relaxed surf town also features world-class resorts, an 18-hole golf course bordering the bay and a Main Street so quaint it's been given the Great American Main Street Award. Dine at one of the delicious restaurants, venture out on a sailboat around Coronado Bay or hop a ferry with your friends and head to downtown San Diego.The white sand beaches, close proximity to San Diego and vast number of single potential mates come at a price. According to Trulia.com, the median sales price for a home in Coronado stands just above $1 million. Rich singles who can afford that price tag might also look into one of the many matchmaking services based in San Diego that cater to 'upscale professionals.' Who knows? You might meet the person of your dreams.
What's #4?
4. Edgewater, New Jersey
Population: 9,582
Single: 34.3%
For some, the mention of New Jersey may bring to mind visions of overly-tanned, fist pumping club kids and crazy housewives with clothes that cost more than most people make in a year, but those who have visited the state know it's much more than what you see on TV.Historic Edgewater plays host to Veteran's Field, which lies along the Hudson River and provides outdoor recreational opportunities that are perfect for mingling with local singles. Found a date? Take a walk along the river walk and follow it up with dinner at home courtesy of the local Whole Foods.
If you're feeling more adventurous, head into New York for a night on the town. Not only can you see the city from Edgewater, but enjoying the Big Apple is as easy as a five minute ferry ride across the Hudson. The low-key lifestyle of Edgewater and easy access to New York's jobs and entertainment make this riverside community a must-see for singles looking to relocate. And if you're not 'married' to the idea of living in a multi-million dollar townhome in New Jersey's Gold Coast, Edgewater's median home price of $460,000 assures wealthy singles will have some money left over to woo their future mates.
What's #5?
5. Santa Clara, California
Population: 109,756
Single: 34%
If you're looking for a partner who's technologically savvy and smart as a whip, look no further than Santa Clara in the heart of Silicon Valley. With a median home price of $490,000, this plugged-in town offers some of the most competitive California housing rates on this list. Take your brainy would-be partner to the Intel Museum, Tech Museum of Innovation or NASA Ames Exploration Center to explore the technology that made Silicon Valley famous. For a more traditional date, head to California's Great America theme park or one of the many nearby wineries for the day.What's #6?
6. Edwards, Colorado
Population: 11,358
Single: 34%
This tiny town offers the scenery of Vail without the hefty price tag. While most people wouldn't think of a town of just over 11,000 residents as the perfect place to find a mate, its proximity to Vail and reputation as a mecca for all things outdoorsy makes it a destination for many affluent single visitors. And while you might meet a tourist and have to do long-distance for a while, the beauty of Edwards should make it easy to convince your new love to become a permanent resident.If you'd rather strike up a conversation with one of the locals, check out one of the many bars or restaurants clustered at the base of the mountains. Venture out into the wilderness and do some mountain biking on the world-class single track, then head to one of the many live music venues located in the Vail Valley for a night out. All the adventure and convenience of Edwards comes at a reasonable cost for a millionaire â€" the average home price is $535,750.
What's #7?
7. Oak Park, Illinois
Population: 49,865
Single: 33.4%
Its proximity to Chicago and reasonable average home price of $275,750 make this artsy suburb a perfect location for many singles. Meet your next mate on a tour of the world's largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright homes or strolling through the Hemingway Museum. Afterwards, head to dinner at one of Oak Park's acclaimed restaurants and then take a walk through the Oak Park Conservatory for a breath of fresh air.There's more to the 'burb than the arts: the city is bicycle friendly, has a farmer's market that runs from May through October and plays host to loads of festivals throughout the summer. If you and your new boyfriend or girlfriend want a night out in the big city, hop on the Metra or highway to get to Chicago in minutes.
What's #8?
8. Herndon, Virginia
Population: 21,885
Single: 33.2%
With its median home price of $424,999 and close proximity to Washington Dulles International Airport, Herndon, Virginia is a great option for any bachelor or bachelorette looking to settle down. This pre-Civil War town offers an express bus to the Metrorail into downtown Washington, D.C. but seems a world away. Enjoy a day of sight-seeing with your honey followed by an evening of gourmet dining at one of over 100 restaurants nestled in and around downtown Herndon.That's not all this quaint town has to offer - enjoy one of the 11 parks, take a hike on the W&OD Trail or spend a day on the links at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course. If you're looking for a fun date night activity, check out the Herndon Festival or a theatre production by the Elden Street Players, an award-winning theater group. With the charm of a small town and the convenience of a big city, Herndon has tons to offer any rich singleton looking for a mate.
What's #9?
9. Irvine, California
Population: 201,160
Single: 33.0%
Located in the center of Orange County, Irvine packs loads of activities into a space of roughly 45 square miles. And with lots of activities comes many date-night opportunities: Head to the Irvine Spectrum Center's 108 foot tall Giant Wheel, hand-crafted in Italy and sure to spark some first date conversation. Or, take in some comedy at the Improv Comedy Club. If you and your mate are the outdoorsy types, hike the Quail Hill preserve or survey Irvine's vast open space on horseback. Once you're ready to begin house-hunting with your mate, be prepared for a median home price of $535,750.What's #10?
10. Arlington, Massachusetts
Population: 41,100
Single: 33.0%
This Boston suburb has come a long way from its inception in 1635. Known as the birthplace of Uncle Sam and the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution, Arlington is steeped in history and culture. It has the charm of a small town, quiet of a suburb and proximity to a big city. One thing it doesn't have? Bars.But that doesn't mean you can't have a night on the town with your significant other or your friends â€" Boston's hot social scene is just six miles away. That six-mile commute from Boston to Arlington makes a big difference in home prices: the median home price in Arlington is $492,950, over $30,000 less than a home in Boston. Whether you meet The One while out at a pub in Boston or dining on Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington, this historic town is the perfect place for the two of you to settle down.
Which of these cities would make you settle down?
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Ilyce R. Glink is the author of several books, including 100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask and Buy, Close, Move In!. She blogs about money and real estate at ThinkGlink.comand The Equifax Personal Finance Blog, and is Chief Content Strategist at RealtyJoin.com, a community for real estate investors.
