Swipe Left on New Jersey? A Look at the 2024 Ranking of Worst States for Singles
Dinner for 1?
I never personally had this problem dating when I was single in any state I reside it, because I’m such a catch and & stud, but a recent study by MarketingPHD ranked states for singles in 2024, and New Jersey...well, let's just say it wasn't a love letter (40th place). But before you flee the "Garden State," is it truly a dating wasteland? This article dives into the study, analyzes New Jersey's dating scene, and shows why it could blossom with a little effort. Singles (Jersey or curious outsiders) buckle up – we're exploring dating realities and a brighter future for love in NJ.
The Study Breakdown
The study considered various factors that influence the dating experience, including:
-Percent of Never-Married Adults (20%)
-Confidence/Romance Crime Victims Per Capita (15%)
-Mental Health Providers Per Capita (15%)
-Unemployment Rate (15%)
-Cost of Living (15%)
-Likelihood of Being Ghosted (10%)
-Formal Volunteers Per Capita (5%)
-Registered Voters Per Capita (5%)
Each state was ranked based on these criteria, and the scores were aggregated to determine the best states for singles. Massachusetts took the crown, while our beloved (or hated) New Jersey found itself down at number 40. But hey, we’re still better than 10 other states, right?
New Jersey: The Good, The Bad, and The Ghosted
So why did New Jersey rank so low? Let’s dive into the specifics:
- Percent of Never-Married Adults: We rank 11th here, which means there are plenty of fish in the sea. Score one for us!
- Confidence/Romance Crimes: Ninth place isn’t too shabby—New Jerseyans are fairly savvy when it comes to avoiding romance scams.
- Mental Health Providers:Ranking 29th, we have a decent number of mental health providers, which is important for maintaining our sanity while navigating the dating scene.
- Unemployment Rate: Tied for 46th place, our high unemployment rate is a bit of a bummer, but hey, maybe you’ll meet someone at a job fair?
- Cost of Living: New Jersey is notorious for its high cost of living, and we rank 40th here. Love might be expensive, but it’s worth it!
- Likelihood of Being Ghosted: We’re 26th in the ghosting category, so you might get ghosted, but not as often as you’d think.
- Formal Volunteers and Registered Voters: We rank 45th and 46th respectively, meaning we might not be the most civic-minded bunch, but there's always room for improvement.
Love in New Jersey: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite our ranking, New Jersey has a lot to offer singles. From the vibrant nightlife of Hoboken and Jersey City to the charming beach towns along the coast, there are plenty of places to meet new people. Our diverse population means you’re likely to find someone who shares your interests, whether you're into hiking in the Pine Barrens or exploring the arts in Princeton. Plus, you have the dating pool of nearby New York City (you want to avoid the nearby city of Philadelphia for that dating pool!).
Jersey Love: A Bright Future
So, what can we do to improve New Jersey’s ranking? For starters, let’s get more involved in our communities. Volunteering not only helps others but can also be a great way to meet like-minded individuals. Additionally, working on our collective mental health and staying savvy about romance scams will go a long way.
While New Jersey might not be the top state for singles, it's clear we have the potential to climb the ranks. With our diverse population, bustling cities, and beautiful shorelines, there's no reason we can't make the Garden State a great place for love. So, let's take a page out of Bruce Springsteen's book, keep our spirits high, and remember that sometimes, love is just a road trip away.
Happy dating, New Jersey! 🌹
*Data source: MarketingPHD's 2024 rankings of the best states for singles.*
The Complete Rankings Table
Let's take a look at how all 50 states stack up. This table will give you an idea of where New Jersey stands and which states might be worth considering for a romantic road trip.
