The Top 10 Best U.S. Cities for Newlyweds

Not all cities are made equal. Find out the best place to live for a young couple.

TitleSmiling male and female partners looking at each other while sitting by cardboard boxes in van

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Congratulations! You married the person you love and now you are starting your new life together as lifelong partners. You may be talking about the best place to live as a young couple. Are there some cities that are more affordable than others? Where can you meet other newlyweds in a similar stage of life? Are there some cities that offer more opportunities for fun and exploration?

To help you navigate your move, we turned to Miranda Harper, director of communications for Zumper. She explained which factors new couples should consider when deciding where to live and gave us a list of the top places in the United States for newlyweds.

Meet the Expert

Miranda Harper is the director of communications for Zumper, a website that does market research and helps people find homes, rooms, condos, and apartments to rent.

"Affordable cost of living, having a solid support network of other married friends, and the presence of a vibrant food culture all go hand in hand with a good quality of life," she says. "These factors can all contribute to maintaining a long, happy marriage."

Read on to find where you might want to start looking.

01 of 10

Laredo, Texas

Laredo Texas

 

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Laredo is a city in Southern Texas that is right on the Mexican border. It might not be an obvious choice, but newlyweds love living here, reveals Harper. It's affordable; a one-bedroom costs around $744 a month, leaving you plenty of money for date nights, trips, and savings. 41 percent of the population is married, meaning there will be tons of other couples to meet. There is also a high capita of restaurants. "Keeping the romance alive will be effortless with so many date night options," adds Harper.

02 of 10

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa, OK

 

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Tulsa, the second-largest city in Oklahoma, has everything going for it, Harper says. "It has affordable rent, so the general cost of living would be great for a newlywed couple who are just starting their lives together." A one-bedroom costs, on average, $651 a month. In recent years, chefs and small business owners have flocked there, opening new restaurants and shops. There are also great museums and cultural institutions in Tulsa from the Philbrook Museum of Art to the Woody Guthrie Center.

03 of 10

Irving, Texas

Lake Carolyn

 

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Irving is a city just northwest of Dallas (it's so close to Dallas, some people even consider it a suburb.) It's the home of six Fortune 500 companies, which means there are many young professionals here. 50 percent of the population is married, which is a positive, adds Harper: "The city has a high population of married couples and low divorce rates so a pair of newlyweds can easily find other couple friends for dinner parties and other fun social gatherings." The city also has the famed Irving Arts Center, which is known for its outdoor concerts and installations. There are also ample parks.

04 of 10

Shreveport, Louisiana

Shreveport, LA

 

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Shreveport is full of fun opportunities for a young couple. There is a zoo, parks, and even a gigantic rose garden. It sits along the Red River, so there are plenty of romantic spots for walking or a picnic. The divorce rate is only 8.3 percent, well below the national average of 50 percent, which means couples are happy here. It's also very affordable, with couples spending on average $641 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.

05 of 10

Orlando, Florida

Downtown Orlando

 

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Everybody knows Orlando for its tourist attractions (Disney World!) but few know that Orlando has a lot more going for it. It has a high concentration of restaurants, many of which are run by world-renowned chefs and mixologists. Couples can walk around downtown Disney or take a leisurely boat tour around lesser-known parts of the city. Plus, it's sunny and warm year-round.

The city's only downfall is it's more expensive than other cities in the south, but it's still relatively affordable, shares Harper. "While Orlando’s cost of living is a bit higher than Irving and Tulsa’s, rents in Orlando are still priced around the national median," she assures.

06 of 10

Tallahassee, Florida

Scenic view of lake

 

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Tallahassee is not just the state capital of Florida but a cultural center. There is the museum of Florida history with beautiful grounds and mansions you can visit that date back to the 1800s. The city also boasts beautiful landscapes and serene places to walk around and take in nature. On top of that, you get a low cost of living with the average price for a one-bedroom apartment hovering below $800. 35 percent of the population is married here, a higher percentage than in other cities in Florida including Miami and Orlando.

07 of 10

Miami, Florida

Downtown Miami

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We all know Miami for its parties. There are clubs and bars where young people can mingle, dance, and drink long into the night. If you are a young couple who wants to party, this city is for you. But it also has a lot to offer for those looking for a quieter life. There are beaches, public art installations, incredible restaurants, and outdoor activities. It's no wonder the city only has an 11.8 percent divorce rate; it's hard not to be happy living here.

08 of 10

Austin, Texas

Austin Skyline

 

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For a couple looking for fun, another great choice is Austin. You can hear live music every night of the week. There are tons of affordable bars and eateries. You can spend every weekend day floating down the river with a beer if you want to. While the city is more expensive than other places on the list—a one-bedroom will cost you around $1,200 a month—it is still way below other bustling cities like San Francisco and New York City. The city also has a low divorce rate hovering at about 10 percent.

09 of 10

Washington, D.C.

H Street Corridor in Washington, D.C.

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Washington D.C. can make a wonderful home for many different types of couples. With free Smithsonian museums and parks, creative food and beverage offerings, and cultural activities galore, there is something for everybody. Only 20 percent of the city is married, but there are many young professionals working and living here, so you both can have lots of friends. Also, it's cheaper than other desirable cities in the northeast including Boston and New York City.

10 of 10

Norfolk, Virginia

Downtown Norfolk

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Norfolk is a city on the Chesapeake Bay in southeastern Virginia. For a waterfront city, it is relatively affordable, only costing around $1,000 a month for a one-bedroom. It also has a booming food and drink scene and one of the highest concentrations of restaurants in the country. 31 percent of the population is married, which puts it above similar cities in the northeast. There is also a lot to do with the riverside zoo and the Chrysler Museum of Art.

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