The 10 Best Cities for Bachelors

Photo: Roy Hsu | Getty Images What’s important to single men? According to Maxim’s menu bar, it’s "gaming, girls, humor, movies, music, sports, stuff, TV and video."Time and money are precious, so when it comes to where  guys  live, their priorities are that it fit their budget, be close to work and close to nightlife (i.e., girls), according to a recent survey by Rent.com.Not surprisingly, having a spacious kitchen was NOT important to 96 percent of the bachelors surveyed, backing up the theory that single guys live on takeout. They also like being waited on: Over two-thirds (69 percent) of bachelors who rent said having a maintenance staff readily available in their building is “most essential.”So what are the best places for them to get all of that? Here are the 10 best cities for bachelors, according to a recent survey by Rent.com.by Cindy PermanPosted 04 May 2011

Photo: Danita Delimont | Getty Images Nickname(s): Charm City, Mobtown, B’more, The City of FirstsPopulation: 2.7 millionBaltimore is charming and historic, with several pro sports teams, a lot of nightlife and there are a ton more single women than men. Plus, it's affordable.Date spots: Heritage Walk, Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, a Baltimore Blast soccer game, Baltimore Ravens football game, Baltimore Orioles baseball game, a water taxi tour, a paddleboat ride, a Charm City Food TourSources: U.S. Census, Rent.com, Baltimore.org

Photo: Gabriela Hasbun | Getty Images Nickname(s): It’s the capital and not a city, so not many nicknames. Mostly just DC.Population: 601,000Rent.com says the nation’s capital is the place for ambitious single men! A lot of cultural and historic attractions, a smell of power in the air and oh yeah, the women outnumber the men.Date spots: A picnic on the mall, paddle boating on the Tidal Basin with views of Jefferson Memorial and Japanese cherry trees, tour of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, the Smithsonian, the National Zoo, Bohemian Gardens jazz clubSources: U.S. Census, Rent.com, About.com

Photo: Andrew Gunners | Getty Images Nickname(s): The City of Brotherly Love, the Birthplace of America, the Cradle of Liberty (as in the bell)Population: 1.5 millionPhiladelphia makes the list because it has both cultural charm and historic appeal, according to Rent.com – and oh yeah, a favorable ratio of single women to men! Date spots: Rent.com suggests running up the steps of the Art Museum like Rocky to impress your girl! Plus, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fairmount Park, Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus, and, for the adventurous, the Mutter Museum of medical odditiesSources: U.S. Census, Rent.com, Yelp.com

Photo: Chris Graythen | Getty Images Nickname(s): The Crescent City, the Big Easy, Nawlins, NOLAPopulation: 1.2 millionSingle women easily outnumber the single men here in the Big Easy. The people are friendly. Rich food, soulful music, vibrant nightlife and a mysterious air about  the city make it alluring for the single set.Date spots: Beignets at a French Quarter café, a jazz club, Bourbon Street, a walk along the Mississippi a streetcar ride through the Garden District, a walk through Audubon Park, vampire tourSources: U.S. Census, Rent.com, Yelp.com

Photo: Mark Ralson | AFP | Getty Images Nickname(s): City of Angels, Entertainment Capital of the World, La-La LandPopulation: 3.8 millionLos Angeles is home to a lot of celebrities, plus it has a vibrant nightlife and urban appeal. The weather is gorgeous and there are a ton of beaches. There is about an equal number of men and women. And, you can’t deny the “West Coast cool” factor, Rent.com says. Date spots: Rooftop observation deck at LAX’s Theme Building for 360-degree views of the city, Getty Museum, Lakers Game at Staples Center, Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, Venice Beach BoardwalkSources: U.S. Census, Rent.com, Yelp.com

Photo: Nivek Neslo | Getty Images Nickname(s): The Magic City, Gateway to the AmericasPopulation: 2.5 millionMiami has a spicy nightlife, Rent.com says, there are more single ladies than men and the cost of living is relatively inexpensive. Plus, the beaches and nice weather are an ideal bachelor mix.Date spots: Matheson Hammock Marina, Just the Funny Theater, Swap Shop Drive-In movie theater, Miami Seaquarium … and of course, long walks on the beach!Sources: U.S. Census, Rent.com, Yelp.com, Citysearch

Photo: Latitudestock | Getty Images Nickname(s): The Big Apple, Gotham, the City that Never SleepsPopulation: 8.1 millionA great city for both single men and single women, according to Rent.com, with diverse neighborhoods and an abundance of restaurants, bars, museums, shows and activities. The real selling point for bachelors: Single women outnumber the men by about a million!Date spots: A picnic and gondola ride in Central Park, a walk along the High Line park on elevated former subway platform, movie or theater in the park, a Broadway show, Chelsea Piers sports complex, the Museum of Natural History, the MetSources: U.S. Census, Rent.com

Photo: Don Klumpp | Getty Images Nickname(s): River City, San Antone, Alamo CityPopulation: 1.3 millionWomen outnumber men in San Antonio. “With a low cost of living and big Texas charm, bachelors are sure to find love in this city!” Rent.com says. Date spots: The San Antonio River Walk, Alamo Drafthouse Westlakes movie theater, San Antonio Botanical GardenSources: U.S. Census, Rent.com, Yelp.com

Photo: Panoramic Images | Getty Images Nickname(s): The Windy City, the Second City (because it used to be the second largest city by population after New York), Chi-TownPopulation: 2.7 millionChicago is a great city for both single men and single women, according to Rent.com. It has single-friendly neighborhoods that have a real community vibe.Date spots: A walk in Millennium Park, Second City Pizza Tour, Uncle Fun wacky gift store, ReBuilding Exchange (sells recycled building materials, classes in everything from building furniture from salvaged lumber to home repairs), Cook Au Vin cooking schoolSources: U.S. Census, Rent.com, Yelp.com

Photo: erion shehaj Nickname(s): The Space City (for NASA and other space activity), the Bayou City (for its winding waterways ) and H-TownPopulation: 2.1 millionHouston is a fun city to live and play, Rent.com says. It’s affordable and there are a lot of great date spots. Plus, there’s roughly an equal amount of men and women.Date spots: African Forest at the Houston Zoo, Houston Aeros hockey game, Pinot’s Palette (refreshments + painting + music), Discovery Green (park)Sources: U.S. Census, Rent.com, Yelp.com

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