Denali V. had lived in Anchorage, Alaska, for three years and still hadn’t met people she felt a real connection with when she posted about her frustrations online. She got a response that same day and received more over the next week from other users offering kind words and advice. The conversation culminated in Denali being invited to an upcoming get-together at Anchorage Brewing.
Her story shows that you can still feel lonely even when you live in a city of 288,000 people, so we’re giving Denali and singles like her 10 pointers for meeting others in Anchorage!
Anchorage Dating Sites
Here are the numbers you need to know in terms of online dating: 49 million; 8,000; and 27%. According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, a statistics and analytics platform, more than 49 million people have used a dating site. Forbes reports that almost 8,000 dating sites exist. Statistic Brain also says that about 27% of relationships and marriages start online. You won’t have better odds of finding that special someone anywhere else, and we’ve narrowed down your options to the five very best.
Best Singles Site
Match.com is the leader of the dating site pack, showing the others the way to do things since 1995. It uses its very own algorithm to do the matching (based on location, on-site behavior, and, of course, your individual criteria). That’s the main reason why Match is responsible for more romantic connections than any other dating site.
- Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
- Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
- Our Experts Say: Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
Over 50 & Senior Site
Approximately, 33.8% of Anchorage’s population is 44 or older. So it’s especially important for mature singles to use the right avenue when searching for companionship. We’ve searched far and wide and found OurTime to be that right avenue. Because you don’t have to focus so much on age parameters on OurTime, you can focus on other things like religion, gender, lifestyle, and sexual orientation.
- Relationships: Dates and Relationships
- Match System: Search by profiles by zip and more
- Our Experts Say: OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
For Black Men & Women Only
According to the US Census Bureau, 6.1% of people in Anchorage identify as black, and that includes those who are married. So we’re going to have to go with online dating — particularly BlackPeopleMeet — as the number one way for them to come together. Founded in 2002, BlackPeopleMeet has over 1.4 million monthly visitors and is among the longest-running, most well-known dating sites just for black and biracial singles.
- Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
- Match System: Search by location, age, more
- Our Experts Say: BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
Hookup & Sex Site
As the great Salt-n-Pepa once said, let’s talk about sex, baby. And if we’re talking about sex, Adult Friend Finder has to be part of the conversation. This site has 77 million members and counting, and they’re all interested in encounters like one-night stands, threesomes, orgies, swinging, and cheating. Just create a username, provide your zip code, age, relationship status, and gender, and you’ll be on your way!
- Relationships: Hookups Only
- Match System: Search by location, interest, more
- Our Experts Say: Make no mistake: this site isn't about making friends, it's about finding hookups and casual encounters. No adult site has a larger or more active user base of those seeking discreet fun. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
Popular Dating Apps
It seems like a new app pops up almost every day, and the same goes for dating apps. Earlier we mentioned how many dating sites have been created, and there are just as many dating apps. It’s true that they streamline the dating process, but they could also be a hindrance if you choose the wrong ones. Below are our top three picks selected from our years of research:
Match.com
- Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
- Match System: Browse by location, age, interest, and more
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About the App:
Available via the App Store and Google Play, Match is a fantastic app for dates and relationships. With a user base of 30 million singles, Match is where you’ll have a high chance of success. It’s free to download, create a profile, search for date prospects, and receive compatible matches based on personalized preferences. Free members can also chat with select members and send unlimited likes.
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
eharmony
- Relationships: Long-Term Relationships, Marriages
- Match System: Get daily match suggestions
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About the App:
Responsible for 4% of marriages in the U.S., eharmony is among our top picks for relationship-minded heterosexual singles. To become a member, add the app to your phone (iOS or Android) and then take its 29 Dimensions® of Compatibility Matching Quiz. It’s absolutely free to do both these things — as well as receive matches and communicate during other special events.
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
OurTime.com
- Relationships: Dating and Relationships
- Match System: Search by age as well as zip, gender, more
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About the App:
Made just for single seniors, OurTime is one of the most well-known niche dating apps. It’s a fun and straightforward app with simple swiping features. Once two people swipe right on each other, they can communicate. For more match options, visit the ConnectMe and I’m Interested pages.
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
Anchorage Singles Bars
On a Saturday night, you could go to any bar in any city anywhere in the world, especially in the US, and you’re sure to find a crowd. That’s just what a lot of people (myself included) do to let off steam after a long workweek, to spend time with friends, and to meet some new faces. Anchorage has over 100 different bars, pubs, restaurants, and the like, but there are 10 that are our absolute favorites. And we think you’ll agree!
Darwin’s Theory
Located in downtown Anchorage, Darwin’s Theory is beloved among locals and tourists alike, and its owner is said to be the world's largest seller of cinnamon schnapps. Yum! The bar has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Facebook, with patrons raving about the draft beers and Bloody Marys, food, music, and staff. LN JR Steven said, "The best place to drink in Anchorage! Best people in the whole of Alaska. Don't let it fool you. This place has great popcorn, too!"
Moose’s Tooth
Moose’s Tooth is a popular pub and pizzeria located in Midtown Anchorage. Opened in 1996, Moose's Tooth is on a mission to serve upscale dishes (like the Call of the Wild pizza and Diablo Bread Sticks) and one-of-a-kind beer. In fact, its brewery, Broken Tooth, releases a new beer on the first Thursday of every month. Remember to keep an eye on the calendar as well for upcoming concerts and other events.
F Street Station
You guessed it — head to F Street and that's where you'll find F Street Station, the oldest bar in downtown Anchorage that's still in its original location (established in 1944). It's also the second oldest bar in the city overall. People can't get enough of F Street Station's seafood, including the beer-battered Alaskan halibut, jumbo shrimp, and sautéed scallops. Wash it down with a Whalers Wheat or Kassik's Nut Brown, and you'll be good to go!
Time Out Lounge
Time Out Lounge is part pub, part sports bar, and it's open every day from 10 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Whether you come for the drinks, pool, darts, live music (Fridays and Saturdays) or karaoke (Wednesdays and Thursdays), you'll have an awesome time. Don't just take our word for it, though. Here's what Karen Monica wrote on Facebook: "Time Out is a nice place to meet friends or make new ones. A person can go into this place and feel as if they are part of a large family!"
Chilkoot Charlie's
Founded in 1970, Chilkoot Charlie's, aka Koots, wants you to "drink different," and the team accomplishes that by serving up tons of creative, affordable drinks and eats (such as fried pickles, quesadillas, and bratwurst). The bar also hosts live bands (e.g., Metallica, Aerosmith, and Bon Jovi), Nerdy Speed Dating, pub crawls, and game nights. So you should never have trouble meeting people!
Long Branch Saloon
If you're looking for good burgers, good beers, and good company, you can find all that and more at the Long Branch Saloon. Offerings include a Monster Chili Burger and Budweiser. According to Sarah V., "Not only is Long Branch one of my favorite places to grab a burger in Anchorage, but it's also a pretty kickass dive bar. Windows are nonexistent, there are old school beer signs, sports are on every flat screen, bartenders are great, patrons are chill, and pool tables are there for those who'd like some additional entertainment."
Crossroads Lounge
Crossroads Lounge is "where friends meet," whether that's "old friends, new friends, or friends we have yet to make." Owned and operated by Dottie and Jennipher, Crossroads has all the makings of the perfect neighborhood bar, including a helpful staff, 15 flat screens, daily food and drink specials, free wifi, pool, and jukebox, and a smoking deck.
Van’s Dive Bar
Van’s Dive Bar, which is owned by Van Hale, of Marx Bros. Cafe, and Nicki, his wife, is among the oldest dive bars in Anchorage. Stop in any day at anytime from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and you'll find cheap, delicious drinks (beer, wine, and cocktails) and rockin' music (performed by musicians like the Life Ain't Fairview Trio). Matthew Nerlfi's review says: "Really fun little bar with good priced drinks. Atmosphere is close-knit. My first time in and only knew the people I was with and met many other nice folks. I'll definitely go back."
Anchorage Speed Dating
The speed dating scene in “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” became one of the most memorable from the movie. Andy (Steve Carell), David (Paul Rudd), Cal (Seth Rogen), and Jay (Romany Malco) attend Date-a-Palooza, where they go on 20 dates in one hour. An encounter with an ex and an exposed breast later, the guys hadn’t had any success. That’s not what real-life speed dating is like, though. It’s actually a lot of fun, and it works. Meetup.com is a fantastic resource for finding speed dating events in Anchorage — click the following link to learn more:
Anchorage Singles Events
The problem with most events (like bowling tournaments, trivia nights, and dances) is you don’t know who’s single and who’s not. However, when you attend an event that’s only meant for singles, it’s no longer a guessing game. Eventful.com’s Anchorage page is filled with a nearly endless number of dating activities that will catch anyone’s eye — no matter their hobby.
Anchorage Singles Clubs
SPIN.com says Anchorage’s music scene is just as vast as the state where it’s based. You’ve got acoustic and electric musicians; genres, like soul, rock, blues, indie, and jam; DJs, like Alex the Lion, Dig Sista, and Mostly Ghostly); and dance clubs like Platinum Jaxx. Show up to any venue, and the tunes will get your feet moving, your head bobbing, your body swaying, and your mouth singing along or chatting up the cute guy or girl next to you.
Anchorage Chat Rooms
Most of us are a little more confident online than we are when we’re face to face with someone, especially when we’re flirting. Having a screen and miles separating you and a potential date relieves some of the pressure to be witty and charming. Plus, it’s good practice for when you’re out in the real world. Not every chat room is created equal, though, so we’ve created a shortlist of five that are go-tos among Anchorage singles and that won’t break the bank.
Anchorage Personals
If you’re tired of being single, we suggest that you try everything you can to change your situation. That includes posting an online personals ad. It may sound kind of old-fashioned, but it’s the same concept as posting a profile on a dating site. Putting your feelers out in a variety of ways is only going to help you, not hurt you. Not to mention the majority of personals sites, including the five in this section, don’t charge for registration, browsing, receiving matches, and certain types of communication, so you’ve got nothing to lose!
Join a Sport or Hunting League
The Municipality of Anchorage reports that the city has 10,946 acres of municipal parkland, 223 parks with 82 playgrounds, 250 miles of trails and greenbelts, 110 athletic fields, five pools, and 11 recreation facilities. It’s a sports and outdoor lover’s paradise! AnchorageSports.com runs a number of leagues, including basketball, dodgeball, slow pitch softball, volleyball, and cornhole. Just think of how many people you could meet.
It’s all about getting outside in Anchorage, so sign up for a sport or hunting club and get to know people who have similar passions.
Signing up for a sports team isn’t the only option — you could try a hunting, fishing, or hiking club. The point is to find something that you enjoy doing so you’ll have the best opportunity for meeting compatible people!
Spend Time Volunteering
I’ve done a lot of volunteer work throughout my lifetime, and I’ve met some of the most amazing people because of it. Some have turned into my closest friends, while others turned into romantic interests or boyfriends. Anchorage is a breathtaking and lively city, and one of the best ways to keep it that way is to volunteer. You never know who could come into your life while you’re picking up trash, feeding the homeless, washing cars, or reading to less fortunate children.
Volunteering kills two birds with one stone — you’re making a difference in your community and you’re coming together with people who share your values.
You can find volunteer listings with the United Way, the American Red Cross, and even organizations like the Anchorage Museum.
Add Some Romance to Your Life in "The City of Lights and Flowers!"
Denali is just one of thousands of people who long to meet their ideal match… or simply some nice people. She got a great start by reaching out to the folks on Yelp, and we’re hoping this guide will give her, and other Anchorage residents like her, another boost to reach their dating goals. Good luck!
Photo sources: postadsuk.com, supersinglesdance.com, anchoragesports.com, yelp.com, redcross.org, thebeerchaser.com, anchorage.net, propertyak.com, jtbourne.com, tripadvisor.com, backinsideak.wordpress.com, jeffman48.com, zanda.com, citysearch.com
