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Fort Wayne, Indiana
Located in northeastern Indiana, Fort Wayne originally started as a military outpost in the American Revolutionary War. General Anthony Wayne commissioned the fort’s establishment on the frontier in 1794, and it was later named in his honor.
During the war, the fort withstood sieges from the British as well as Native American tribes. Although it was abandoned in 1819, the surrounding town continued to flourish into an industrial capital in the Midwest. To this day, the city has a strong and proud military history.
When faced with a threatening situation, many people’s first instinct is to build high walls, hunker down, and wait for better days. That’s a solid wartime strategy, but it’s a terrible dating strategy. You’ll never accomplish your romantic goals by barricading yourself in and keeping people out. With that in mind, we’ve outlined nine ways singles can attack the social scene and land a date in Fort Wayne.
Whether you live in the heart of downtown or in the suburbs outside the city, online dating is your best bet to meet singles in Fort Wayne. In 2017, a Knot survey found that online dating was the second most popular way for spouses to have met one another. It’s only growing in popularity. You can jump on the bandwagon by creating a profile on any of the following top-rated dating platforms.
We consistently rank Match at the top of our dating site lists because it’s been around longer than any other dating site, and it has the most successes stories to its name as well. Since 1995, this quality-driven dating platform has helped millions of singles around the world find a lasting relationship.
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...” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
39.7 Million* | Try Match FREE |
EliteSingles is an elite dating site for the cream of the dating crop. The singles on this website are well-educated, career-oriented, and relationship-minded men and women from all over the world. EliteSingles uses a smart algorithm to pair up local singles with relationship potential.
Relationships: Serious Relationships
Match System: Search, Receive Partner Suggestions
Our Experts Say: “EliteSingles is a leading dating site just for busy, single professionals. More than 80% of members have earned a college degree, and most are looking for a serious commitment...” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
All Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
2 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Once you reach a certain age, meeting new people becomes much more of a challenge. Singles who are over 50 often don’t get the results they want from a general dating site full of youngsters. That’s why they join OurTime, a senior dating site with a solid reputation. This dating network connects mature men and women who are seeking new friends and love interests with a few miles on them.
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...” Full Review »
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User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
Mature Singles (50+)* |
48%*
52%*
|
8.9 Million* | Over 50? Try It FREE |
The African-American population is the second largest racial demographic in Fort Wayne, but that doesn’t mean finding black and biracial dates in the city is easy. A vast majority of city residents are white, and not all dating sites allow filtering by race or ethnicity. That’s why a niche dating network like BlackPeopleMeet can come in handy. This dating site caters to black singles and anyone who wants to date black 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...” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
Black Singles* |
47%*
53%*
|
5.7 Million* | FREE Trial for New Users |
Some singles are motivated primarily by sex and aren’t interested in anything long-term. Hey, we get it, relationships can be a lot of work and hassle. Who needs that stress? Adult Friend Finder frees singles from the pressures of building a relationship. This hookup site connects sexy individuals who want to find a one-night stand, threesome, or other sexy encounters.
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...”
Browse Free: View Photos Now
User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
All Singles* |
65%*
35%*
|
25.5 Million* | 3 Months @ $19.95/Mo |
Just like dating sites, dating apps give singles unprecedented networking power. You can build mutual matches and reach out to dates on the spot thanks to this swiping technology. Dating apps put a vast yet localized dating network in the palm of your hand. It’s easy to meet singles when you have these tools at your fingertips. We recommend downloading the following apps the next time you’re looking to connect with someone special in Fort Wayne.
User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
---|---|---|---|
All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
13.5 Million* | Free Download |
User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
---|---|---|---|
All Singles* |
43%*
57%*
|
290,000* | Free Download |
User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
---|---|---|---|
All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
3.8 Million* | Free Download |
While online tools offer you fast connections and easy access, in-person date venues can provide a more personalized and casual dating experience. Despite the rise of online dating, the bar scene has remained an undeniably popular way for singles to expand their social networks and have a great time out on the town. You can head to Fort Wayne’s downtown area (located along Main Street) to find dozens of bars, breweries, dives, and speakeasies full of singles ready to mingle.
Established in 2007, JK O'Donnell's Irish Ale House (aka JKs) has that Celtic ambiance that makes any night out more fun. Singles can enjoy a few pints while watching soccer (or football, whatever you want to call it) and chatting with the bartenders or other patrons. If you're feeling hungry, try munching on the pretzel bites or Irish nachos, which are coated with a sweet Scottish ale barbecue sauce. Next time you're hanging out in downtown Fort Wayne, stop by JK O'Donnell's to enjoy excellent whiskeys and traditional pub fare.
The Brass Rail has been around so long that no one is quite sure how long it's been around. The current owners, John Commorato Jr. and Corey Rader, estimate it has been in business for over 60 years. They took over the bar in 2007 and immediately began making improvements to ensure it kept going for another 60 years. The Brass Rail stays open from 3 p.m. until 3 a.m. every day of the week — yes, even on Christmas Day — and it often hosts live musical performances to bring in a crowd. Its shows range from hardcore rock to soft jazz, so there's a little something for everyone here.
You can always count on the Dash-In to have delicious comfort food served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The bar has 20 rotating beers on tap — whether you're looking for a lager, cider, pale ale, stout, porter, or another flavorful draft, you can find something to quench your thirst. You can also sample its Barista Specialities, which include a house blend of Dash coffee and a creamy, indulgent hot chocolate. The coffeehouse vibe is great for daytime daters seeking a good meal and great company. The Dash-In is famous for its grilled cheese sandwiches, paninis, and burgers, so definitely make sure you're hungry when you dash in.
The Deer Park Irish Pub is the brainchild of Tony Henry. a local funny man and beer wizard. This Irish bar has a great energy to it. Tony handpicks the 13 craft beers on tap, and he's often lingering at the bar making sure everyone has a great time. On St. Patrick's Day, Tony really pulls out all the stops to offer lucky patrons a memorable night that start's with the world's shortest parade around the block and ends with happy hour prices at the bar.
In 2016, two childhood friends decided to live the dream and open a neighborhood bar together. They founded the 07 pub as a place where good friends could gather, drink, and maybe catch a game. The owners grew up and still live in "the 07" (a nickname that stems from the area's ZIP Code), so they understand how to cater to its people. Part of the 07 pub's charm is its laid-back atmosphere and neighborly spirit. You can stop by to split a few brews and a plate of wings with someone special.
Club Soda is a modern steakhouse and martini bar designed to serve discerning singles and couples in Fort Wayne. This upscale spot on Superior Avenue offers a fine dining experience worthy of any date night. You can put on your fanciest digs and hang out by the bar making conversation and enjoying high-quality appetizers, entrées, and desserts. You'll often hear jazzy music setting the mood while diners enjoy this cozy restaurant.
Last of all, we have the Tower Bar & Grill on our list of the top bars in Fort Wayne. Its late-night menu can keep you satisfied into the wee hours. No one is going to rush you out the door here or put a damper on your good time. The bar opens at 7 a.m., and it closes at 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday (its Sunday hours are 11 a.m. until 1 a.m.). Locals love to relax here, and many say the Tower's wings are the best in town. Since 2001, the Tower Bar & Grill has been a staple in the social scene, so come on down and pull up chair.
Between looking for singles and chatting with potential dates, dating can be a huge time suck. You could invest weeks in a conversation with someone only to have it fizzle out once you meet in person. That’s frustrating for those of us with better things to do with our time (which is to say, everyone). A lot of busy singles find scouring the dating scene too demanding, and they prefer to save their time by attending a speed dating event. Eventbrite’s calendar can point you to local speed dating events where singles skip the pleasantries and start building relationships that much faster.
A lot of dating success depends on your location. You’ve got to know where to go to give yourself the best possible opportunity to meet dateworthy folks and build meaningful connections. A singles event can be a fantastic way to surround yourself with attractive and eligible individuals who are interested in finding a date. LockAndKeyEvents.com is a nationwide organization that hosts singles events across the country. Click the link below to find out about its upcoming events.
When a popular song comes on, people can’t help but sway, rock, and nod along. The rhythm of the music takes them for a ride and offers a high that can last all night. Nightclubs play music to get people in a mood to rock, party, and flirt. A romantic energy overtakes singles on the dance floor as they get lost in the thumping beat. Whether you’re listening to a live band or a DJ’s playlist, you can feel the heat with somebody, as Whitney Houston says, at a local nightclub.
Not everyone is willing to hazard the congested city streets to meet someone they don’t know. A few minutes sitting bumper-to-bumper on US-24 or State Road 3 is enough to make anyone reconsider if dating is really worth this much trouble. Fortunately, you don’t have to leave home to meet someone new in Fort Wayne. You can use a local chat room to start a conversation and build a relationship online. It’s a good way to get the ball rolling and get practice asking questions, talking about yourself, and bonding with someone.
Many people confuse dating personals with online dating, which is understandable because they have many similarities. Both offer online networks of date prospects and search tools to find a match, but what distinguishes dating personals is its distinct lack of matching tools, swiping features, or fancy design. What you see is what you get on a dating personals website. No need to collect tokens, send likes, wait on mutual matches, or navigate complicated messaging systems. You create a short-and-sweet profile, search the database by age, name, or location, and then message anyone you like. It’s a straightforward way to meet someone and pick up a hot date.
Fort Wayne’s residents have a reputation for pitching in and doing whatever they can to help others. When the floodwaters rose in March 1982, the city’s extraordinary relief efforts and resilience earned it the reputation as the City that Saved Itself.
You can make a heroic effort to rescue your love life by volunteering at a local nonprofit. Not only will you do a good thing for the community, you’ll meet fantastically caring and selfless people while you’re at it — so it’s a win-win.
Fort Wayne’s Volunteer Center posts volunteer opportunities that range from tutoring at-risk youths to providing disaster relief.
You can join the organization’s I CAN Volunteer team for free to hear about chances to get involved with 87 nonprofits in Allen County.
Additionally, in case you can’t find a nonprofit to support, you can always volunteer at your local church, synagogue, mosque, or another place of worship. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find a church looking for assistance. After all, there’s a reason Fort Wayne is known as the City of Churches — it has more than 360 churches within the city limits.
Putting together a plan of attack in the dating scene isn’t easy simply because there are too many unknowns. You may venture out hoping to find reinforcements and find yourself ambushed by a bad date instead. How much easier would it be to stay inside, close yourself off, and never risk your heart? Well, that may feel safer, but it’s a losing strategy in the long-run.
Ultimately, you have to brave the outside world, armed with your wit and charisma, if you want to declare victory in the dating scene. We hope our list of ways to meet someone in Fort Wayne has given you the resolve to muster your forces and make something happen. If you have the nerve to let yourself be vulnerable, you’ll open yourself up to forming deeper connections and ally yourself with someone great.
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