Best Dating Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
Moving to a new city is often exciting. You’re busy buying furniture, discovering restaurants, enjoying a change of scenery, and all that good stuff. But then time passes, the social calendar remains empty, and that’s when singles start to wonder if they’ll ever feel at home in their new home.
A Knoxville resident under the username ThermalYew1 posted in a local discussion forum to ask where he should go to meet new people. He hadn’t known anyone when he’d moved to town less than a year ago, and he didn’t see himself making much progress.
“It’s been kinda hard to make friends since moving down here,” ThermalYew1 wrote. “I’m kinda a shy person as it is at first and kinda feel awkward going to places alone. It’s just starting to [feel] kinda lonely being by myself.”
Anyone who’s moved to a new city can certainly relate to that. However, Knoxville is a wonderfully friendly, diverse, and entertaining place to call home, so singles don’t have to look far to find new friends and date prospects. We’ve put together a list of nine ways to meet singles in Knoxville to prove it. Here we go!
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Knoxville Dating Sites
Knoxville has an estimated population of over 186,000 people, which can be overwhelming for singles with a particular type. How do you even begin to filter out the keepers? Online dating can help. Dating sites have advanced search features that empower active daters to focus on dates who meet their standards and share a similar background, age, sexual orientation, and lifestyle.
Best Singles Site
Match is our overall best dating site because it has been around longer than any other dating site and has amassed a diverse global network of singles in the last 25+ years. It doesn’t matter if you’re old or young, gay or straight, tall or short, or somewhere in between — Match can find a viable date prospect in your area within a few clicks.
★★★★★
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 |
Best Site for Professionals
In the last few years, EliteSingles has made a name for itself as a premium dating site for young professionals. Over 80% of EliteSingles members have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree, and over 90% are interested in settling down with someone on their level. Only 31.4% of Knoxville residents have graduated from college, so joining EliteSingles can help you find an attractive date who’s going places.
★★★★★
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 »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| All Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
2 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Over 50 & Senior Sites
Singles over 50 can sometimes feel uncomfortable or out of place in the general dating scene. The fast-paced swiping games sometimes don’t suit their needs, and they yearn for a more mature way to make someone’s acquaintance. OurTime can offer a values-driven dating environment for singles of a certain age. This dating site provides beginner-friendly search and matching tools to help daters over 50 locate age-appropriate dates.
★★★★★
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%*
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8.9 Million* | Over 50? Try It FREE |
For Black Men & Women Only
Approximately 17% of Knoxville residents identify as African-American, so it can be tough to find a Black or biracial single in town to date. Thankfully, BlackPeopleMeet has made an effort diversify the dating scene from coast to coast. Since 2002, the black dating site has seen thousands of signups and established itself as the go-to resource for singles seeking a Black or biracial date.
★★★★★
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 »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| Black Singles* |
47%*
53%*
|
5.7 Million* | FREE Trial for New Users |
Hookup & Sex Site
Last of all, Adult Friend Finder is the dating site of choice for sexy singles who like to play things fast and loose. Singles and swingers can join this network to pursue their desires and arrange no-strings-attached hookups. The adult dating site’s flirtatious atmosphere encourages casual daters to have fun meeting attractive new people.
★★★★★
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...”
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| All Singles* |
65%*
35%*
|
25.5 Million* | 3 Months @ $19.95/Mo |
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Popular Dating Apps
Want to meet new people? There’s an app for that. Dating apps empower individuals to make a date anywhere and anytime they want. Singles now carry a vast dating network around in their pockets, and they can quickly make connections by swiping through profiles and chatting with mutual matches. Many traditional dating sites have adapted to this brave new world and produced mobile-friendly platforms designed to give singles greater satisfaction and convenience.
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
- Match System: Browse by location, age, interest, and more
- 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 Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
13.5 Million* | Free Download |
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Deep Relationships
- Match System: Search by education, lifestyle habits, age
- About the App: Commitment-minded, professional daters will feel at home with EliteSingles, which can be downloaded for free in the App Store or Google Play. Not only is everyone looking for a long-term partner, but 80% of members hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree. EliteSingles sees 210,000 visitors and 2,500 users finding love every month, so it's one of the fastest growing and most reputable apps.
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* |
43%*
57%*
|
290,000* | Free Download |
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Casual Dates, Relationships
- Match System: Search for and receive matches
- About the App: Zoosk is the number one app for finding dates, and if you sync up your Google+ or Facebook account, you can have a profile in seconds. The app has 38 million members and will deliver matches to your inbox on a daily basis based on your behavior such as who you search for, like or don't like, and message. The Carousel is another section for matching (tap the heart if it's a yes and the X if it's a no).
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
3.8 Million* | Free Download |
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Knoxville Singles Bars
Modern technology has created many wonderful avenues to meet singles, but it’s important to remember that online chats can’t hold a candle to the face-to-face, heart-to-heart conversations that can take place in person. If you’re looking to make a fast friend, you should head to a local bar in Knoxville. The bar scene offers singles a low-key space where they can play a game of pool, have a quiet chat, and establish chemistry with attractive and interesting people. You’ll find many regulars at the following popular bars in the Heart of the Valley.
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Preservation Pub
Preservation Pub tops our list of the best Knoxville bars because its speakeasy bar and rooftop garden provide a lovely romantic backdrop. The three-story bar typically opens at 3 in the afternoon and stays open until 3 in the morning every night. Preservation Pub's calendar is always full of live concerts, trivia nights, comedy shows, and happy hours. Plus, the full bar features over 300 beers, and the kitchen even puts beer into its signature thick pizza crusts. Next time you're in Scruffy City, stop by the Preservation Pub, and you won't be disappointed.
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The Public House
The Public House in Knoxville doesn't use fancy gimmicks to bring in a crowd. The owners aren't interested in disrupting the bar scene or reinventing the modern bar. They just want to serve the best beer, liquor, and pub grub possible. The Public House is a straightforward, come-as-you-are neighborhood bar where people can bring their dogs, sit on the patio, and enjoy good food, good drinks, and good times. The pub's Sunday Socials crank up the fun levels even further by offering outdoor games, drink specials, and lots of smiles.
3
Peter Kern Library
Peter Kern Library is located in the Oliver Hotel on Union Avenue, but you'll find a good mix of out-of-towners and locals here. The bar's eclectic cocktail menu brings in the crowds and keeps people coming back for more. Singles can stop by this cozy lounge to sample imaginative cocktails named after literary characters. The book-lined speakeasy sets a high bar for itself and constantly works hard to surprise, delight, and entertain its patrons.
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Old City Wine Bar
Some wine bars may be pretentious and expensive, but not the Old City Wine Bar. This is a place where anyone can settle back and enjoy a smooth, flavorful drink. The bar boasts an ever-changing wine list of 48+ wines served by the glass and 150+ wines served by the bottle. The menu also includes shareable plates of meats and cheeses. You don't have to be a wine connoisseur to pick out something tasty here because the servers are always willing to make a recommendation or describe the flavors featured on the menu. Since 2016, this wine bar in Old City has facilitated many intimate conversations and perfect pairings.
5
Suttree's High Gravity Tavern
Suttree's High Gravity Tavern has 32 rotating taps plus 60 bottles and cans to tempt beer lovers in Knoxville. As if that weren't enough, the bar also has an old-school arcade called Harrogate's Lounge and an innovative menu featuring hot dogs, sandwiches, ramen, and nachos. According to this nerdy, quirky team, "Beer and ramen are best friends, and you really do need to try it." Suttree's High Gravity Tavern is a one-of-a-kind place to hang out, enjoy fine spirits, play skeeball, and meet someone new.
6
Stock & Barrel
Thanks to its central location on Market Square, Stock & Barrel has become a beloved social hub where foodies can enjoy an indulgent meal, music lovers can listen to live bands, and singles can pick up a hot date. This trendy restaurant and bar is known for its locally sourced burgers, bourbon, and beer. Definitely come here hungry because the servers will literally bring you a bucket of fries and house burgers overflowing with toppings. All in all, Stock & Barrel is a satisfying place to recharge your batteries and enjoy an evening out on the town.
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Knoxville Speed Dating
Knoxville was a fairly isolated mountain town before the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad opened up a world of opportunity to locals in the 1850s. Railroads have allowed locals to more quickly reach their destinations and expand the reach of their businesses. Speed dating events are like the railroad of the dating scene. They can streamline a slow-paced and antiquated dating process and open singles up to new possibilities in the area and beyond. Eventbrite has a calendar of speed dating events to entertain and satisfy singles seeking the real deal in Tennessee.
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Knoxville Singles Events
When you attend a singles event, you don’t have to worry about running into couples and dead-end dates. Singles events attract individuals who are available, outgoing, and willing to build new relationships. Some show up with their friends, while others come alone, but everyone is ultimately looking to bring more fun and romance into their lives. Whether you’re enjoying an outdoor adventure or a happy hour, you can use singles events to encounter friendly locals.
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Knoxville Singles Clubs
Hank Williams Jr., Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, and other musicians have drawn inspiration from Knoxville’s romantic atmosphere and written songs about lovin’ and livin’ in Tennessee. Knoxville is a good, old-fashioned, honky-tonk town where the guys wear cowboy boots — and the gals do, too. Singles can grab a dance partner and do-si-do at the nightclubs downtown. Local DJs play to the crowd with popular songs ranging from “Just Dance” to “Cotton-Eyed Joe.” It’s easy to get into a partying mood at the dance halls, lounges, and clubs in Knoxville.
7
Knoxville Chat Rooms
Unlike bars and clubs, chat rooms are open 24/7 and require absolutely no cover charge. You can join this open forum anytime you feel like chatting. It only takes a couple minutes to get your bearings and see if anyone online shares your interests and sense of humor. The casual atmosphere in a chat room suits singles who aren’t ready to make a big commitment. You can practice your flirtation skills in a safe, anonymous space and see where the conversation takes you.
8
Knoxville Personals
Dating personals websites offer a straightforward way to meet singles in your area. You don’t have to mess around with complex matching features, search filters, or profile setups. Dating personals publish ads that briefly state the individual’s age, location, and date preferences. Singles can browse through these ads and send messages to anyone they’d like to get to know better. It’s a simple and easy way to explore the local dating scene.
9
Attend a Community Festival or Concert
Knoxville supports a vibrant and welcoming community in the South, and you can see the energy and creativity of local residents at public events held in the Market Square and other downtown hubs.
The Dogwood Arts Festival traditionally runs for 17 days in April when the dogwood trees bloom.
The annual Dogwood Arts Festival is among the largest events in the city. Knoxville’s buildings and streets become a public canvass, and artists come armed with paints and chalks to make the city square burst with color. The beautiful art exhibits provide wonderful conversation starters for daters, and you can easily linger here for hours as artists sell their wares and musicians play bluegrass tunes.
Knoxville’s event calendar is crammed with festivals, parades, and concerts of all shapes and sizes. It’s got a little something for everyone. You can listen to jazz music in the park, or you can go on a scavenger hunt across town.
These community events showcase the talents, flavors, and spirit of Knoxville residents. Some offer a taste of authentic cultural dishes, while others support a colorful display of original artwork. Some raise money for good causes, while others raise the profile of local businesses. Whatever the theme, these events are all about bringing people together to appreciate and savor the good things in life.
Get Your Act Together & Build Relationships in Scruffy City
It can be hard to acclimate to a new city, especially if you’re a little shy like ThermalYew1, but a little persistence and creativity can go a long way in the local dating scene.
Whether you’ve just moved to Knoxville or have lived here your whole life, you have to go outside your daily routine if you want to make new social connections and form promising relationships. Active singles who explore the city and pursue dates will reach their relationship goals much faster than passive singles who stay at home and wait for a fulfilling love life to come to then.
You can join a dating site, hang out at the bar, or attend a festival to start meeting singles in Knoxville. Remember, new romantic connections take time to build, so it may not happen overnight. However, the resources on this list can be a gateway to exciting dating possibilities in the Great Smoky Mountains. Good luck!
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