Best Dating Sites
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A 26-year-old Korean single named Abzirian moved from Michigan to Sacramento, California, for a job in June, but his start date wasn’t until July. In the meantime, he was in the big city on his own. Naturally, he began looking around for friends in the capital city. He wanted a social group of people who shared his background and interests, but he came up dry.
After three weeks, he posted a cry for help in a Sacramento discussion forum. “It’s hard to meet people when you literally don’t know anyone in the state,” he said. “Anyone have any good ideas to make some friends in this town?”
A few people responded suggesting martial arts classes, concerts, and churches, but we thought we could provide a more comprehensive answer to this 26-year-old’s question. So, Abzirian, this one’s for you. We put together a list of nine foolproof ways for singles to meet new people in Sacramento. Whether you’re looking for a friend, a romance, or a relationship, you can use these resources to make a quick connection.
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Sacramento Dating Sites
Online dating is at the top of our list. Have you heard of it? Of course you have! Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed that the number of singles swiping has exploded, and online dating has become one of the most popular way for daters to, well, date. Over 40 million Americans have used dating sites or apps, and that number is only going to grow with time. If you live in Sacramento and want to up your dating game, join a dating site or app. Resistance is futile.
Best Singles Site
When it comes to online dating, Match is the best of the best. This longstanding dating site focuses on bringing together quality, relationship-minded individuals on a simple platform. You won’t find a lot of unnecessary gimmicks on this site and app. It’s all about the matches — as you can probably tell from its name.
★★★★★
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
Sacramento is home to major companies, including Intel, which employed over 6,600 people in the city in 2012. Sacramento is also the state capital of California, so it has its fair share of high-earning and high-achieving professionals. If you count yourself among this elite crowd, Elite Singles may be the best dating site for you. This niche platform caters to college-educated singles over the age of 30.
★★★★★
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
According to World Population Review, around 40% of Sacramento residents are unmarried singles. But a majority of those singles are between 20 and 34 years old, which means mature singles over 50 have a smaller dating pool to meet people. OurTime helps senior singles meet age-appropriate dates in no time. This niche dating site is full of singles of a certain age and has simple search tools to pair up compatible folks.
★★★★★
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 |
For Black Men & Women Only
BlackPeopleMeet boasts having the largest community of Black and biracial daters in existence, and that’s something Sacramento’s diverse population of singles could really use. Joining this niche dating site can help singles narrow down the dating community to people who share similar backgrounds and perspectives. Over 66,000 black people live in Sacramento, and you can connect with them on BlackPeopleMeet.
★★★★★
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
Settling down with a person isn’t in everyone’s future, and it’s certainly not on the minds of many vibrant, sexually active singles. If you’re more interested in sex than love, you should use a hookup site like Adult Friend Finder to meet potential lovers. The flirtatious, anything-goes atmosphere on AdultFriendFinder appeals to singles who are looking for straight-up sex with a local hottie.
★★★★★
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 |
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Popular Dating Apps
Sac State dropout Tom Hanks popularized online romance in 1998 with his leading role in “You’ve Got Mail,” and, 20 years later, chatting up a potential date online has become a favorite national pastime. Singles even download dating apps so they can keep in touch with date prospects while on the go. Dating apps have allowed people to up their dating games by staying active while on the bus, running errands, and going about their day. Here are our favorite dating apps ranked by popularity and overall usability.
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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Sacramento Singles Bars
Now that we’ve covered the virtual options, let’s get to the face-to-face stuff. Instead of burying your head in your laptop or smartphone, you can put down your devices and meet singles in a local bar in Sacramento. It’s a casual environment to scope out your options and buy someone a drink. You never know where the night may take you, and that’s what makes it so exciting. Check out any of the bars below if you want to meet local singles in Sacramento.
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Back Door Lounge
The Back Door Lounge is a popular bar, but it's not elbow-room only popular, so it's ideal for singles hoping to have an actual conversation with someone. The retro yet stylish feel in the bar helps guests feel relaxed and comfortable staying for awhile. It's not loud. It's not crowded. And it's not your average bar scene. The delicious cocktails and late-night breakfast dishes satisfy Sacramento residents looking for a low-key night on the town.
2
Dive Bar
You can tell just from its name that the Dive Bar doesn't put on airs or seek to be anything other than what it is — a place to have fun and drink the night away. There is no cover charge, and the drinks are relatively cheap. Located in the heart of Sacramento's downtown scene, the Dive Bar on K Street has built its reputations as a chill spot to hang out with friends or date prospects. It may be a dive, but its fun mermaid dancing/swimming shows and aquarium keep people coming back and wondering, "What the heck is going on?" It's a dive bar, get it?
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The Bolt
The Bolt prides itself on being the only authentic leather, cowboy, and bear bar for gay men. Its online reviews are mostly positive. Tyrx Pulskamp even goes so far as to declare the Bolt the "best LGBTQ scene in the greater Sacramento area." You don't need to wear chaps to get in, but it is definitely encouraged. The weekend crowd is very dater-friendly, so feel free to show up in your leather best and enjoy the rainbow atmosphere.
4
Karma Brew
By serving quality beer, wine, and tapas, Karma Brew has become one of the top bars in the Sacramento area. You can order a gourmet cheese and fruit plate to share with a new acquaintance and pair it with a rich red wine or hearty beer. Karma Brew is open late, so you can spend hours sampling small plates of food and sipping beers and wines from around the world. In this relaxed and friendly spot, you can work on building good karma in the dating scene.
5
Hideaway Bar & Grill
Put together trivia nights, karaoke performances, movie screenings, and piles of fried food, and you have one excellent bar. The Hideaway Bar & Grill is a beloved gathering place for fun-loving singles in Sacramento simply because there's always something to do here. From live musical performances to themed holiday parties, the Hideaway Bar & Grill gives its guests plenty of reasons to come out of their shells and make some new friends. Stop by the Hideaway Bar & Grill to enjoy original drinks, knockout performances, and entertainment galore.
6
Pitch and Fiddle
The Pitch and Fiddle is a traditional Irish pub in Glenbrook East. It serves wings, burgers, fish and chips, tacos, steak sandwiches, and other mouth-watering treats late into the night. The Pitch and Fiddle takes pride in having the city's finest and most extensive selection of Irish whiskeys, but it also has many cold beers on tap. You can expect to have a fantastic evening when you show up to this old-fashioned pub.
7
Coin-Op Game Room
If you love video and arcade games, you'll love the Coin-Op Game Room. This classic barcade serves up cold brews and hot slices of pizza to gamers, drinkers, and daters over the age of 21. Talk about a fun night out! You can challenge your crush to beat your high score at Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong, or pinball. The Coin-Op Game Room has over 40 arcade games and 13 different pinball machines, so simply take your pick, put in your quarter, and enjoy.
4
Sacramento Speed Dating
Busy singles may not have the time or patience to sift through the bar scene. That’s fair. People who work full time can’t be expected to take up dating as their part-time job. So why not go to an event that delivers date prospects and accelerates the dating process? Speed dating events give dozens of singles the opportunity to screen dates and find matches in person. No swiping required. Pre-Dating is by far the most popular and consistent organizer of speed dating events in Sacramento. You can use these fun events to find someone who’s more your speed.
5
Sacramento Singles Events
Sacramento is a hub of culture, cuisine, and economic growth in Northern California. From ballet performances to ball games, there is always something going on here. You can even find singles events where professionals of all ages rub elbows. Eventbrite, an online events calendar, can clue you in when these events are happening. You can buy your tickets, mark your calendar, and get ready to party alongside attractive and available people.
6
Sacramento Singles Clubs
Clubbing may sound juvenile, but it definitely works for those who are at their best when busting a move. A popular club can give you hundreds of chances to connect while the music plays. It can happen in the space of a single song. You see someone across a crowded room, lock eyes, and it’s on. Sacramento has quite a few dance clubs to choose from, but Foursquare has reviewed and ranked the top 11 for you. Check it out!
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Sacramento Chat Rooms
Some singles just feel more comfortable meeting people online and getting to know them that way first. This is especially true among young, inexperienced singles who need to build up their confidence before braving Sacramento’s dating scene in person. If you’re hesitant to approach someone at a bar, then maybe you should start out in a less intimidating setting — like a chat room. Sacramento’s chat rooms are lively places to start flirtatious conversations and make new friends online.
8
Sacramento Personals
Back in the day, if singles wanted to meet someone, they’d go to the classified section of the newspaper to look for personal ads. This dating practice was so common, Rupert Holmes wrote a soft rock song about it in 1979. “The Piña Colada Song” took some liberties with the details, but the basic principle of describing yourself and the partner you’d like to find is still how online personal ads work. Dating personals websites have replaced newspaper ads for singles who want to browse the dating scene without creating in-depth personality profiles. It works sort of like online dating, except without mutual matching, liking, or any other unnecessary features. You simply post your ad and wait for the responses to come rolling in. Listed below are five of the top personals websites for singles in Sacramento.
9
Attend an Outdoor Festival
Sacramento’s summers are well-known for their beauty. Mark Twain described Sacramento as a place where “you can gather roses, and eat strawberries and ice cream, and wear white linen clothes” in the morning and then “put on your furs and your skates, and go skimming over frozen Donner Lake” at night. In the summertime, singles need only go outside to find engaging and leisurely activities all around them.
Going to a play can be a great way to meet new people.
The Summer Shakespeare Festival, for instance, is one of Sacramento’s most popular and entertaining events. Since 1986, this festival has brought The Bard’s best comedies and dramas to William Land Park. A well-practiced theater troupe perform two shows throughout the month.
The 2018 season showcased “Henry V” and “The Tempest.” The performers also took a swing at turning Alexandre Dumas’ swashbuckling novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” into a play.
You can grab a friend or a date and attend these shows to find yourself surrounded by local theater buffs. The evening performances tend to generate large crowds, which means plenty of opportunities to chat someone up during intermission.
Sacramento hosts plenty of festivals throughout the year, from brewery festivals in the fall to foodie festivals in spring, so even if Shakespeare isn’t your thing, you can find a public event to catch your interest.
Strike Gold by Taking Advantage of Sacramento's Dating Scene
Sacramento was founded in 1850 during the Gold Rush, which means it was built by industrious individuals who moved West to seek their fortunes. Sort of like Abzirian, the 26-year-old millennial from Michigan. His first few weeks in Sacramento may have been a bit lonely, but the fact that he was willing to reach out and ask for help just goes to show that you can’t keep a Sacramento single down.
Anyone who’s been new in town can relate to Abzirian’s struggle to meet new people and find his place. Thankfully, Sacramento has many social hotspots where daters can mix and mingle. At the end of the day, you can meet people just about anywhere. Whether you’re dancing at a jazz festival or swiping on a dating app, you can put yourself out there and increase your odds of meeting someone worthwhile in Sactown just by being a little proactive. Good luck!
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