Salem Or

Salem, OR

9 Ways to Meet Singles in Salem, OR (Dating Guide)

Amber Brooks

Written by: Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com.

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Edited by: Lillian Castro

Lillian Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of journalism experience to ensure DatingAdvice articles have been edited for overall clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, The Gwinnett Daily News, and The Gainesville Sun covering lifestyle topics.

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Salem, Oregon, is a large city with a welcoming small-town atmosphere. It has a fast-growing downtown area as well as spacious fairgrounds where the Oregon State Fair is held every year. It has large museums, public parks, and five-star restaurants to entertain locals. All in all, the city has a unique culture that appeals to people of all ages.

“Salem is beautiful with something for just about everyone,” said Sara Segura in a Quora post. “It is really nicely situated right between the mountains and the beach. There’s plenty of stuff to do.”

If you’re single and living in Salem, you can find plenty of activities and groups to get you out of your shell. We’ve brainstormed nine ways to meet singles in Salem, so you can make the most of the city’s diverse community resources.

1

Salem Dating Sites

Online dating has fundamentally changed the way singles meet one another by providing an all-access, 24/7 dating network. You don’t have to wait until Saturday night to prowl for a date anymore. Singles can log into a dating site and send a quick flirtatious message anywhere and anytime they want. Today, over 8,000 dating sites compete for your attention, and we’ve listed a few of our favorites below to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Best Singles Site

Match was one of the first dating sites to launch back in 1995 — before some of its current users were even born. From the outset, this dating site was committed to arranging real relationships, not just short-term flings. The site takes detailed personal information from new members and uses its sophisticated algorithm to suggest compatible dates in the same area.

★★★★★
4.9/5.0

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

Best Site for Professionals

If you’re looking for quality dates, then Elite Singles is the dating site for you. It boasts a highly educated membership base of lawyers, doctors, nurses, and other young professionals. Over 90% of members are interested in finding a relationship, and that’s why they invest their time in Elite Singles.

★★★★★
4.8/5.0

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

Over 50 & Senior Sites

Online dating may seem like a young person’s game, but there are some niche sites designed to help singles over 50 meet one another. OurTime is a premier senior dating site with easy-to-understand features that suit its mature network. If you’re looking for a new friend or a date of a certain age, you can trust OurTime to point you in the right direction.

★★★★★
4.6/5.0

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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For Black Men & Women Only

Salem has a very slim black population, so anyone looking to diversify their date prospects may have to go outside the city limits. BlackPeopleMeet, which has been growing steadily larger since its launch in 2002, supports a national network of African-American singles.

★★★★
4.1/5.0

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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Hookup & Sex Site

Some singles are more interested in sex than love, and that’s why they join Adult Friend Finder, one of the world’s largest hookup sites. It’s free to join the site and browse sexy profiles, and you can even wander into a live broadcast or chat room to mix things up. Adult Friend Finder liberates singles and swingers, encouraging them to discuss their fetishes and desires.

★★★★
4.2/5.0

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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2

Popular Dating Apps

The Salem metropolitan area includes over 390,000 people spread across two counties. Singles can’t possibly scour every corner of the city and meet every date prospect on their own. They need the sophisticated tools of a dating app to make it easier to identify compatibility and pick up a date. Dating apps are an undeniably convenient way to meet new people, and the following platforms have plenty of matching and messaging features to facilitate connections.

Match.com

★★★★★
4.9/5.0
Match.com

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

EliteSingles

★★★★★
4.9/5.0
EliteSingles

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

Zoosk

★★★★★
4.8/5.0
Zoosk

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
3

Salem Singles Bars

While it’s true that a lot of relationships are formed online these days, that doesn’t mean old-school face-to-face social interactions are dead and gone. On the contrary, some singles value in-person date locations even more now that they have experienced the sometimes impersonal and casual nature of the online world. If you prefer to do your flirting in person, then the bar scene can hook you up. The following neighborhood bars are popular in Salem and offer a low-key hangout for singles and couples alike.

1

South Liberty Bar & Grill

★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
4682 S Liberty Rd • Salem, OR 97302 (503) 363-2739 Visit Website
South Liberty Bar & Grill

South Liberty Bar & Grill always has something fun going on. The bar hosts pool tournaments, trivia nights, and live musical performances throughout the year. Every Monday, the kitchen serves $2 burgers and $1 fries until 10 p.m. Patrons also like to stop by for Taco Palooza on Wednesdays and Steak Night on Thursdays. These specials are dine-in only, so bring a healthy appetite and prepare to stay awhile. South Liberty transforms from dinner joint to nightclub on Saturdays when local bands come in and play their hearts out.

2

Honky Tonk Bar & Grill

★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
2275 McGilchrist St • Salem, OR 97302 (971) 239-4142 Visit Website
Honky Tonk Bar & Grill

You may not expect to find a full-fledged country bar in the heart of Salem, but the Honky Tonk Bar & Grill has struck a chord with local country music lovers. The honky tonk has billiard tables, slot machines, a fully stocked bar, and a dance floor to get people talking and laughing in no time. The Honky Tonk's wild karaoke nights encourage people to let go of their inhibitions and do their best Johnny Cash or Shania Twain impressions. If you're looking for a down-to-earth place to drink beer, line dance, and pick up a date, this is the place for you.

3

Magoo's Sports Bar

★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
275 Commercial St • Salem, OR 97301 (503) 363-5836 Visit Website
Magoo's Sports Bar

Named after Mr. Magoo, a beloved cartoon character, Magoo's Sports Bar is a lovably old-fashioned bar. Since 1971, locals have crammed into the bar to watch a sports game, have a few rounds of drinks, and play bar games all night long. The bar stays open until 1:30 a.m. on the weekends, and it opens early in the morning for Sunday football. Its dedication to sports fans and beer lovers has kept this establishment in business for nearly 50 years. You can get into the action during happy hours or game days at Magoo's.

4

Half Penny Public House

★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
3743 Commercial St • Salem, OR 97302 (503) 540-5899 Visit Website
Half Penny Public House

Since it was established in 2009, Half Penny Public House has delighted Salem locals with its low prices and musical events. This fun-loving Irish pub has something going on every day of the week from Trivia Tuesdays to Sunday brunch. The owner Monty Miller named his bar in honor of the Dublin bridge he walked over every day as he worked as a bartender. Today, Monty still likes to spend time behind the bar serving drinks and talking to customers. "We strive to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere," he said. "Our goal is for everyone who checks us out the first time to return time and time again."

5

Brown's Towne Lounge

★★★★★ 4.6/5.0
145 NE Liberty St • Salem, OR 97301 (503) 391-9977 Visit Website
Brown's Towne Lounge

Brown's Towne Lounge serves top-quality food and drinks in a laid-back tavern atmosphere. Many regulars show up after work to grab a bite and have a chat with new and old friends. Brown's Towne Lounge's all-natural burger in a freshly baked bun is a crowd-pleaser, and it has even been voted the best burger in Salem. Since 2008, Brown's Towne Lounge has satisfied people's cravings with its classic pub grub and imaginative drinks.

6

The Victory Club

★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
155 NE Liberty St • Salem, OR 97301 (971) 304-0004 Visit Website
The Victory Club

The Victory Club aims to be more than just a bar. The owners have created a unique gathering place where people socialize over locally crafted beer and colorful cocktails. There's no cover charge or drink minimum here. Singles can just show up and relax in a friendly setting. The bar's last call is at midnight on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and lots of people stick around late into the night. The Victory Club regularly features tap takeovers, trivia nights, live music, and karaoke nights, so check out the calendar before you stop by.

4

Salem Speed Dating

Salem Speed Dating

Dating one person at a time can sometimes feel like taking a Cherriots bus across town. It’s a lot of stopping and starting and stopping again. If you want to pick up the pace and get better results, you may want to look into attending a speed dating event near you. Speed dating involves meeting a lot of singles at once and establishing a mutual connection within a quick and painless chat. This efficient system can save singles time in the search for the one.

5

Salem Singles Events

Salem Singles Events

Singles events give people the opportunity to make friends, develop crushes, and build relationships in a casual setting. You can slow down and get to know people while hiking, bowling, skiing, or doing other group activities together. People attend singles events because they want to meet new people, and that creates a fun and exciting atmosphere where romance is always on the table. You can browse Meetup’s calendar to find singles-friendly gatherings taking place throughout Salem.

6

Salem Singles Clubs

Salem Singles Clubs

The moment you step foot in a club, the music carries you away and gets your blood pumping. Nightclubs give singles the space to let go of their worries and just be. You can live in the moment and express your emotions on the dance floor, and your dance moves just might attract singles to you. Salem has a vibrant downtown scene where quite a few clubs pack in the crowds on the weekends. Whether you’re in the mood to swing dance or twerk, you can find a club to keep you entertained throughout the night.

7

Salem Chat Rooms

Striking up a conversation with someone you don’t know can be intimidating, but a chat room helps take the pressure off singles. Some people find it easier to be smooth and suave when they can think before they type, and they make a better first impression in this forum. Instead of getting tongue-tied in person, singles can say what’s on their minds and stay in their comfort zones while flirting up a storm. Most chat rooms are free to join and offer unlimited access to live discussions between local singles.

8

Salem Personals

Don’t want to mess around with swiping and matching? Then you should try a dating personals sites. These platforms are very straightforward and easy to use. New members create a dating personals ad to post on the site and then search for local dates in the listings. The personals ads don’t usually go into much detail — no full names and no background information — so you’ll have to send a message if you want to learn more. The purpose of a dating personals site is to introduce locals to one another as quickly as possible so they can form relationships IRL.

9

Turn a New Page at the Bookstore

Salem has many tourist attractions, including a riverfront carousel, an opera house, and apple orchards, but, personally, my first stop in the city has to be to the Book Bin. This two-story bookstore has been around since 1984, and it has an impressive collection of fiction and nonfiction.

The Book Bin is great for singles who just want some quiet time wandering the stacks, but it also provides a community hub where book lovers can get involved in book clubs, author meet-and-greets, and open-mic poetry nights.

Photo of the Book Bin in Salem, OR

Book lovers can mingle and find romance between the shelves of a bookstore.

The bookstore may not be the most obvious place to meet people, but don’t judge it by its cover. A lot of locals go to Escape Fiction Books or Reader’s Guide in search of entertainment or intellectual stimulation, and they’re often open to giving and receiving book recommendations from fellow readers. Who knows? You could start a love story by talking about how much you love stories.

This Pacific Northwest Town is a Fertile Dating Ground

From the bustling downtown to the surrounding mountains, Salem is a multifaceted city full of things to explore. Singles can take advantage of their surroundings and make inroads in town by going out to meet new people.

Whether you’re more comfortable mingling online or offline, you have a lot of good options in Salem. You can grab a drink at a bar, sign up for a dating site, or attend a local meetup to get things rolling. Hopefully, these strategies have given you some good ideas for going out and meeting people.

We recommend trying multiple dating strategies to see which one(s) work for you. Remember, the more things you try, the more likely you are to make a deep connection. Good luck!

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