Best Dating Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
One of the most difficult parts of moving to a new place is introducing yourself to a new social scene. It’s hard to know where to begin when you don’t know the area or the people. That’s why Anshum888 reached out to locals on a discussion forum.
“I’m new to Syracuse,” Anshum888 wrote. “I was wondering where do you meet new people around here?”
Unfortunately, although the post was read over 1,000 times, only one person actually made a suggestion to Anshum888. The Syracuse forum left Anshum888 hanging, but we’re not going to let local singles down. We’ve come up with nine recommendations for anyone hoping to meet singles and make a date in Syracuse, New York.
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Syracuse Dating Sites
Online dating has become one of the most popular ways to meet singles today. In fact, almost 40% of straight couples in the U.S. say they met online, while 60% of same-sex couples originally met online. Whether you’re looking for a short-term date or a long-term love, you can use popular dating sites to up your odds of meeting someone special.
Best Singles Site
Match is one of the world’s most successful and longest running dating sites, and as such it has a massive global following. Millions of singles have found love on the site, and every favorable match has helped the algorithm learn how to identify true, lasting compatibility.
★★★★★
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
EliteSingles is a dating site for the upper crust. Upstate New Yorkers will feel right at home in this selective dating community. Over 80% of members have graduated college, and over 90% say they want to get in a relationship. EliteSingles uses a smart matching system to exceed the expectations of its sophisticated members.
★★★★★
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 |
Over 50 & Senior Sites
Once you reach a certain age, dating can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, OurTime can lighten the load and take some of the stress out of the senior dating experience. This niche dating site caters to the over-50 crowd and has beginner-friendly matching features to help ease mature singles to the online dating scene.
★★★★★
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
Nearly one-third of Syracuse residents are African-American, and these singles aren’t always satisfied by the general dating scene. Sometimes singles feel more comfortable in communities where they’re in the majority. BlackPeopleMeet puts black and biracial singles in control by giving them a space where they can explore local dating opportunities and meet people who share similar perspectives.
★★★★★
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
Adult Friend Finder (AFF) is the top hookup app for adults seeking a wild time. Singles and swingers of all backgrounds have come here searching for romance, and the X-rated chat rooms do not disappoint. AFF’s sexually charged energy and mature content is great for casual daters on the prowl.
★★★★★
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
Dating apps have transformed the dating experience by making local hotties more accessible. It’s easy to spark a connection by using the app’s fast-paced mutual matching system. Within a few swipes, you can make a promising match and start a conversation that could quickly lead to a real-life date. We’ve ranked some of our favorite dating apps (most of which are also dating sites) to help singles get out of their shells and introduce themselves to the ‘Cuse dating scene.
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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Syracuse Singles Bars
Now that we’ve dispensed with the online options, let’s get to the IRL date strategies for singles who prefer flirting in person. The bar scene offers many social opportunities for anyone seeking a drinking buddy, a one-night stand, or a new love interest. This casual environment can stimulate conversation, and you can spend many happy hours enjoying yourself. Some bars feature live music while others host karaoke nights, and it’s worth exploring these events if you want to take action in the local dating scene.
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Al's Wine & Whiskey Lounge
Al's Wine & Whiskey Lounge is a quiet place to sample premier wines and whiskeys paired with artisanal cheese or cured meats. The wine bar has been around since 2006, and in that time it has established a reputation as a high-class hangout in downtown Syracuse. You can sit and talk for hours on the cozy couches, and the bar even brings in jazz bands and guitar players on occasion. Check out Al's events calendar to find out when the next concert, trivia night, or tasting session will be.
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Shifty's Bar & Grill
Shifty's Bar & Grill promises to delight crowds with its hot wings and live musical performances. The bar originally opened in 1969, and it has been going strong ever since. The secret to its longevity can be found right behind the bar. No, not the cold beers on tap. The friendly staff members are the true heart of Shifty's, and they go out of their way to see that people have a good time. Shifty's brings in live bands five nights a week, so you can kick back and have a great time among friends.
3
Wolff's Biergarten
Wolff's Biergarten has brought a little piece of Germany to downtown Syracuse and invited folks to sample German beer, sausages, and peanuts. The bar is the place to go during soccer (aka football) games, and it was even voted the second best soccer bar in the U.S. Two-for-one happy hours on German beer last from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on weekdays, and its game-day watch parties are can't-miss events. At Wolff's Biergarten, it's always Oktoberfest, so grab a beer and say, "Prost!"
4
Kitty Hoyne's Irish Pub
Since 1996, Kitty Hoyne's Irish Pub has been serving cold beers and warm smiles to every customer that graces its doors. The bar has an old-world feel to it with a sleek wooden bar and quaint knickknack decorations. Kitty Hoyne's is a come-as-you-are bar and restaurant with the largest selection of whiskey in Upstate New York. The menu includes classic Irish dishes that represent the Hoynes family legacy. You may come for the family-style pub grub, but you'll stay for the fun atmosphere, live music, and special events that celebrate the local Irish community.
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Blue Tusk
Beer lovers flock to Blue Tusk to explore its lengthy brew list, which includes local and international beers. What's more, the bar's happy hour extends from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. six days a week, and its tasty carving board specials have become the talk of the town. Every Monday, the Blue Tusk gets the crowd excited by hosting a game night starting at 6 p.m. This could be a good icebreaker for singles hoping to meet someone new. It's no wonder "All About Beer Magazine" named Blue Tusk among its top 125 places to go before you die.
6
Faegan's Cafe & Pub
Because of its convenient location, Faegan's Cafe & Pub is popular among college students at Syracuse University. The bar serves affordable drinks and pub grub made to order, and its last call isn't until 2 a.m. Many locals praise the wacky, fun-loving, beer-guzzling atmosphere at Faegan's. On Tuesday nights, Faegan's challenges its guests to take part in a world beer tour and spend an hour sampling four beers at designated destinations. This beertastic scavenger hunt is perfect for daters who want to try something new.
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Syracuse Speed Dating
Tired of dating in the slow lane? Speed dating events can kick your love life into high gear and help you get where you want to be. People show up at a speed dating event ready to mingle, and they put their best foot forward in conversation after conversation. You can quickly sort through dozens of date prospects this way and wind up with a list of mutual matches to pursue when the night is done. Hundreds of Syracuse singles have expressed interest in Pre-Dating speed dating events, which take place across the country.
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Syracuse Singles Events
Singles events are basically social meetups where eligible men and women can mingle freely. The casual environment encourages people to be themselves, make fast friends, and become part of a community. Most singles events revolve around some sort of activity — some groups play cards in coffee shops while others watch sports games at bars — and appeal to outgoing folks looking to expand their social networks.
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Syracuse Singles Clubs
When you’re dancing at a club, you can forget all your cares and insecurities. You don’t have to be the cleverest or loudest person in the room to attract attention here — a killer dance move or a killer smile will do the trick. Singles love the high tempo and electric energy of the club, and it has seduced many individuals looking for a good time. You can show up to the nightclub by yourself or with friends, but you’d better show up in the mood to party all night long.
7
Syracuse Chat Rooms
You can bring out your talkative side in a singles chat room. These safe, flirty forums offer adults the opportunity to get to know one another without having to go through a lot of effort. That means no lengthy profiles, no minimum characters, and no complex matching systems. You simply sign up and get chatting. If you like where the conversation is going, you can invite your online crush into a private chat and build an intimate relationship.
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Syracuse Personals
Online personals sites give singles a straightforward way to meet one another. Every personal ad clearly states what that person is looking for, and then it’s up to singles to respond or not. You don’t have to post an ad to respond to an ad, so there’s a degree of anonymity here that makes daters feel free to pursue their passions. If you’re tired of beating around the bush in the general dating scene, you may find the emotionally honest and sexually explicit dating personals are a welcome change of pace.
9
Volunteer With a Charity or Nonprofit
Volunteer events can gives singles the chance to network with many kindhearted and hard-working people, and it’s a great way to make a difference while making new friends.
You can volunteer with the Salvation Army to meet singles in Syracuse.
You don’t need to have any prior experience to help out at most volunteer events, and you can use Volunteer Match to find volunteer opportunities that fit your interests.
The Salvation Army is always looking for volunteers to lend a hand with its day care centers, after-school programs, senior centers, basketball tournaments, and other special events. The Syracuse branch of the Salvation Army has over 40 programs serving over 38,000 people.
Around the holiday season, the spirit of charity and goodwill brings many volunteers out of their homes to lend a helping hand. You can get to know many lovely folks by spending time at local volunteer days.
Make Dates, Not Excuses, in the Heart of New York
Anshum888 moved to Syracuse for a summer internship and hoped to make fast friends in town. However, singles have to know where to go to find opportunities to mingle and build relationships. This list can give singles some good ideas and resources, but it’s up to individuals to decide where they feel the most comfortable and confident.
Whether you prefer flirting online or offline, you can land hot dates by consistently putting yourself out there and approaching singles. Syracuse offers a number of great social spaces where you can meet people who share similar interests, values, and relationship goals. You don’t need a canned pickup line to win someone over here — just say “Hi” and see where the conversation leads you. Good luck!
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