Top 10 Best Sites
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The founding story of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is the story of two cities uniting into one. Early American settlers came to this area in 1753, and they chose the name Salem for their new town as a biblical reference to Shalom, the peaceful Canaanite city in the Book of Genesis.
The Salem congregation later sold land north of the town and called it “the country town.” In 1851, it was renamed Winston to honor Revolutionary War hero Joseph Winston. Over the years, Winston and Salem grew closer together until they’d blended into a seamless and prosperous community. In the 1880s, the U.S. Post Office began referring to the two towns as Winston-Salem, and the name stuck.
Today, Winston-Salem is the fifth most populous city in North Carolina with a population of over 250,000 people. If you want to meet people in the Twin City and get in sync with a special someone, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve pooled our resources to help you strike that perfect harmony and become stronger together.
1
Winston-Salem Dating Sites
No matter where you live, online dating is the best way to meet dateworthy folks who share similar backgrounds, ideals, and interests. You can use advanced search tools to narrow a vast dating field to a few promising date candidates. Most dating sites promote free sign-ups and unlimited profile browsing so you can take a look around and decide if the network has anything of value to offer you.
Best Singles Site
Match is the cream of the online dating crop. It’s the oldest existing dating site, and it has millions of active users all around the world. Singles of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations can rely on this all-encompassing site to find them compatible dates in their area.
★★★★★
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
The tobacco and textile trade used to rule supreme in Winston-Salem, but now the nanotech and biotech fields are on the rise and creating professional jobs that didn’t exist a few decades ago. Young professionals in the city can meet singles on their level by signing up to EliteSingles, an upscale dating site. This network caters to relationship-minded and college-educated singles in the U.S. and abroad.
★★★★★
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
CBS MoneyWatch named Winston-Salem one of the 10 best places to retire in the U.S. in 2012 because of its affordable home prices and convenient mass transit service. Today, many senior singles call the city home. If you want to find a mature date in this booming community, you can use OurTime to connect online and build lasting relationships.
★★★★★
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
Winston-Salem is a diverse city in North Carolina with almost 32% of the population identifying as African-American. Black singles seeking a date here can use BlackPeopleMeet to their advantage. This fast-growing niche dating site has the largest network of Black and biracial singles in the U.S.
★★★★★
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, we recommend horny singles create a free account on Adult Friend Finder to meet hot dates on the fly. The singles here aren’t looking for a big commitment and a happily-ever-after romance — they just want to get laid. That’s what makes it so exciting to browse, chat, video chat, and mingle on this casual dating site.
★★★★★
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 |
2
Popular Dating Apps
Dating apps are like portable dating sites, so they’re obviously most convenient for busy singles on the go. Because you can’t be glued to your laptop 24/7, but your smartphone can stay with you wherever you go. The easy access to profiles and the instant messaging can appeal to singles seeking a fast connection and a compatible date. We’ve reviewed some of our favorite mobile dating networks to help you get swiping and matching.
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 |
3
Winston-Salem Singles Bars
Before online dating exploded into our lives, meeting new people was a face-to-face thing. You would hang out at a bar and make eyes at the hotties who interested you. Some people still prefer that old-school way to pick up a date. The bar scene remains fairly active on Friday and Saturday nights, especially in a college town like Winston-Salem.
1
Reboot Arcade Bar
If you're looking for a fun and social environment, you can't beat a good, nostalgic arcade bar. The Reboot Arcade Bar is a favorite among gamer singles with a competitive streak. The nostalgic 1980s-inspired decor excites adults who are children at heart. After 9 p.m., the bar switches from a family-friendly hangout to a 21-and-older bar where signature cocktails and craft beer fuel fun and excitement. As soon as you show up to the Reboot Arcade Bar, it's game on.
2
Tate's Craft Cocktails
Tate's Craft Cocktails offers a modern and laid-back bar where the drinks are always on point. Whether you order a mint julep or a rock candy cocktail, you'll be wowed by these inventive and tasty drinks. The courteous and knowledgeable staff runs around making sure everyone is having a wonderful time. This upscale place may be on the pricier side, but that's the price you pay for quality. Many patrons say Tate's Craft Cocktails serves the best signature cocktails in town.
3
Bull's Tavern
Located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem, the Bull's Tavern is a popular watering hole with an extensive beer, wine, and liquor selection. The bar also hosts live music performances four nights a week, and many couples use these concerts as an opportunity to dance together. Street parking is open to the public after 4 p.m. on weekends, so you shouldn't have any difficulty getting to this casual social hub.
4
Finnegan's Wake
Named for James Joyce's short story, Finnegan's Wake is an Irish pub with a lot of old-world style. Since 2006, the bar has offered an imaginative range of microbrews and Irish whiskeys. Many locals praise its late-night, made-from-scratch comfort food, which includes traditional Scotch eggs, bangers and mash, and a Blarney Burger with diced pickles and onions. The bar opens its doors at 11 a.m. and stays open until 2 a.m. every single day of the week, so you can linger for hours surrounded by good food and good company.
5
Single Brothers
Looking for a tasty and affordable cocktail? Then you have to visit Single Brothers on Trade Street. The bar uses fresh ingredients to whip up the kind of drinks you immediately Instagram, text your friends about, and savor every last drop. You'll have a ball exploring this sizable drinks menu. The outside patio is the go-to spot for friend groups, singles, and daters interested in having an intimate conversation.
6
Hoots Beer Co.
Many locals agree that Hoots Beer Co. serves some of the best brews in town. The faceless founders claim their craft beer is "made with love and magic" and invite patrons to join this mysterious brotherhood (and sisterhood) of beer lovers. Hoots Beer Co., aka HBC, doesn't put on airs or jack up prices. They simply offer traditional brews fashioned with down-to-earth blue-collar pride. Singles can mingle on the Porch or in the pour room and make some magic happen.
4
Winston-Salem Speed Dating
Speed dating events offer a rare opportunity to skip the small talk and get right down to the serious business of making a match. Singles at these fun events spend an evening chatting with dozens of date candidates and identifying the ones who have romantic potential. The well-organized speed date format keeps singles invested in the dating process and makes it easy to discover mutual attraction. You can search on Eventbrite to find out if a speed dating event is happening near you.
5
Winston-Salem Singles Events
If you ask me, dating is the most fun when it’s done in a casual and friendly environment. It’s easy to spark a connection when you’re surrounded by singles who want to meet someone too. That’s the magic of a singles event. These meetups and mixers provide attendees with a low-key setting where people can just talk and get to know one another. We recommend searching Meetup by interest, location, or the keyword “singles” to find low-pressure date opportunities.
6
Winston-Salem Singles Clubs
As the City of Arts and Innovation, Winston-Salem has a vibrant cultural scene and musical tradition. You don’t have to go to the symphony to hear talented musicians play — the local nightclubs promote live music and DJs on the weekends. You can relax with a craft cocktail by the bar, sit with a beer on the lounge, or get up and dance in a throng of people. This electric and youthful setting is ideally suited to singles hoping to find romance on the dance floor.
7
Winston-Salem Chat Rooms
Let’s face it, singles live busy lives, and they don’t have the time or energy to go out and find a date IRL. Thanks to the internet, you can stay home and still meet people on a popular singles chat room. This low-key and flirtatious environment is open to everyone 24/7, so you can start chatting on your schedule. You don’t need to use your real name to join the conversation. From start to finish, online chat rooms allow singles to stay in their comfort zones while meeting new people.
8
Winston-Salem Personals
Dating personals sites are basically quick and easy dating sites. You don’t have to mess around with a complicated sign-up process or match algorithms. Your profile lists your age, location, and what you’re looking for, and that’s about it. You can create a personal ad to attract messages from local singles and spark a fast connection online.
9
Volunteer With a Cause Close to Your Heart
You may not think of volunteering when you think of romantic activities, but it’s actually a wonderful way to meet people who share the same interests and values you do. A local volunteer project brings people together under a common cause and can turn acquaintances into good friends in just a few hours.
Kathleen and Brian Griffith met while volunteering at a camp and are now happily married activists.
We recommend joining a volunteer group to meet kindhearted people and build close bonds as you better the community. Winston-Salem offers plenty of opportunities to get involved, and you can search VolunteerMatch to find a volunteer event near you.
H.O.P.E. volunteer Kathleen Griffith met her future husband Ben while volunteering at a camp for cancer survivors. They continue to volunteer together and even bring their children along to teach them good values.
H.O.P.E. of Winston-Salem is a popular nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger in children ages 0-4. Now that’s a cause we can all get behind. HOPE or Help Our People Eat fights hunger throughout Forsyth County by plating free meals, seeking canned food donations, and raising money at charity events.
You can join these bakers, food bank shoppers, lunch bag assemblers, and delivery drivers as a volunteer to do your part to make a difference alongside a hopeful team.
Meet Your Other Half in the Twin City
You never know where life can take you. When settlers made a life for themselves in North Carolina, they didn’t know if their fledgling town would last. All they could do was trust in themselves, say a little prayer, and hope for the best. Though Winston and Salem began as separate towns, the people found they had more that united them than separated them, and so Winston-Salem was born.
Today’s singles may not know what lies ahead on the road to love, but they can always reach out to others to make the journey a little easier and more enjoyable. By bonding with your neighbors and forging deep friendships, you can expand your horizons and give yourself the opportunity to grow in ways that may not have been possible alone. You never know what could happen when you extend that helping hand and collaborate with others.
Whether they’re old, young, gay, or straight, Winston-Salem singles can spark a romantic connection in Cigarette City by using the resources in this list to meet dateworthy people in person or online. Good luck!
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