Finding Your Newlywed Nest: The Best Cities for Couples

The wedding bells may have barely stopped ringing but newlyweds face a big decision: Where should they plant their roots and build their happily ever after? For many people, moving to a new city is an exciting way to start their married adventure, but finding the perfect place is not easy. They must weigh up many factors such as job prospects, housing affordability, social activities and more besides.  

If you want a chance at a newlywed-friendly environment, some places will offer a far better start than others, according to a study by StorageCafé. They analyzed the best cities for newlyweds in the U.S., based on various factors that affect happiness and well-being. Factors like how easy it is to find a home, a job and a good deal on utilities, as well as how much fun you can have with your partner, were all taken into consideration during the study. They also analyzed air quality levels and the online popularity of couple activities. The study focused on cities with more than 200K people, so couples that decide to move into one of these top ranked locations can enjoy the perks of urban living to the fullest.

Virginia is a top choice for newlyweds, with three cities in the top 10, including the #1 spot. California and Arizona are also welcoming, with two cities each. These places offer a great mix of home comforts, work opportunities and entertainment in lovely settings for young couples.

Virginia is for lovers, with Arlington, VA, being the number one choice and two other cities making the cut

Virginia is a dream come true for newlyweds, with its laid-back vibe, generous incomes, abundant career opportunities, diverse housing options and plenty of fun things to do. 

Nearly half of the people here are happily married (44%), and the divorce rate is one of the lowest in the nation. Just over the Potomac River from DC, this is a place where love thrives. Most of the residents are millennials, with 39% of them being between 25 and 44 years old, making it easy for newlyweds to create new friendships with like-minded peers. The job market is booming, the unemployment rate is under 3%, and household incomes rank above the national average. 

Whether you’re on the lookout for a delicious meal at a local restaurant, a bowling night out or a country club experience for two, you’re bound to find what you’re after. Working out together is common for couples here, making Arlington one of the best locations for staying fit and healthy.

Virginia Beach and Chesapeake are hotspots for the honeymoon phase and beyond

Living happily ever after seems easier when everyone around you is doing the same. More than 50% of the population of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake are happily married and the majority are aged 25-44. This gives young couples the chance to find their community of neighbors and friends with similar interests. 

Getting a job in one of these cities is not a difficult task, judging by the low unemployment rates. The median price for a house is $239K, ranking below the national average.

When acquiring a new home and combining personal belongings into one common household, a storage unit can come in handy. Self storage is generally inexpensive in Virginia with storage units in Virginia Beach costing an average of $113/month, less than the national average of $127/month.

One of Virginia Beach’s inland neighbors, Chesapeake tugs at the heartstrings of freshly wedded couples in search of a place to settle down that combines a great mix of amenities. The average household income is a sizable $95K/year, which means couples have more money to dedicate to their favorite activities.  

California is a dreamy setting for newlyweds with two cities in the top 10

Irvine is a fine place for couples who love the outdoors and natural beauty. The city offers many activities to keep them fit and happy. The cost of living is higher than in most cities in California, but the residents earn well too, with an average household income of $119K/year. When it comes to dining, Irvine spoils couples with a diverse range of cuisines and plenty of restaurants to choose from. In fact, there are 2.4 restaurants for every 1,000 locals, which is higher than the national average of 1.7 per 1,000 people.

Fremont is a San Jose suburb near Silicon Valley where techie couples will find many career opportunities. It has the most married people (62%) and the least divorced people (6%) in our ranking. Young couples earn well, with an average of $186K per year per household. 

Also on the list of top Californian cities for newlyweds, in 18th position overall, is San Francisco. The City by the Bay has a high percentage of married residents, a low percentage of divorcees and a low unemployment rate of 2.9%. While living here is not cheap, San Francisco’s 25-44 year-olds bring home an average of $173K/year per household.

Texas says ‘I Do’ to young couples

Plano, TX, offers the best of both worlds: the charm of the small town along with big city amenities. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Almost 60% of the locals are married, and that could be you too. The average household earns around $100K per year, making living here comfortable and cozy.

Plano provides a balanced lifestyle for couples who are just starting out, as well as for those who want to raise their families in one of the most child-friendly cities in the country.

Austin, with its youthful vibe, is another magnet for newlyweds. The local real estate sector has been booming in the last 10 years, so housing will be the least of your worries. Romantic restaurants, entertainment activities and more than 15 music festivals every year create a vibrant atmosphere for couples who want to enjoy nights out together. 

Romance blossoms together with the cactuses in Arizona

The warm climate, along with the vibrant local economy and great lifestyle opportunities, makes Scottsdale a wonderful option for newlywed couples. More than half of the residents here are married, and houses are more affordable than in places such as the U.S.’s big coastal hubs. Scottsdale features an impressive number of high-end apartments, so it’s a truly viable option for multifamily housing. 

Gilbert would also be an inspired choice for young couples looking for a place to settle down. There are good chances of finding a job in town, and the household income is a sizable $108K/year.

Lincoln, NE, represents the Midwest in the top 10 for new spouses

Lincoln, NE, has been named one of the best places to live in Nebraska in 2023, making it a safe bet for the freshly married starting a new life. A large portion of the locals are married (45%) or in the 25-44 age range, the segment of the population that is most likely to get married in the near future. The city has a low rate of unemployment (2%) and reasonable house prices (an average of $207K), which could attract new couples who want to buy a home.

In Lincoln, couples will find a balanced mix of quiet neighborhoods and entertainment options.

These cozy nests for newlyweds have a diverse range of benefits. For ambitious couples who dream of owning a home, building a career and a family all while keeping the spark of romance alive, these cities are go-to options.