Asheville, North Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Asheville, North Carolina, has been recognized as the eighth best city for singles in a recent study by Zumper. The city boasts top rankings for dining and entertainment options, making it appealing for singles seeking vibrant social environments. Named a ‘cultural hotspot,’ Asheville excels in restaurants and entertainment per capita, while also achieving high marks in nightlife. However, it faces challenges in median income and cost of living, providing a mixed overview of its attractiveness to singles.
Asheville, North Carolina has been recognized as one of the best cities for singles, securing the eighth position in a recent study conducted by Zumper, released on October 13, 2025. The study evaluated the top 100 most populated U.S. cities based on various important factors catered to singles, such as dining options and nightlife activities.
Asheville has been characterized as a “cultural hotspot,” drawing attention from younger populations and singles looking for engaging social environments. The city not only ranked first in the nation for both restaurants and entertainment per capita, but also came in second for nightlife per capita, underlining its appeal as a destination for social activities.
Study Details
To compile the rankings, Zumper utilized a variety of metrics, including:
- Percentage of singles
- Median one-bedroom rent
- Restaurants per capita
- Nightlife per capita
- Entertainment per capita
- Cost of living index
- Median nonfamily income
- Unemployment rate
Each city was assigned letter grades in the eight categories analyzed, providing a comprehensive overview of their attractiveness to singles.
Asheville’s Performance
Asheville excelled in several aspects, earning an A grade for:
- Restaurants
- Entertainment
- Nightlife
- Unemployment rate
However, the city received a C grade for:
- Single population
- Median one-bedroom rent
- Cost of living index
Additionally, Asheville was assigned a D grade for median nonfamily income, indicating room for improvement in that area. Overall, the report characterized Asheville as “a vibrant option for singles who prioritize social life and experiences.”
Conclusion
The findings from this study affirm Asheville’s position as a unique and vibrant city ripe for social engagement, appealing especially to the singles demographic. The qualitative and quantitative data highlight the factors leading to its high ranking and attract residents seeking a lively lifestyle.
FAQ
What ranking did Asheville receive for singles?
Asheville, North Carolina has been ranked as one of the best cities for singles, placing eighth in a recent study released by Zumper on October 13, 2025.
What criteria were analyzed in the study?
The study analyzed the top 100 most populous U.S. cities based on various factors such as restaurants and nightlife.
What grades did Asheville receive?
Asheville received an “A” grade for restaurants, entertainment, nightlife, and unemployment rate, a “C” grade for single population, median one-bedroom rent, and cost of living index, and a “D” grade for median nonfamily income.
Key Features of Asheville for Singles
| Feature | Asheville’s Ranking/Grade |
|---|---|
| Restaurants per capita | 1st in the country |
| Entertainment per capita | 1st in the country |
| Nightlife per capita | 2nd in the country |
| Single population | C grade |
| Median one-bedroom rent | C grade |
| Cost of living index | C grade |
| Median nonfamily income | D grade |
| Unemployment rate | A grade |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Ranked Best Cities for Singles
- Charlotte Observer: Travel Article
- New Santa Ana: Santa Ana Ranked Worst City for Singles
- SmartAsset: Best Cities for Singles
- 828 News: Servin’ Up Love Benefit
- Wikipedia: Asheville
- Google Search: Best Cities for Singles
- Google Scholar: Asheville Singles Study
- Google News: Asheville Singles
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
