Riley Rojas, a social media content creator who moved from San Diego to Austin, Texas, told followers that men in the city are "so much nicer" and display more "southern hospitality," a claim she said comes from friends who have dated widely across the United States.
Rojas, who has lived in Austin for about two years and relocated with her now-fiancé, said she was initially doubtful about moving from California but has since heard consistent praise about the local dating scene from her single friends. "They said the men here are so much nicer, [they're] gentleman — just that southern hospitality," she said in a video highlighted in a Sept. 6 report.
In the video, Rojas said her friends told her that men in Austin were "much better than any other city they've dated in," and that the friends had dated in multiple other cities. Rojas, who often documents moving and lifestyle experiences on social media, framed the anecdote as a reason single people might consider relocating rather than continuing to rely on dating apps.
Austin sits in a state typically identified with conservative politics, but the city itself is widely regarded as more liberal and culturally different from much of Texas. The term "Bible Belt" commonly refers to a swath of the American South and parts of the Midwest where evangelical Protestantism has historically held strong cultural influence; Austin is often described as an outlier within that region because of its progressive politics and large tech and creative sectors.
Rojas's comments are anecdotal and reflect the experiences of her social circle rather than comprehensive data about dating behavior in Austin or the wider region. Her remarks align with a broader conversation about how local culture, social norms and demographic mixes can shape dating dynamics, but experts caution that individual experiences vary and are influenced by many factors including age, socioeconomic status and social networks.
Rojas's video follows a growing trend of influencers using personal relocation stories to offer lifestyle advice, including choices about where to live based on work, cost of living and social life. She has maintained an active presence on social platforms since moving, posting about both the challenges and perceived benefits of living in Austin.
The comments have drawn attention because they contrast common stereotypes of the Bible Belt with the lived experience Rojas describes in Austin, highlighting how cities within a region can differ markedly. Rojas's account provides one perspective on dating in the city but does not purport to represent broader statewide or regional patterns.