Young adults seeking to get married may find better success by looking beyond traditional career hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C., according to new research from the Institute for Family Studies. The report, "Mapping Marriage in America," indicates that cities and towns in Middle America, the South, and parts of the Rocky Mountain West offer more conducive environments for marriage.
The study found that areas in states such as Utah, Indiana, Colorado, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas showed higher rates of marriage among never-married adults aged 22 to 39. Provo, Utah, a predominantly Mormon community, reported the highest rate, with over one in ten never-married adults in this age group getting married in the past year. Other locations with strong marriage rates include Colorado Springs, Colorado; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Fort Walton Beach, Florida; and Franklin, Tennessee, where nearly one in ten young, unmarried adults married last year.
In contrast, coastal cities saw significantly lower marriage rates, with approximately one in twenty young adults who have never been married tying the knot annually. This trend has led some, like Elizabeth, an attorney who moved to New York after graduating from a top law school, to re-evaluate their approach to relationships and career.
Elizabeth described New York as a challenging dating environment, noting that many men her age were not interested in marriage, while those who were often significantly older. She found that people in the city were frequently on different pages regarding religious, cultural, or relational goals, with some seeking casual relationships and others looking to settle down.
The research suggests that a "Midas mindset," where young professionals prioritize career advancement over personal relationships, might contribute to these disparities. Graduates from prestigious universities often move to large cities for careers in fields like finance, law, and entertainment, a decision that may inadvertently impact their marriage prospects.
Cities that appear to foster marriageability often have above-average numbers of single men working full-time and a higher proportion of married residents. Some of these locations also host military bases, which can contribute a demographic of gainfully employed and potentially more marriage-minded men.
For individuals prioritizing marriage, the study suggests considering locations like Nashville early in their careers, rather than major metropolitan centers known for demanding professional cultures. The research indicates that geography can play a role in finding a suitable partner, with environments that support a strong marriage culture and an abundance of marriage-minded men potentially increasing the odds of finding a spouse.