Best Cities for Newlyweds to Start Their Life Together

The stats are in and these cities rank the highest in affordability, housing options, epic date night spots and more.

Best Cities for Newlyweds to Move to

Couple Enjoying Ice Cream on Seattle Pier

Your wedding day might feel like the best day of your life, but after the honeymoon is over, your real life together begins. The first big decision newlyweds make is where to settle down. Your environment can help or hurt your relationship, so it's important to choose an area that supports your priorities and interests as a couple.

Based on statistics affecting marriages — like marriage and divorce rates, average household income, housing availability, number of restaurants and variety of couples activities — we ranked the top 10 cities for newlyweds to consider moving to and starting a new life.

10. Gilbert, Arizona

Aerial View of Downtown Gilbert, Arizona

Married population: 57.6 percent

Divorced population: 10.4 percent

Household income: $107,786

25-44 year-olds: 29 percent

Home index: 68.5

Sports and nature index: 63.7

Note: All data is based on a study by Storage Cafe unless otherwise noted.

Why Newlyweds Love Gilbert

While Gilbert didn't earn the top spot, this neighbor of Scottsdale isn't a bad place to live. It has the second-highest number of married people and people of average marrying age encompass about a third of the city's population. In other words, if you still need to find a partner, heading to Scottsdale isn't the worst idea.

Scottsdale also has a low unemployment rate of just 2.4%, so newlyweds have an excellent chance at finding a job near home. The pay is decent too, so Scottsdale couples should be able to enjoy plenty of nights out trying one of the many restaurants spread throughout the city.

9. Seattle, Washington

Married population: 40.3 percent

Divorced population: 11.2 percent

Household income: $135,662

25-44 year-olds: 42 percent

Home index: 90.5

Sports and nature index: 44.0

Why Newlyweds Love Seattle

Seattle catches a lot of heat for its constant stream of drizzle from about November through March, but all the gloom and grey results in plentiful greenery and stunning wildflowers. It's also a hot spot for young newlyweds, with 3.4 restaurants for every 1,000 residents and the second-highest annual income in the top 10. It's also known for having great school districts and plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation.

8. Lincoln, Nebraska

Married population: 45.3 percent

Divorced population: 11 percent

Household income: $69,651

25-44 year-olds: 27 percent

Home index: 21.5

Sports and nature index: 35.5

Why Newlyweds Love Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska is the only city in the Midwest that cracked the top 10. In 2023, it was ranked as one of the best cities to move to in all of Nebraska — and for good reason. It has one of the lowest unemployment rates nationwide, homes are pretty affordable and there are tons of recreation venues around to keep couples entertained. Lincoln also has an excellent children's museum. Take the kids there to play and then hit Kinkaider Brewing for a chill night out.

7. Chesapeake, Virginia

Married population: 53.75 percent

Divorced population: 11.9 percent

Household income: $94,659

25-44 year-olds: 28 percent

Home index: 37.0

Sports and nature index: 31.1

Why Newlyweds Love Chesapeake

Chesapeake Virginia USA Waterfront Houses

Chesapeake is almost as beloved as Virginia Beach. With an average household income of $95,000, Chesapeake couples should have plenty of disposable funds to enjoy the city's widespread entertainment venues. If outdoor recreation is more your thing, there are tons of tennis, basketball and pickleball courts, as well as hiking and biking trails. It's also a great pick for dog owners, with 3.4 parks for every 10 thousand residents.

6. Fremont, California

Married population: 61.95 percent

Divorced population: 6.1 percent

Household income: $186,009

25-44 year-olds: 33 percent

Home index: 92.0

Sports and nature index: 58.2

Why Newlyweds Love Fremont

Panoramic shot of the beautiful view in Mission Peak Regional Preserve, located in Fremont, USA

Techies, rejoice. Fremont is a suburb in San Jose near Silicon Valley with endless opportunities for employment in the booming tech industry. It also boasts the highest marriage rates and lowest percentage of divorced population at just 6 percent.

Whatever Fremont is doing, the city clearly supports healthy, happy relationships. A good work-life balance is a contributing factor, plus dozens of bowling alleys, mini golf places, gyms, restaurants, gardens and museums to visit together.

5. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Married population: 50.8 percent

Divorced population: 13.2 percent

Household income: $81,283

25-44 year-olds: 30 percent

Home index: 42.5

Sports and nature index: 33.5

Why Newlyweds Love Virginia Beach

Two people pushing their bike down a sandy beach access with a deserted shore and waves crashing

The coastal city of Virginia Beach is another Virginia hotspot for newlyweds. It's such a nice place to live that it's practically like being on a permanent honeymoon. About half the population is married, so making couple friends is a breeze. Once you do, there are more than enough delicious restaurants to visit together, plus a beautiful marina and several country clubs to enjoy. There are also 6.5 parks per 10 thousand residents, so plan on having plenty of picnics.

After lunch, head back to your relatively affordable home. Median prices are $239,000, which is below the national average and well within the budget of the average couple there. A gallon of gas is also lower than average, while the number of beautiful places to visit sits well above that of other cities.

4. Scottsdale, Arizona

Married population: 51.1 percent

Divorced population: 12.7 percent

Household income: $101,834

25-44 year-olds: 26 percent

Home index: 78.0

Sports and nature index: 38.9

Why Newlyweds Love Scottsdale

Scottsdale Arizona Waterfront Canal Scene

Sun worshippers are better off heading to sunny Scottsdale than anywhere in Virginia. Scottsdale is warm all year round and it boasts a surprisingly lively entertainment scene. The downtown area has an abundance of nightlife and moving to Scottsdale is easier than you might think. Homes aren't cheap, but the city has the second-highest inventory of available houses across the entire United States.

It also has one of the lowest price tags for fuel. Even with higher housing costs, affordable activities are widespread and easy to find. Go hiking, swimming or golfing, then head to a classical concert, try out an escape room, see a live stand up comedian or even take a ride in a hot air balloon.

3. Plano, Texas

Crepe Myrtles and Landscaping at Shops at Legacy

Married population: 57.0 percent

Divorced population: 10.9 percent

Household income: $97,953

25-44 year-olds: 29 percent

Home index: 69.5 percent

Sports and nature index: 33.1

Why Newlyweds Love Plano

The affordability and sunshine of Texas has sent residents of the overpriced, coastal state of California flocking there. About 60 percent of the population of Plano, Texas is married — and there's a lot more to love about the city. Plano has small town vibes with all the convenience of a larger city. Self-storage is affordable, as is gas, dining and housing.

In their free time, newlyweds have miles and miles of trails, plenty of sports courts and public pools galore for use during the hottest months of the year. Plano is also rated one of the best cities to raise a family, based on school ratings, safety and opportunities for recreation.

2. Irvine, California

Married population: 50.3 percent

Divorced population: 8.6 percent

Household income: $118,924

25-44 year-olds: 31 percent

Home index: 95.5

Sports and nature index: 27.2

Why Newlyweds Love Irvine, California

For those who can't stand being landlocked, Irvine, California is worth looking into. Housing here is expensive even for California, but the amenities are worth the elevated prices. It's a great place for married folks to settle down, especially for foodies. Irvine is a hotspot for diverse, delicious dining options, from top-notch Mexican food to Indian, Japanese and Brazilian eateries.

The city also has more basketball courts than any other in the country, with around 17 hoops for every 10 thousand residents. It's just as good for runners and bikers, with 14.6 miles of groomed trails per 10 thousand people. Sure, couples may need to save up for a house and settle for apartment living for a while, but the apartments there are so nice that it hardly matters.

1. Arlington, Virginia

Married population: 44 percent

Divorced population: 8.9 percent

Household income: $133,997

25-44 year-olds: 39 percent

Home index: 84.0

Sports and nature index: 28.1

Why Newlyweds Love Arlington

Based on all of the marriage-related factors put together, Arlington, Virginia comes out on top. The whole "Virginia is for lovers" slogan rings true, considering three of the top cities for newlyweds are found in the Mountain State. All of the cities mentioned are good choices, but Arlington is the best.

It has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country, and almost 40 percent of the population is of marrying age. Find your soulmate, find friends, then get outside and have a good time. Arlington is ranked as one of the top cities for maintaining an active lifestyle, with stunningly beautiful trails at every turn. Mt. Vernon Trail and the Potomac Overlook Trail are local favorites.