Call me surprised, but Texas is apparently a dating hotspot.

I’ll be honest: whenever a national survey ranks states on anything lifestyle-related, Texas usually ends up somewhere between “meh” and “yikes.” So imagine my surprise when I found out the Lone Star State is suddenly one of the best places for singles looking for love.

Yep. According to WalletHub, Texas just landed third place in their Best & Worst States for Singles 2026 report. Third! Behind only Florida and New York — and even edging out California. That’s some rare air for us.

What Makes Texas So Date-Friendly?

The study breaks things into three major categories:

Dating Opportunities
Includes metrics like the share of single adults and openness to relationships. Apparently, Texas is absolutely stacked here.

Dating Economics
Translation: how expensive (or cheap) it is to date. Texas offers a good mix of affordability and access.

Romance & Fun Rank
Everything from nightlife to recreation to cultural events. Turns out, we’re more romantic than we give ourselves credit for.

If you’ve ever spent an evening in Austin, Dallas, Houston, or even right here in Lubbock, you know Texas isn’t exactly hurting for fun things to do with a date.

Meanwhile, Our Neighbors… Not So Much

Our friends directly to the west in New Mexico didn’t fare nearly as well, landing at #40. And if you’re wondering where the dating scene goes to die, the bottom of the list says it all:

#49 — Arkansas

#50 — West Virginia

Oof.

The Big Picture

So what does this mean? Maybe Texas is finally getting credit for something we’ve known all along:
There’s a whole lot of heart in the Lone Star State.

Read More: Celebrate Valentine’s Day With Jalapeño Poppers In Lubbock

Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, affordability, or just a dating pool that isn’t a ghost town, Texas quietly checks a lot of boxes.

What Went Wrong on Your Date? Lubbock Has Stories

Happily ever after is harder to find in Lubbock than you think.

Gallery Credit: Chrissy

Lubbock’s Best Appetizers: Must-Try Starters at Local Restaurants

Discover some of the best appetizers in Lubbock, from shareable starters and classic favorites to unique dishes locals love to order. This photo gallery highlights must-try appetizers from popular Lubbock restaurants, perfect for your next night out or casual meal.

Gallery Credit: Renee Raven