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How the 2023 Chicago Dating Scene Only Gets Finer with Time

by eharmony Editorial Team - August 9, 2022

The distinct skyscrapers looming overhead and the famously imposing big shoulders of its weather-hardened residents can sometimes seem to cast a brisk shadow on the city and your romantic chances all at once. However, the Chicago dating scene playing out amongst the glittering vista of steel, glass and concrete couldn’t be warmer, thanks to the city’s tireless activity and the affable, down-to-earth attitude of Chicago singles.  

And thanks to the increasingly universal adoption of online dating in the city, it’s only getting hotter every year. So, if you’re looking to get in on the fun and start dating, getting on a Chicago dating site should be high on your list of priorities. 

eharmony’s Chicago dating check


63.7%

of the Chicago population is single

according to the US Census Bureau

$$$

medium cost of dating in Chicago

top 3 Chicago date spots

Logan Arcade

Comedy at Second City

Walk along the 16th Street Murals


Finding other Chicago singles on and off the beaten path

In a city this big, where do you even start finding a potential partner? Most locals are famously neighborhood-bound and would probably answer, preferably within 5 miles of their house or at the very least on the same L line. And one of the great things about the city is there are so many exciting and eclectic singles in any given neighborhood, that there’s likely a good selection of Chicago dating opportunities near you.

The sprawling city is filled with such a huge variety of events and activities that it’s difficult to avoid meeting new people while also taking in boundless, unique experiences. So, if you’re willing to cast your net a little wider and brave the sometimes-forbidding Chicago outdoors, you may not only find your horizons broadened but also engage with a wider range of singles and possibly amongst them, your next great relationship.

But we also understand that life is a careful balance of responsibilities. Free time can often be a scarce commodity. Using online dating services in Chicago can be handy as they let you quickly get a picture of Chicago singles that are in your neighborhood and also let you set even more detailed preferences like the age range or even common interests. They also allow you to date from anywhere so you don’t have to worry about needing to leave the warm comfort of your apartment to get the ball rolling. 

Why you should start Chicago dating with eharmony

While eharmony is one of the oldest and consistently trusted names in the heavily cluttered online dating space, we’ve remained one of the industry’s leading companies because of our unique and highly data-informed approach to matching people based on their level of compatibility. An approach that thanks to over 2 decades of experience and refining, can’t really be duplicated.

We’ve also been able to deliver consistent results for our valued members by focusing on matching relationship-minded singles looking for sincere, meaningful connections rather than transient online flirtations.

  • By focusing on putting people in relationships, we’ve been able to grow a very extensive and varied member pool of high-quality singles interested in open-minded, respectful interactions.
  • Our successes in the Chicago dating scene, as well as internationally, have resulted in over 2 million people finding real love on our platform.
  • One would think this narrower focus would mean a slower success rate but we’ve found the opposite. Every 14 minutes someone finds love on eharmony!

 Let’s take a look at what’s involved in getting you out there and forging connections on our platform.

Your very own sidekick on your dating journey in Chicago

When people join eharmony, it’s not just to have access to our platform. It’s also to have a company that’s rooting for you. A service that supports you throughout your dating journey. And here’s how to start that journey:

  • Step one is the Compatibility Quiz. This quiz is how we get to know you and generate your Personality Profile, which we use to match you based on distinct personality traits.
  • Next up is setting up your profile. Time to shine. Share more than just the contents of your existence but also what’s in your heart.
  • Now you can check your Match List. These are all the international and Chicago singles that made the compatibility cut. Check their profile and find some that interest you.
  • Finally, it’s time to get in touch. Sick of plain text? Try our Icebreaker.

These additional features will also help you on your journey.

Sort through the maze of Chicago dating with our filters

After setting your maximum range, you’re still going to have a lot of compatible matches. This is Chicago, after all. Now filter based on what is key to you. Do you want children, prefer non-smokers or looking for someone in a similar income bracket? All these filters and many more are at your disposal.  

Quickly find out what will make you two click

The profiles are designed to share important information, hobbies and passions of the person without being text-heavy. The Lifestyle section also highlights your similarities so you can see what aspects of them made us think you’d be a good match.

We help you stay safe on our platform

As the No. 1 trusted dating app1, a huge part of our service is focused on maintaining a secure, open-minded and inclusive platform environment, where every user can engage with compatible Chicago dating prospects without trepidation. We actively remove suspicious accounts and try, and help out with any user issues as promptly and professionally as possible.

The inside scoop on dating in Chicago

Once you’ve used our features to find some people who have sparked your interest, you may be a bit anxious about your opening message.

You could try connecting over your tastes while giving the conversation room to grow. For example:

I see that you really like Kanye West and rap music. He also has to be my favorite musician to come out of Chicago. Have you ever listened to Chief Keef? He’s playing a concert in 2 weeks…

Obviously, adjust this to your respective shared tastes.

If the conversation goes well, here are some first date spots for Chicago:

  • Logan Arcade – A fun combination of a fashionable bar, and an arcade and pinball hall.
  • Spray Paint N Sip – Under the guidance of top Chicago street artists, these classes let you work on your very own street art to take home. You’re also allowed to bring your own drinks.
  • Green City Market – Sample some of the delicious produce and culinary treats on offer together at this famous farmer’s market.     

Stop putting happiness off for tomorrow and meet interesting Chicago singles today

Whether it’s the star-crossed love of living more than one train line away from each other or not knowing the best way to approach someone you like on a Chicago dating app and giving up, the reasons we invent for not forming real, lasting relationships are often just invented to excuse our own complacency. At eharmony, we believe every day you spend not pursuing the kind of relationship you want is a day wasted. As that could’ve been the day. So why not just start now? Let eharmony empower you to take control of your dating life and help you find real, lasting happiness in the Windy City. Try eharmony today.

Find Real Love on eharmony

eharmony has helped millions of people find real love over the past 20+ years, and we’re on a mission to help millions more achieve the same.

Sources
  1. source: 2022 Survey of 1,300 Respondents from the US, UK, Canada and Australia