Unpartnered this Valentine’s Day? Let our reader poll give you hope.
If your relationship status this Valentine’s Day is “looking for love,” don’t despair: According to 2023 U.S. Census estimates, 90% of adults 18–34 and more than 40% of adults 35 and up in Morgantown are unmarried. We asked our readers how they found their partners—what we learned may give you hope.
As always with polls, percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.
How did they meet?
Possibly good news in our tech-centric age is that most couples in our poll did not meet on apps—so stay social!
At work or school 47% Through friends and family 21% Online or through a dating app 16% Other* 16%
* “Other” responses included bars and restaurants, volunteering, athletics, church, and “on the side of the road in New Jersey.” Love turns up in the most unexpected places!
How many people did they date through apps?
We asked those who did meet through apps how many people they dated before they found The One. Was it an endless, painful treadmill? Good news here, too—if apps are your dating jam, people in Morgantown have found it to be an efficient path to a partner.
1–2 people 53% 3–5 28% 6–10 9% 10-plus 9%
Where was their first date?
Once you make a connection, where should you have your first date? Creative first dates are fun, but Morgantown’s mostly revolve around food and drink.
At a cafe, bar, or restaurant 63% At a park or other outdoor setting 8% At a sporting event 6% Other 23%
What type of restaurant for a first date?
Your first date doesn’t have to break the bank. Of the Morgantown couples in our poll whose first date was at a restaurant, well over half ate at fast food or other casual spots—and it all worked out in the end.
Casual 42% Romantic 21% Fast food, including pizza 8% Other 22%
If you ultimately got married, how long did you date first?
Once you get into a relationship, there’s plenty of time to save up if you plan to have a wedding. Most of our couples were together longer than two years—and a quarter of them for more than five.
Under 1 year 9% 1–2 years 31% 2–3 years 17% 3–5 years 19% 5-plus years 24%
This story has been edited to correct the expression of U.S. Census data.