Without the diversity and big population of the city, your small town Tinder matches might be looking like your high school yearbook. Not to worry—there are plenty of creative ways to make new connections within your community. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are several dating options that can expand your horizons, too! Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.

4

Connect with people through social media.

  1. The internet is a great way to expand your dating horizons. Check out sites like Facebook, which advertise new events happening in your area—this is a great place to potentially make new connections. You might also browse through sites like “Meetup.com,” where you can spend time with people who have similar interests.[4] Search for new events and activities in the closest town or city, and see how it goes![5]
    • While you can make new connections on all types of social media, some experts believe that Facebook is the best social media platform for online dating. With Facebook, it’s easy to keep your friends in the loop about your relationship.[6]
5

Introduce yourself to strangers.

  1. Look for opportunities to strike up a conversation in a random place. Waiting in line at the grocery store? Say hi to the person next to you, and see how their day is going. Opening yourself up to new friends and acquaintances is a great way to network.[7] If you really hit it off with someone, take a leap of faith and ask them out on a date, even if you’re just grabbing coffee.[8]
    • Starting up a conversation with a stranger may seem a little daunting at first. That’s okay! Start with some basic conversational topics, like the weather, and see where your chat goes.
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6

Broaden your horizons with dating apps.

  1. Optimize your profile to make new connections. Upload a flattering picture to your profile—try to pick a photo from the past few months or years. Then, jot down a couple sentences in your bio, describing your personality, hobbies, goals, or something similar.[9] Before you search for matches, expand the location parameters within the app to 150 mi (240 km) or so. You may find more new connections this way![10]
    • You might mention what you’re studying in school, what your favorite sport is, or a humorous quote.
    • If you’re feeling ambitious, try the Tinder challenge, where you make a goal to date 10 new people within 1 year.[11]
7

Sign up for a dating website.

  1. Different dating websites appeal to certain types of people. Plenty of Fish (POF) is a popular dating site that’s great if you’re looking for meaningful conversations. Match is another popular option, but you’ll need to buy a subscription to have a real shot at a new connection. If you’re looking for a future spouse or partner, eHarmony might be the dating website for you.[12]
    • There aren’t any well-known dating sites geared specifically for small towns. Still, that doesn’t mean you won’t find success on a generic online dating platform!
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Is it easier to find love in a small town?
    Cher Gopman
    Cher Gopman
    Dating Coach
    Cher Gopman is the Founder of NYC Wingwoman LLC, a date coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. Cher is a Certified Life Coach, a former psychiatric nurse, and her work has been featured on Inside Edition, Fox, ABC, VH1, and The New York Post.
    Cher Gopman
    Dating Coach
    Expert Answer
    It can be, but it sort of depends on what you're looking for in a partner. On paper, it may be harder since there are fewer potential people to date, but if you really prioritize community and getting to know someone well before you start a relationship then it may be easier.
  • Question
    How do you meet people in a small town?
    Cher Gopman
    Cher Gopman
    Dating Coach
    Cher Gopman is the Founder of NYC Wingwoman LLC, a date coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. Cher is a Certified Life Coach, a former psychiatric nurse, and her work has been featured on Inside Edition, Fox, ABC, VH1, and The New York Post.
    Cher Gopman
    Dating Coach
    Expert Answer
    Go online. Look for meetups in your area that focus on an activity or hobby you like. Even in a smaller town, you should still be able to find board game meetups, wine tasting events, and things like that. These tend to be great ways to meet people!
  • Question
    Is speed dating a good way to meet people?
    Cher Gopman
    Cher Gopman
    Dating Coach
    Cher Gopman is the Founder of NYC Wingwoman LLC, a date coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. Cher is a Certified Life Coach, a former psychiatric nurse, and her work has been featured on Inside Edition, Fox, ABC, VH1, and The New York Post.
    Cher Gopman
    Dating Coach
    Expert Answer
    Definitely! Speed dating can be a lot of fun. It's not for everybody, but if you're comfortable meeting a bunch of people all at once, this is a great way to go.
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About This Article

Cher Gopman
Co-authored by:
Dating Coach
This article was co-authored by Cher Gopman and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Cher Gopman is the Founder of NYC Wingwoman LLC, a date coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. Cher is a Certified Life Coach, a former psychiatric nurse, and her work has been featured on Inside Edition, Fox, ABC, VH1, and The New York Post. This article has been viewed 9,554 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: August 25, 2021
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Categories: Dating
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