7 Tips If You’re New to Dating in LA

Any time you move to a new city, you might run into social challenges and a little bit of discomfort. This can be especially true if you’re looking to start dating wherever you end up. No matter who you are and what your type is, you can absolutely thrive and find your person in the City of Angels. Here’s how you can make the most of your new dating life in LA.

Keep It in the Neighborhood

One thing you might begin to notice as a new resident of LA is just how big the city is geographically. Unlike some other metropolitan cities, LA is a city that exemplifies urban sprawl. As a result, it can take hours to get from one end of the city to the other. Even though you can meet in the middle, trying to keep your location range closer to where you live can be a great way to keep things convenient in your dating life. Additionally, meeting up somewhere outdoors like a local park or cafe can be a great option for safe first dates in the era of COVID.

Get Social

Just like any city, a great way to get into the mix of things with new people is to hang out with friends and put yourself in social situations. Even if you don’t tend to be a social butterfly regularly and you prefer to stay in, getting out there a little bit more as you acclimate to your new environment can help you meet all kinds of new people and find connections in your circle.

In the age of COVID, you can get a similar effect by checking out online meetups that are locally-based. Hop on a Zoom call with some members of your community and see which individuals you vibe with the most.

Think About Your Interests

Of course, meeting people at bars and clubs can be a classic way to get the job done, but you can also consider finding people in more practical places. If you want to find a long-term partner and share experiences together, try meeting people in environments you naturally frequent. This is a great opportunity to head outdoors, too, as beaches, parks, hiking trails and other outdoor activities tend to be much more COVID-safe than the average social gathering spot.

Have a Staycation

If you’re already clicking with somebody you recently started talking to, why not try a weekend staycation as a bit more of a serious date idea? Sometimes, it can be difficult to really get to know somebody deep down while you’re in the hustle and bustle of your daily life, so taking a weekend to just hang out together at your place or theirs can be a fantastic idea. You can treat it just like you would a weekend getaway – just at home!

In the era of COVID, this can be a great way to socially distance yourselves from more crowded areas. It is smart to just make sure you’ve both been tested for COVID-19 before spending a weekend away with someone who may be relatively new to you.

Unique Apps

Some of the more popular dating apps can feel a little bit overpopulated in large cities like Los Angeles and New York. Tinder and Bumble can really feel like a giant sea of infinite people that you can’t get a read on. However, being in a city with lots of people gives you the opportunity to try out more unique dating apps with a smaller sample size that’s slightly more tailored to you. Try getting on apps like Hinge and Her to see what those experiences have to offer. LaLaScoop Founder Melissa Curtin met her husband on Hinge in 2015 and even an accidental swipe led to marriage.

No Work, No Play

This tip can really depend on the specific industry you work in, but it can be best to try and avoid dating people at your workplace when you move somewhere new. Especially if you’re just learning the ropes of your city and you’re surrounded by new options, you don’t want to leave a bad impression or make things awkward at your workplace if you don’t have to.

Simply Have Fun

One of the best possible tips you can follow no matter where you’re looking for love is simply to have fun in the process. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to find your perfect match right away. Your city has so much to offer and explore.

Dating in LA

There are plenty of ways that dating in LA feels like a totally unique experience. At the same time, dating in Los Angeles can be just like dating anywhere. All you need to do is have fun and be yourself.