What’s the worst part of dating in Seattle? Do you like dating apps? Has the growth of Amazon.com and other tech companies in Seattle helped or ruined your dating life?
These are some of the juicy questions we asked some of Seattle’s “most eligible” singles — according to Hinge, at least.
The popular dating app, which is similar to Tinder but connects people via mutual friends, today released its “Most Eligible” professionals list across the country broken down by industry. Candidates were selected based on three criteria:
- Attractiveness — they have high “swipe right rates” on their profiles.
- Career — individuals who are positively changing their industry.
- Education — based on degrees obtained.
We caught up a five Seattleites who made the list and work at places like Microsoft, Amazon.com, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Read on to see what they think of Seattle’s dating scene, and see all the “Most Eligible” singles from Seattle below.
Rakhi Voria
Work: North America Business Development Manager, Microsoft Financing.
Education: BA, Colorado College; MS (Comparative Social Policy), University of Oxford.
Hometown: Golden, Colo.
What’s the best part of dating in Seattle?
“Being a metropolitan city that is surrounded by nature, Seattle attracts a unique mix of people who are active and adventurous yet grounded and driven, which is the best of both worlds. Given that it’s also one of the fastest growing cities, it’s transient by nature with a lot of new people moving into the city, startups popping up, companies expanding, restaurants opening, etc.”
What’s the worst part of dating in Seattle?
“People in Seattle are laid back, which is generally a good thing, but it can have adverse effects when that mentality transfers into the dating world as well. While I don’t want to make gross generalizations, I find that some men approach dating in Seattle more passively and informally than I have seen in other metropolitan cities where the lifestyle is more fast-paced in general.”
Where are the best places to go on a date in Seattle?
“At the beginning of a relationship, I’m more of a traditionalist and like grabbing coffee, a drink, or a bite to eat. Some of my favorite spots in Seattle are Canon, Black Bottle, and Tavern Law. For more adventurous dates, I love picking up a sandwich at Paseo’s and sitting on the beach at Golden Gardens, checking out the Ballard Locks and grabbing a bite to eat at Ray’s Boathouse, taking a ferry to a nearby island like Bainbridge, or going on a nearby hike like Twin Falls.”
Is the Seattle Freeze real?
“I think the Seattle Freeze is a myth, but my experience may be different from others because I was very persistent in meeting new people and getting involved in the community when I moved here three years ago. The beauty of moving to a new city is that you’re in control of your social experiences. While most of my friends are transplants like myself, I think we gravitated toward each other because of common interests, not because we couldn’t meet Seattle locals. I encourage people who truly subscribe to the notion of a Seattle Freeze to melt it themselves by volunteering in the community, joining a sports league, or spending time at a local coffee shop rather than waiting for it to thaw!”
Do you date other techies? Or do you try to avoid them?
“Although I technically work for a tech company, I don’t consider myself to be a ‘techie’ in the traditional sense because I’m in a business function and don’t actually build products. I’m certainly open to meeting people who are in tech and am more concerned with surrounding myself with people who complement and challenge me over what industry they might be in. That being said, I’ve found that one of the negative effects of dating someone in tech is that the scene for young professionals in Seattle tech is pretty small and interconnected, meaning there’s a high likelihood that you might meet two people who know each other.”
Has the growth of Amazon.com and other tech companies in Seattle helped or ruined your dating life?
“It’s had an interesting effect on my dating life. I wouldn’t go so far as to echo the sentiments raised in this popular post claiming that Amazon has ruined the Seattle dating scene (ruined is a strong word in my opinion), but its growth has changed the overall profile of young professionals in the city. That’s often perceived as negative, but when you think about it, any company that brings more people into the city, regardless of the industry, is helping to grow the pool of people that you can meet, which is ultimately a positive thing. Besides, Amazon isn’t just a bunch of techies — it has a diverse workforce (law, marketing, finance, corporate affairs, engineering, etc.)”
What’s the best way to find a date? Do you like dating apps, or do you prefer meeting someone in person first?
While I naturally prefer to meet someone in person first, I think it’s important to be open to a healthy balance of both. The good thing about meeting someone in person is that it’s organic and based on attraction. On the other hand, as someone who travels frequently for work, dating apps widen the pool, get you out of your comfort zone, open your mind, and facilitate introductions with people you might not have naturally met.”
What types of things do you notice about your date the first time you meet?
“Confidence, ambition, attitude, chivalry, manners, sense of style, and physical appearance.”
Tell us, in five words, your “ideal” type.
“Adam Levine mixed with Obama…? :)”
Tyler Brown
Work: Senior Program Assistant, Global Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Education: BA, George Washington University.
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
What’s the best part of dating in Seattle?
“The prevalence of the elusive, outdoorsy-intellectual archetype.”
What’s the worst part of dating in Seattle?
“The paucity of men in the winter owing to reasons of hibernation.”
Where are the best places to go on a date in Seattle?
“Coffee: Starbucks.
Non-committal happy hour drinks: Percy’s & Co. in Ballard for tarot card readings on Wednesdays.
Civilized Dinner: Damn the Weather in Pioneer Square.
Fitness/activity: Jog around Green Lake.
Nightly outgoings: *Bespoke* cocktails at Needle & Thread followed by rhythmic gymnastics/dancing at R Place.”
Is the Seattle Freeze real?
“Are Russell Wilson and Ciara really waiting for marriage? … But more seriously, Seattle Freeze or Seattle Flake? There’s definitely a trend of non-committal tendencies when it comes to making plans!”
Do you date other techies? Or do you try to avoid them?
“I do not discrimin8.”
Has the growth of Amazon.com and other tech companies in Seattle helped or ruined your dating life?
“I would certainly not say that it has ruined my dating life. I’m of the mindset that higher success rates occur when there are more fish in the sea!”
What’s the best way to find a date? Do you like dating apps, or do you prefer meeting someone in person first?
“I am not unlike other hopeless romantics, so ideally I’d like to meet someone in person by offering to share a brolly (umbrella) with a handsome gent when caught in a classic Seattle Storm … but the reality is, I’ve met some good guys using various dating apps. If you’re looking to expand your dating reach, I think that you need to be open to dating apps. And I am just that!”
What type of things do you notice about your date the first time you meet?
“Oh my god, SHOES! I jest. I notice his smile, the cut of his jib, and if his conversational repertoire extends beyond professional topics. I need a guy who has interests outside of the office.”
Tell us, in five words, your “ideal” type.
“Romantic; Spellbindingly handsome; Well-traveled; Dignified; Cher.”
Jamie Cannon
Work: Director of Global App Marketing, Microsoft.
Education: BS, Stern School of Business; Executive Program, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern.
Hometown: Ridgewood, NJ.
What’s the best part of dating in Seattle?
“Exploring together. There’s literally endless outdoor adventures in Seattle. Dating is a great opportunity to explore what the mountains and water have to offer with a partner in crime.”
What’s the worst part of dating in Seattle?
“Seattle is full of driven people accomplishing great things. It’s what I love most about Seattle’s culture and what keeps bringing me back here. Unfortunately, it also means less free time to meet new people.”
Where are the best places to go on a date in Seattle?
“Hands-down: Golden Gardens, Little Water Cantina or any boat on any lake. Or, if she’s up for it — a long run. I love being outdoors and near the water.”
Is the Seattle Freeze real?
“Are there fireworks on the 4th of July? Absolutely. The trick is to overcome it by putting yourself out there and not being afraid to initiate conversations. If you’re willing to make the first move, you can find some of the best people you’ll ever meet in Seattle.”
Do you date other techies? Or do you try to avoid them?
“I’m looking to date someone that is outgoing, ambitious and has a thirst for life, not a specific career path. If that means dating a techie who loves what they do, then I’m totally open to it.”
Has the growth of Amazon.com and other tech companies in Seattle helped or ruined your dating life?
“Every little bit helps. Plus, if it’s meant to be, then a little competition doesn’t change anything.”
What’s the best way to find a date? Do you like dating apps, or do you prefer meeting someone in person first?
“Personally, I prefer to meet someone in person, but that’s not always realistic given that everyone leads busy lives.”
What type of things do you notice about your date the first time you meet?
“I tend to notice humor — that’s really important to me. Smile is huge. Her confidence. I listen for how she treats her friends and family — that’ll tell me almost everything I need to know.”
Tell us, in five words, your “ideal” type.
“Funny. Athletic. Adventurous. Open. Independent.”
Sara Markwith
Work: Sales Consultant with Unishippers.
Education: BA, Santa Clara University.
Hometown: Mercer Island, Wash.
What’s the best part of dating in Seattle?
“Men in Seattle are pleasantly unique and eccentric. You never know what to expect on a first date. So far, the best part about dating in Seattle has been the exposure to new restaurants, friend groups, and musical talent.”
What’s the worst part of dating in Seattle?
“The Seattle Freeze. It’s fairly difficult to date in Seattle, especially if you aren’t from here. Seattlites are extremely clickly. A lot of friend-cest occurs. It’s nearly impossible to move to Seattle and break into a wolf pack.”
Where are the best places to go on a date in Seattle?
“There are so many options! Hiking, boating, Seahawks games, Mariners games … My favorite dates have been at Golden Gardens, Japonessa and Westward.”
Is the Seattle Freeze real?
“YES — very. If you don’t know what the Seattle Freeze is, look it up on Urban Dictionary. Accurate definition.”
Do you date other techies? Or do you try to avoid them?
“I consider myself to be pretty tech-savvy. I am not opposed to dating techies in Seattle.”
Has the growth of Amazon.com and other tech companies in Seattle helped or ruined your dating life?
“Helped! I’ve been on some awesome dates with men from different parts of the country who moved here solely for new job opportunities. It’s refreshing to meet men who are intelligent and focused on their career.”
What’s the best way to find a date? Do you like dating apps, or do you prefer meeting someone in person first?
“Depends. I prefer to meet someone in person when dating a fellow Seattleite. But to meet new men who have moved here recently from out of state for job opportunities or from out of the country traveling, I prefer dating apps.”
What type of things do you notice about your date the first time you meet?
“Eye contact, cleanliness, and confidence.”
Tell us, in five words, your “ideal” type.
“Funny, stylish, athletic, ambitious, and adventurous!”
Steven Maheshwary
Work: Marketing Manager at Amazon.
Education: BA, Harvard University.
Hometown: Houston, Texas.
What’s the best part of dating in Seattle?
“Seattle draws transplants from all over the country so you get to enjoy a unique slice of life when you meet someone new — where they’re from, the school they went to, which Real Housewives show they binge watch. Not a paid endorsement, but it doesn’t hurt that there are many perfect date spots in Seattle ranging from award-winning coffee shops, speakeasies, and gastropubs.”
What’s the worst part of dating in Seattle?
“Why don’t you have a car?”
“Why don’t you have a car?”
“Why don’t you have a car?”
— Women it didn’t work out with
Where are the best places to go on a date in Seattle?
“Where do I start?
Needle & Thread: Intimate speakeasy located through a phone booth within another equally great restaurant. My date and I had an earl grey-infused gin & tonic with a splash of absinthe, caramelized sugar, lemon juice, orange and habanero bitters that rocked our world.
Witness: NOLA style food and craft drinks and actual sermons on Saturday nights.
Corretto: Patio seating with the best Italian espresso cocktails.
In general, Seattle outdoes the craft cocktail, gastropub, and obviously, coffee scene better than most other cities *rap air horn*”
Is the Seattle Freeze real?
“It’s a myth in my opinion. If anything, I feel it’s easier to make friends here than elsewhere — there’s a more laid-back and open-minded approach people have to life here than in other cities that makes getting to know someone initially a lot easier. By contrast, the busier the city is, the more harried your life is, the harder it is to really get to know someone and eventually mess up their Netflix recommendations.”
Do you date other techies? Or do you try to avoid them?
“I wouldn’t avoid them — we’re so damn attractive! But seriously — I’ve dated fellow people in tech and non-tech alike, and they’ve all been great.
Has the growth of Amazon.com and other tech companies in Seattle helped or ruined your dating life?
“They’re huge companies that draw thousands of people from across the country, so having that diversity of dating choices in your life is always a plus.
But … it can be a small world. It’s a little awkward, for example, to see someone you’re no longer dating appear on the CC line of an email or show up to a meeting. ‘Oh, you do this now? Cool.'”
What’s the best way to find a date? Do you like dating apps, or do you prefer meeting someone in person first?
“Honestly, I’m not great at online small talk with strangers, which is maybe the exact opposite of my overly-enthusiastic self in person, so if I like someone on the app I opt to meet up pretty quickly! Also, you meet people on apps you might have never met before, so there’s that, for you numbers game people. In the end, though, I think friends of friends are some of the best dates I have been on, which I appreciate apps like Hinge trying to emulate.”
What type of things do you notice about your date the first time you meet?
“Elegance that comes from how well put together she is — I usually put an effort into my appearance on dates and appreciate it when it is mutual. As the date progresses, I look for a sense of humor (I mean, they need to have a really low bar here) and openness, which are great signs of chemistry.
Tell us, in five words, your “ideal” type.
“Sophisticated, intelligent, open, kind, jokes.”
Other “Most Eligible” singles from Seattle, according to Hinge:
Jonathan Loevner
Work: Timberlands Analyst, The Weyerhaeuser Company.
Education: BA, Carleton College; MBA/MA (Forestry), Yale University.
Hometown: Princeton, NJ.
Andrew Ganfield
Work: Process and System Manager at Starbucks
Education: BA, Michigan State University
Hometown: Northville, Mich.
Veronica Finch
Work: International University Recruiter at Microsoft.
Education: BA, United States Military Academy at West Point.
Hometown: Dunwoody, Ga.
Heather Smith
Work: Lingerie Department Manager, Nordstrom.
Education: BA, Whitman College.
Hometown: Seattle, Wash.
Paul Tinker
Work: AOL Verizon Sr. Account Director Xbox.
Education: BA, University of Washington.
Hometown: Sun Valley, Idaho.
David Hill
Work: Senior Financial Analyst – Global Sourcing & Supplier Relations – Direct Spend & Commodities Forecasting, Starbucks Coffee Company.
Education: BS, Ithaca College School of Business.
Hometown: Loveland, Ohio.
Tommy McMahon
Work: Corporate Development and Strategic Investments at Amazon.
Education: BA, University of Pennsylvania.
Hometown: Hillsborough, Calif.
