The Top 10 Guide to Dating in Houston

Dating in Houston, a city of more than two million people, is a snap with eHarmony Advice's Top 10 Guide.

Houston, a.k.a the Concrete Jungle, aka Space City, is home to more than two million people. It’s a whopper of a town with a whopper of a dating pool. Here’s some guidance:

1) Know the Lay of the Land

Midtown, within walking distance of downtown, is home to young professionals and empty nesters who enjoy a flourishing nightlife, restaurants, and MetroRail access. In the area surrounding the Texas Medical Center, you’ll find doctors, med students, and other well-educated singles and families. Other booming, in-demand parts of town include the Rice Military and West University Place.

2) If It’s Free, It’s for Me

Houston offers an array of free and cheap activities that help you woo your beloved without breaking the bank. As mentioned above, many bars—country and otherwise—offer free cover and even free food. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center also offers free admission and allows for a sensual afternoon as you take in the sights, sounds, and smells of your surroundings. Or browse the Contemporary Arts Museum, again gratis, and show off your intellectual side as you interpret paintings and sculptures. Bottom line: There’s no need to mortgage your home in order to show your sweetheart a good time.

3) Be On Time

For Houstonians, traffic jams are a way of life. Even with extensive highways, the roads can be clogged worse than your arteries after a chili cook-off. Morning rush hour lasts from 6 to 10 a.m., and evening rush hour goes from about 3 to 7 p.m. If your date’s a true Southern belle, then she’ll expect you to be punctual, with flowers in hand.

4) Dress to Impress

Houstonians get dressed up to check the mail. Tight jeans, fitted tops, and cropped jackets are in for ladies. Or opt for a flowing dress in a shiny fabric. Be bold and mix in a showpiece accessory, like a giant gold bag, wide belt, or a feathery headband. Guys, pair dark denim with a crisp button-up shirt and a jacket. Oh, and both sexes should smell divine.

5) Be Merry and Bright. Really Bright

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the holiday decorations in Houston can be, shall we say, over the top. Smile at your neighbors’ over-the-top displays, or embrace tradition by driving through Prestonwood to see the Christmas lights. For hands-on fun, make a gingerbread house together at the Northwest branch library.