For young singles, two factors can be crucial to choosing where to live: Can I afford the rents? And what can I do there? Finding an apartment that fits a starting-out budget is key. And whatever money is left over often goes to meals out, concert tickets and bar tabs. These metro areas all scored well on rental affordability and have a high number of restaurants and night spots per capita. Each area also scored highly on our bohemian index -- a measure of the city's diversity and cultural amenities. Here are our five favorites:
For a full explanation of our criteria click here.

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BEST CITIES FOR YOUNG SINGLES

BEST CITY FOR YOUNG SINGLES

Population: 5,119,490
Cost-of-Living Index: 133 (100 being national average)
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 42%
Bohemian Indicator: 162
Creative-Class Salary Growth (2000-2005): 26.4%
The nation's capital boasts a diverse cultural scene, plenty of young singles and a large and growing creative class. From the hip grit of Adams-Morgan to urban villages like Bethesda, Md., and Alexandria, Va., in nearby suburbs, Washington offers the best of both worlds. And don't think opportunities are just in government jobs. The area is a Mecca for tech, engineering and many other professions.

For a full explanation of our criteria click here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.

BEST CITY FOR YOUNG SINGLES

Population: 2,327,901
Cost-of-Living Index: 102 (100 being national average)
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 34%
Bohemian Indicator: 117
Creative-Class Salary Growth (2000-2005): 18.2%
Denver will always be a Mecca for skiers, but there's plenty to do in all seasons: listen to jazz in City Park with the Rockies as a backdrop, check out the city's performing arts center, kayak on the Platte River, or bike the city's 450 miles of trails. City-center neighborhoods offer car-free, loft living and plenty of nightlife choices.

For a full explanation of our criteria click here.

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DENVER

BEST CITY FOR YOUNG SINGLES

Population: 1,406,364
Cost-of-Living Index: 93 (100 being national average)
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 36.4%
Bohemian Indicator: 135
Creative-Class Salary Growth (2000-2005): 17.1%
Beer, music, tacos and barbeque add up to a laid-back scene in the capital of the Lone Star State. Young singles who stay out too late can shock their systems awake at Barton Springs Pool, the city's natural-and naturally chilly -- swimming hole.

For a full explanation of our criteria click here.

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AUSTIN, TEX.

BEST CITY FOR YOUNG SINGLES

Population: 924,415
Cost-of-Living Index: 99 (100 being national average)
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 36.6%
Bohemian Indicator: 110
Creative-Class Salary Growth (2000-2005): 10.5%
Raleigh offers young singles cheap housing, a variety of nightlife and southern charm with just the right mix of northern bustle. It is one of the "points" of the Research Triangle, and with three major universities in the area, Raleigh will never want for recent college grads.

For a full explanation of our criteria click here.

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RALEIGH, N.C.

BEST CITY FOR YOUNG SINGLES

Population: 410,876
Cost-of-Living Index: 96 (100 being national average)
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 29.9%
Bohemian Indicator: 98
Creative-Class Salary Growth (2000-2005): 15.7%
Lexington, although relatively small, offers young singles plenty of things to do: bars that cater to anyone from sports fans to gays to young socialites; live entertainment most nights of the week; art gallery hops; an opera house that brings in Broadway shows; and, of course, horse racing. Plus, the cost of living is a heck of a lot cheaper than in bigger cities.

For a full explanation of our criteria click here.

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LEXINGTON, KY.