From cowboys to city boys: A dating guide to American men

Written by Flirtini team

04/11/2024

Can’t find Mr. Right? Perhaps you just haven’t searched far and wide enough yet. Whether you’re searching for a no-thrills family man or a rough and rugged cowboy who gets your heart racing, he’s out there waiting for you—you just need to know where to look.

Putting that cliché phrase ‘all men are the same’ to the test, Flirtini quizzed men from across the United States on their interests, likes, and dating preferences, and used the results to profile the average man from nine regions across the United States.

New England

Top common interests: Music, movies, working out
Average age: 30
Common pets: Cats and dogs
Fashion style: A classic, preppy look with brands
Favorite food: Seafood
Likely will write to you first: Yes
Picky about profiles: 50/50
Most popular dating goal: Serious relationship

A classic 'golden retriever' in the world of men. If it's food, it's lobsters; if it's a girl, he'll be selective—but he’ll definitely take charge when it comes to messaging or relationships. With him, you can count on cozy evenings at home with a movie under a blanket, and you won’t have to wait years for a proposal.

Great Plains

Top common interests: Music, movies, video games
Average age: 32
Common pets: Labrador retriever
Fashion style: Casual and functional; often cowboy-inspired apparel
Likely will write to you first: Rarely
Picky about profiles: Fewer likes, more dislikes
Most popular dating goal: Serious relationship

Men in the Great Plains are older than in other regions, but that’s actually a plus—when they join a dating app, they have a clear goal: finding a life partner. While they may seem old-fashioned, their kind hearts and shyness win women over. They’re often hesitant to make the first move but once together, they’re sure to be your rock. Just be careful, though—if video games are a red flag for you, you might want to look elsewhere, as these guys love their PS5! They aren’t for everyone. In fact, they receive fewer likes and more dislikes, meaning they’re more likely to swipe left than right. They’re selective, don’t waste their time on everyone, and carefully choose the one they want to start a serious relationship with.

Rocky Mountain

Top common interests: Movies, working out, traveling
Average age: 29
Common pets: Huskies
Fashion style: Sportswear
Favorite food: Healthy food and sports drinks
Likely will write to you first: Yes
Picky about profiles: 50/50
Most popular dating goal: Casual dating

Men from the Rocky Mountains look younger than their age. Is it their love for sports, mountain adventures, lack of gadget dependency, or a passion for healthy food? Who knows. But they definitely won’t miss your message, even in the middle of a movie. And they’ll always be the first to text you.

Mid-Atlantic

Top common interests: Movies, working out, video games
Average age: 30
Common pets: French bulldogs
Fashion style: Classic
Favorite food: KFC
Likely will write to you first: Yes
Picky about profiles: More likes than dislikes
Most popular dating goal: Serious relationship

You can typically find men from the Mid-Atlantic relaxing at home on the couch. They rarely head out to bars seeking adventure because everything they need is right there. Their favorite game, a dog, hot wings delivered, and plenty of unread messages from women. They swipe right so often that it’s hard to guess their type. However, they’re open to chatting with anyone and are ready to settle down.

South

Top common interests: Working out, travel, video games
Average age: 29
Fashion style: Young gamer style
Favorite food: Pizza
Likely will write to you first: Rare
Picky about profiles: More likes than dislikes
Most popular dating goal: Casual dating

If he doesn’t reply or reach out first, it’s not because he hasn’t seen your message. His phone is likely in airplane mode due to constant travel, which makes him hard to catch. But he’s always ready to invite you on a date because he knows where to find the best pizza! Guys from the South love sports, so the way to their hearts might just be a selfie sent from the treadmill.

West Coast

Top common interests: Music, movies, working out
Average age: 30
Fashion style: Trendy and laid-back
Favorite food: Beer
Likely will write to you first: Yes
Picky about profiles: More dislikes than likes
Most popular dating goal: Casual dating

Vibrant, laid-back, interesting, and fun. These guys head straight to the bar with friends for a beer after their evening workout. If you don’t mind this part of his daily routine, West Coast guys are for you!

Midwest

Top common interests: Music, movies, video games
Average age: 32
Common skin color: Caucasian
Fashion style: Old fashion
Favorite food: Comfort food, such as casseroles, BBQ, and steak and potatoes
Likely will write to you first: Very rare
Picky about profiles: More dislikes than likes
Most popular dating goal: Flirting

Midwestern men have perfected the ‘old money’ aesthetic, but they aren’t looking for a partner willing to wait on hand and foot for them. Lovers of comfort foods, such as casseroles, steak, and potatoes, they’re more than willing to spend summer days staving over a warm barbecue so you can eat to your heart’s content. If you’re a foodie, the Midwestern man might be your perfect match — but don’t expect them to do the chasing.

Southwest

Top common interests: Movies, working out, video games
Average age: 30
Common pets: Chihuahua
Fashion style: Southern fashion; smart casual with a western influence
Favorite food: Fried chicken, BBQ, and biscuits
Likely will write to you first:: Rare
Picky about profiles: 50/50
Most popular dating goal: Flirting

Fun and friendly. Southwestern men rarely text first but always reply, never missing a chance to practice their flirting. They make perfect friends (with benefits) for those looking for a little fun. But to steal his heart, you’ll need to love not only him but also his little dog.

Alaska and Hawaii

Top common interests: Music, movies, working out
Average age: 31
Fashion style: Sportswear
Favorite food: Wine
Likely will write to you first: Yes
Picky about profiles: More likes than dislikes
Most popular dating goal: Flirting

Despite living in polar opposite climates, Alaskan and Hawaiian men aren’t all that different. They share a love for music, movies, and exercise, and comfy sportswear fills their closets. Typically smooth-talkers, they will make the first move and willingly share a bottle of red or two, but when it comes time to talking relationships? Don't expect a callback. Flirting and having fun is as far as they're willing to go.

Methodology: To create this research, experts from Flirtini analyzed dating profiles of 27,000 men over the age of 18 across 9 U.S. regions (New England, Great Plains, Rocky Mountain, Mid-Atlantic, South, West Coast, Midwest, Southwest, Alaska, and Hawaii).