Despite the Valentine holiday celebrating coupledom, now is a great time to be single in Chattanooga. Thanks to a happening downtown scene as well as an economy brightened by the likes of BlueCross BlueShield, Volkswagen and Alstom, the Scenic City has become increasingly attractive to the young, hip and unattached.
Don't believe it? Chatter sat down with some of the hottest catches in the city to learn a little more about what makes them tick. Read on as they share insights into the lives of singles - what's fun, what's important and what they're looking for!
Teresa Youngquist, 25
Oncology Nurse, Parkridge Medical Center; member of YPAC, Chattanooga Track Club and Junior League
A great date spot: Walking across the Walnut Street Bridge and grabbing a bite downtown.
Deal breaker: Dishonesty.
Celebrity crush: Ashton Kutcher or Ryan Reynolds - the pretty boy type.
I'm a sucker for: Brown eyes.
You'd never guess: People are usually surprised to learn I'm an only child because I never like to be alone.
Find me here on the weekends: Running the bridges, along the river somewhere or through Heritage Landing.
Trey Tucker, 30
English and Marketing Teacher and Sports Information Director, McCallie School; Young Life Leader
Best date spot: Bluff View Art District - you can grab a coffee and enjoy the views or have dinner at Tony's.
Weekend whereabouts: Anything outdoors; playing touch football, softball, running on the Riverwalk, hiking, etc.
Pet peeve: High maintenance women.
Celebrity crush: Natalie Portman and Carrie Underwood.
On the bucket list: I'd love to drive across the country, stopping in all the little towns along the way.
Thomas Clark, 30
New Development Project Manager, The Krystal Company; board member, Habitat for Humanity; Young Life Leader
You'd never guess: I used to fly fighter jets in the Air Force.
Fantasy vacation: Hiking in Patagonia or snowboarding in the Swiss or Austrian Alps.
Secret talent: I play on Chattanooga's semi-pro soccer team.
Ideal mate: A strong Christian woman who loves the outdoors and who's not afraid to be spontaneous.
Secret hobby: Brewing my own beer.
Deal breaker: If they're not polite to a waiter. I notice the little things.
Paul Shahen, 26
Sportscaster and news reporter, Channel 3
Best date spot: Alleia - they have a great atmosphere and no matter where you sit it's like your own little place.
You'd never guess: I used to teach snowboarding in Connecticut.
Deal breaker: Negativity - it's contagious.
Celebrity crush: Reese Witherspoon.
Fantasy vacation: The South Branch Lake Camps in Seboeis, Maine. It's so quite you can literally hear yourself think.
Part of my charm: I'll crack up all by myself watching America's Funniest Home Videos.
On the bucket list: To climb the Grand Tetons.
Ben Brown, 29
Associate, FourBridges Capital; board member for Boys and Girls Club of Chattanooga; volunteer at Battle Academy
Part of my chcharm: I don't know how to tie my shoes. I taught myself my own knot in kindergarten and I've used it ever since.
So over: Girls who expect you to read their mind.
Ideal mate: Witty, outgoing, selfless and not afraid to tell me to shut up (when needed).
Ideal vacation: Fishing, mountain biking and hiking the backcountry of Breckinridge.
Celebrity crush: Julie Bowen (Claire Dunphy of Modern Family).
Favorite rainy day activity: Bowling - eating nachos and drinking a pitcher of beer.
Thompson Galetovic, 24
Crêpe maker extraordinaire; Owner, Crêpe à delíc; Art junkie
Best date spot: The TBA Climbing Gym in St. Elmo, then grabbing a hot drink afterward.
Something you'd never guess: I would drop everything and go play professional tennis if I could.
Looking for: Someone who can hold a great conversation.
Secret talent: Juggling.
On the bucket list: To be a stunt driver and work as a librarian.
Part of my chcharm: My random curiosity in others.
Favorite activities: Kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, acting, improv, dancing, fencing and cooking.
Steve Wild, 44
Chemical Engineer and Geologist, Marion Environmental; Music fanatic
Best date spot: Terra Nostra for tapas and their wine bar or The Foundry for live jazz.
You'd never guess: I taught Sunday school for 10 years.
So over: Mixed signals.
Deal breaker: Jealousy or possessiveness. I'm an incorrigible flirt.
Secret hobby: I've been making tie dye for about 17 years.
Once-in-a-lifetime moment: Touring with the Grateful Dead.
Deal breaker: A woman has to have a certain twinkle in her eyes - a joy for living and happiness to be alive.
Teal Thibaud, 23
Sales, Smart Furniture; Marketing for Trust for Public Land; aspiring Yogi
Weekend whereabouts: Snowboarding in Boone, driving to Nashville to see friends, hiking or camping - anything but watching TV.
I'm a sucker for: Ski bums.
Fantasy vacation: Buying an old Airstream and heading out West.
Favorite rainy-day activity: Throwing on rain boots and jumping in puddles.
So over: The 24-hour party animal.
Part of my charm: I can't stand red and purple Skittles. I'll eat all the others but leave those in the bag.
Looking for: A tie-dyed wearing, hairy-chested, outdoorsy kind of guy.
Mandy Smith, 25
Dental Hygienist, Dr. Brian Songer
Favorite Date: Sushi because it's interactive.
Looking for: Someone who's tall - I'm 5'10". Also looking for a guy who's hardworking and dedicated.
Where you'll find me on the weekends: Either shopping or running.
Sucker for: Dark hair and dark eyes.
On the bucket list: Exploring New Zealand, scuba diving on a tropical reef and zip lining through a rainforest.
Can't stand: Guys who are dirty. I'm always cleaning something.
Alex Santiago, 36
Sales and Marketing Manager, First Vice President of Eastern Tennessee Region, SunTrust Bank; board member of Girls, Inc. and Latino/Hispanic Council of Chattanooga
You'd never guess: I drive a Jeep Wrangler. It's a little challenging to get in and out of it in a suit, but in the summer I can pop the top off, take my jacket off and it's all worth it.
I'm a sucker for: Nerds, especially funny ones.
Secret talent: I can salsa dance. And I do a killer Yoda impression!
Favorite rainy day activity: Making pancakes with Mikey, my cocker spaniel, and either reading a book or watching a movie.
On the bucket list: I'd love to do a mission trip to El Salvador since that's where my father is from.
Secret hobby: I used to fence in college.
Ani Yacoubian, 28
Buyer, Yacoubian Tailors; board member for Executive Women International of Chattanooga
Great night out: Sushi Nabe, Meeting Place or Blue Plate.
You'd never guess: I love watching baseball, especially the Braves or the Red Sox.
Fantasy vacation: Hiking the volcanoes in Hawaii. I'm hoping to go sometime this year.
Secret talent: I played the piano for 12 years.
Looking for: Someone who's hardworking and content with life. Oh, and a Southern gentleman.
Can't stand: When people are late.