dating outside your hometown when you can’t move yet?

i (24F) have always dated with intention, and while i’ve had my fair share of connections, things just never got far. i’m now at a point in my life where i’m dating to marry, but i’m running into a wall here in metro atlanta, where i have been my whole life.

i know people say there’s someone for everyone, but as a black woman, i can’t ignore how difficult dating in atlanta can be.. statistically and from experience. it’s like the numbers, pretenses, and the culture just aren’t in our favor here.

i recently started a new job that is a perfect post grad opportunity, but low and behold, it’s also based in my hometown. therefore, i don’t see myself moving for a while. something in me is telling me i need to expand my search beyond atlanta and georgia, without putting everything else at big risk aka without living away for a while.

so i’m asking for advice:

• have you successfully dated someone outside of your city or state?
• what platforms or strategies worked for you?
• how do you build something meaningful when you can’t physically be there often?

i’m open to online dating or other creative approaches, i just want to do it with intention and not waste energy. i’m looking for a partner, a husband, someone equally intentional, and i just don’t want to limit myself anymore.

would love to hear your stories, suggestions, or just encouragement.