Tired of swiping? Meet -- and vote on -- CharlotteFive’s Most Eligible Bachelors and Bachelorettes

Diamonds Direct is bringing Charlotte some holiday cheer a little early with their Holiday Designer Showcase this weekend. Whether you’re looking to propose or just find something special for under the tree, their expanded selection of unique and stunning designer pieces will make your shopping a breeze. Check out the Holiday Gift Guide at www.diamondsdirect.com.

Editor’s note: This story was updated on July 1, 2025.

As soon as we opened the first CharlotteFive’s Most Eligible bachelor/bachelorette contest, the nominations started flooding in. And let me tell you — Charlotte has some real catches out there looking for a match.

Now it’s time to present to you the finalists: The 10 Most Eligible Bachelors and 10 Most Eligible Bachelorettes in Charlotte.

Don’t miss our Dec. 8 event from 7-9 p.m. at The Imperial. Ticket includes a special craft cocktail made just for this night, apps and a chance to meet some of the bachelors and bachelorettes. Get tickets now.

Can’t make it? Vote online now through this link or in the form below. And scroll down to see photos and bios of our Most Eligible finalists.

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But first, a quick run down of how we selected these 20 lovely people out of a ton of nominees:

– The C5 team called on a panel of experts to help whittle down the list singles ages 21-35. We had Ali Washburn and Lauren Levine, hosts of The Margarita Confessionals; Carolinas Matchmaker Laurie Berzack; and Farai Gwata, a 2016 Charlotte Business Journal 40 Under 40 award recipient who recently helped Berzack organize a singles mixer.

– For the first round of cuts, we looked at each nominee’s questionnaire submission (which you’ll see below, minimally edited for clarity). We didn’t even consider the pictures people sent in — and still ended up with a group of beautiful people. I’m telling you — Charlotte is full of good looking people!

– We then had much deliberation about qualifications — and took a peek at the photos — to narrow it down to the final 10 bachelors and 10 bachelorettes in Charlotte.

Want to celebrate (and meet!) the city’s 20 most eligible single people? Come to our C5 Most Eligible party Dec. 8 at Uptown’s brand new speakeasy-style bar, The Imperial. Get tickets here! You’ll be able to eat, drink, mingle, and vote for your favorite Bachelor and Bachelorette to take home the title of Charlotte’s Most Eligible.

Now, drumroll please, these are your most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, Charlotte.

Bachelorettes

Erin Burns

Age: 29.

Profession: Multiclassroom Leader for Project LIFT and Real Estate Agent.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): Looking for other half to become power couple. Likes: intellectual conversation, social justice, wine, good food, working out. Side hustle: real estate. Dislikes: cats, cargo shorts UNC ’09 Columbia ‘ 14.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Small but fierce wild pony (is that a real animal?).

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Legion Brewing.

Why should we pick this person, really? Genuinely looking for an individual to form a dynamic partnership with in order to make Charlotte a better city. Has wonderful friends, an impactful career in public education, financial success in real estate. Ready to meet a driven individual that has ambitious goals for their self and their community. Then combining forces to promote greater change in the city.

Sunni Haralalka

Age: 27.

Profession: Senior Associate for Marketing and Development.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): This chick is career oriented, but she enjoys dancing, hiking, fantasy football and spending time with her friends and family.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Tiger.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Sunni has a great time anywhere, from mountain biking at the WWC, having a beer at Sycamore to stealing the dance floor uptown.

Why should we pick this person, really? Gorgeous, awesome and fun! Also successful with a big heart and is the life of the party. She always puts her friends and family first, now it is time for someone to put her first. She is one of the most eligible women around. Fun, loving, carefree and adventurous, she deserves a great man with similar qualities.

Kate Rios

Age: 28.

Profession: Business Development Manager.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): Live without regret, swipe right.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): A feisty kitten.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: All American Pub.

Why should we pick this person, really? Kate is a very funny and compassionate girl who deserves the best. She has been looking for love for a while now and could use some help. She’s hilarious. Katie said if she ends up single she’s getting a cat and naming it “Katy Purry.”

Jacquaya Reel

Age: 24.

Profession: Community outreach for health & human services organization.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): N/A.

Brewery or wine bar? Wine bar.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Lioness.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: No hangout. But she does love art and cultural events.

Why should we pick this person, really? Jacquaya is sweet, positive, smart, willing to try different activities, cute, funny, well-liked and personable.

Sarah Fortner

Age: 28.

Profession: Meteorologist.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): Sunny with a chance of love.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Labrador.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Bakersfield.

Why should we pick this person, really? Not only can she predict the weather but she is fun, loyal, funny, gorgeous and genuine.

Lauren Levine

Age: 28.

Profession: Writer, Podcaster.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): I won’t talk about you on my podcast.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? Neither.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): June Fehling (Page & Jake Fehling’s daughter – seriously look her up).

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Montford.

Why should we pick this person, really? Lauren is whip smart, funny, talented and insanely beautiful. Lauren is the type of friend and partner who will drop everything to help you, surprise you with tiny gifts, and gives love completely unselfishly. A date with Lauren is a smart conversation about life and being your best self. Lauren is in a place where she’s ready for love and has a happy life full of great friends, work she loves and a killer family. This girl is a catch and definitely the most eligible lady in CLT.

Brittany Julian

Age: 27.

Profession: Nurse Practitioner.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): Feed me pizza and pretend to like my sports teams.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Voldemort.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Sycamore Brewing.

Why should we pick this person, really? Brittany is hilarious, gorgeous and worthy of someone equally awesome.

Paige Rohleder

Age: 29.

Profession: Sales Analyst.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): Looking for a nice guy who likes my cat and can make me laugh.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Cat.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Growlers.

Why should we pick this person, really? Paige is absolutely hilarious, very smart and extremely adventurous. She is also very charitable and has been volunteering for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for a number of years. Not to mention, she’s a total babe.

Mollie Demott

Age: 27.

Profession: Product Marketing Specialist.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): Are you looking for a wedding date? Because I always RSVP.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Mint Museum visit.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Shark.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: U.S. National Whitewater Center because it combines the beer and activity-loving aspects of Mollie.

Why should we pick this person, really? Mollie is a true Charlotte Renaissance woman. Her days are spent putting her creative juices to work and her evenings are spent doing a variety of Charlotte activities like yoga at local breweries, walking her dog, painting, volunteering and taking advantage of everything this city has to offer. She is also active in her church, makes a mean bundt cake and has recently taken up flag football, where she proudly catches touchdown passes each week. Her vivacious spirit means she is never afraid to put herself out there and meet new people. She would be the perfect Charlotte ambassador for any bachelors looking to get more involved in our city. In terms of lifestyle, beauty, independence, personality and drive, there is no more eligible bachelorette in Charlotte.

Bachelors

Ryan Blaney

Age: 22.

Profession: NASCAR Driver.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): Must love Star Wars and put up with my garage music. Slow lane drivers need not apply.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? EpiCentre.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Mint Museum visit.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Warrior Eagle.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Hornet’s game.

Why should we pick this person, really? Ryan is one of the most quick witted people I know. There is never a dull moment when he is around. His humor is part of his charm. With him racing in the Sprint Cup Series in his Rookie year, he is a total catch! Plus – I mean, did you see the photo?!?

Daniel Degner

Age: 31.

Profession: Engineer.

Tinder profile line: None made.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

USNWC or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal: Dog.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Dog park.

Why should we pick this person, really? This guy has no kids, never married. Has a heart of gold. Always truthful, loyal, honest, dedicated and loves with everything that is in him. Never gives up hope. Intelligent, motivated, loving and romantic. He is an amazing guy!! Any woman would be lucky to have him!!

Terrence Pugh

Age: 32.

Profession: Doctor (physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist).

Tinder profile line: I like Alabama football, Skittles, and gin. Not necessarily in that order.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

USNWC or EpiCentre? EpiCentre.

Mint Museum or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal: Elephant (Again, Roll Tide.)

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Whiskey Warehouse on Saturday afternoons in the fall

Why should we pick this person, really? In addition to being smart (hello, he’s a doctor), Terrence is hilarious and incredibly kind. He is great at encouraging other people and cheering others on. (Oh, and he’s a great dresser, ladies.)

Daniel McIntyre

Age: 32.

Profession: IT wizard.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): All I want to do is make your dreams come true, baby.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Lawn stallion.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Starbucks on East Blvd.

Why should we pick this person, really? He’s a caring dude with a great job who often (unintentionally) gets into hilarious situations that end up with him being tricked into a gypsy cab in New York or handcuffed on stage during a musical at Booth Playhouse.

Noland Griffith

Age: 23.

Profession: Financial Consultant.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): Only NASCAR drivers go left.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Puppy.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Selwyn Pub.

Why should we pick this person, really? He’s charming, smart, and a great dancer!

Josh Holby

Age: 34.

Profession: Financial Advisor.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): doesn’t have one.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Abraxan winged horse.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Outside!

Why should we pick this person, really? Not only is he a successful businessman, he is a blessing to all who know him and fiercely loyal to family and friends. And, of course, he’s hotter than the fourth of July!

Cooper Lambla

Age: 29.

Profession: Brand Development at USNWC. Professional Kayaker. All around Charlottean.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): Meet me outside.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Cooper is a spirit animal.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Anywhere outside. USNWC is probably best.

Why should we pick this person, really? Cooper embodies living life to the fullest. He travels any chance he gets. He is the most humble person yet a true athlete and can pick up any sport in an instant. He is making Charlotte better through active outdoors, art, and connecting the unconnected.

Marcus McGovern

Age: 26.

Profession: Vice President, Yes I Can Basketball.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): R u the bottom of my laptop bc ur hot.

Brewery or wine bar? Wine bar.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Dwight Schrute.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Anywhere with my friends.

Why should we pick this person, really? He is funny enough that we thought about starting a YouTube channel that was just him commenting during “The Bachelor,” yet also a genuinely great guy.

Nauman Panjwani

Age: 22.

Profession: Weekdays: Consultant at Wells Fargo. Weekend: Barista at Coco and the Director.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): Just another day in paradise…

Brewery or wine bar? Wine bar.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Panther.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: The Wine Vault/Not Just Coffee.

Why should we pick this person, really? Raised in the Charlotte area, Nauman is one of the biggest QC advocates I have ever met! He is professionally driven, community oriented, and legitimately always has a smile on his face. Besides the fact that he is incredibly handsome, he also trains in hip-hop dance at the Dance District, is a weekend barista at Coco and the Director uptown, and has traveled the world! Nauman is a jack of all trades — Plus, look at that beard!

Whit Moody

Age: 33.

Profession: IT at a bank and former Marine.

Tinder profile line (feel free to create one here): I love America, and America loves me.

Brewery or wine bar? Brewery.

U.S. National Whitewater Center or EpiCentre? U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Mint Museum visit or Panthers game? Panthers game.

Spirit animal (or Patronus): Bald Eagle.

Favorite Charlotte hangout: Hooligans

Why should we pick this person, really? Veteran. All-around great guy. World traveler with epic stories! Full of southern charm. Kind-hearted, easygoing persona. Enjoys sports and is always down to try something new. Lives life to the fullest. Whit is one of the most selfless men I know and he should be Charlotte’s most eligible bachelor, no questions asked!

Photo: David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published December 6, 2016 at 7:02 PM.