For felons looking to start over after serving their sentence, finding a place to live can be incredibly difficult. Many landlords are hesitant to rent to felons, and certain states and cities impose additional restrictions that make finding housing even harder. However, there are some locations that are more welcoming and offer increased opportunities for felons to successfully reintegrate into society.
What Factors Make a Location Felon-Friendly?
There are several key factors that contribute to making a city or state more felon-friendly:
- Ban the Box laws – These prohibit landlords and employers from asking about criminal history on initial applications.
- Reduced restrictions on public housing – Some areas do not impose blanket bans on felons receiving public housing assistance.
- Inclusive hiring policies – Employers that actively hire felons make it easier for them to obtain jobs.
- Strong reentry programs – Programs that help felons with housing, jobs, counseling, and other needs can set them up for success.
- Felon voting rights – Allowing felons to vote makes them more engaged citizens and reduces recidivism.
- LENA programs – Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion programs direct low-level felons to community-based treatment instead of jail.
Places with policies like these in place tend to be more welcoming for felons looking for a fresh start.
Best States for Felons to Live In
Based on factors like the ones above, some states rise above others as the most felon-friendly. Here are some top options:
Colorado
Colorado has several laws that support reintegration for felons:
- Passed Ban the Box legislation in 2019
- Restores voting rights immediately after release from prison
- LENA programs are available in Denver and other cities
- Public housing is available statewide after a 5 year waiting period
The state also has a booming economy, with plenty of entry-level jobs available in industries like hospitality, construction and marijuana dispensaries.
New York
New York has implemented policies to remove housing and employment barriers for felons:
- Partial Ban the Box law prohibits asking about criminal history on initial job applications
- Public housing applications do not exclude felons outright
- Certificate of Relief programs allow felons to become eligible for professional licenses
- Strong network of nonprofit reentry programs
The state does have some of the toughest gun restrictions for felons though.
Michigan
Michigan makes it easier in these ways for felons reentering society:
- Public housing agencies must have an appeal process before denying felons
- Felons can vote immediately after release from prison
- LENA programs are expanding, especially in Detroit
- State licensing boards cannot deny professional licenses based solely on felony status
The economy also provides decent prospects with skilled trades and manufacturing jobs.
Nevada
Nevada stands out for felon reintegration because of its focus on rehabilitation and reduced restrictions:
- Passed sweeping Ban the Box legislation in 2019
- Restores voting rights after release from parole/probation
- Does not prohibit felons from receiving welfare benefits
- Reentry programs focus on counseling, skills training, education and finding employment
The economy and job market is driven by tourism, hospitality and entertainment in Las Vegas and Reno which tend to be more open to hiring felons.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has several progressive laws that remove barriers for felons:
- Housing authorities cannot deny housing solely based on criminal history
- Restores voting rights immediately after release from prison
- Public welfare benefits are available for felons who qualify
- Strong network of nonprofit reentry programs
The economy also provides many job opportunities in fields like manufacturing, healthcare services and construction.
Best Cities for Felons to Live In
In addition to state laws and policies, local city initiatives also impact how open a location is to felon reintegration. Here are some of the best felon-friendly cities:
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix has launched several initiatives to help felons rebuild their lives:
- Passed ordinance preventing employers from asking about convictions before making conditional job offer
- Runs designated reentry centers to connect felons with services
- Jobs program specifically helps felons gain skilled construction trade licenses and apprenticeships
The economy provides opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, call centers and technology companies.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit assists felons in these ways:
- Provides low-income housing opportunities specifically set aside for felons
- Prioritizes awarding city contracts to companies that hire felons
- Hosts regular expungement fairs to help clear criminal records
- Runs empowerment programs focused specifically on felon entrepreneurship
Major industries like manufacturing and automotive also actively hire for entry-level jobs.
Denver, Colorado
Denver has created a supportive environment for felons through programs like:
- The CHOICE program offering counseling, education, housing, and job assistance
- The CareerConnect correctional industries program helping prepare felons for jobs before release
- Initiative requiring companies receiving public contracts to disclose and addresshexisting hiring barriers
The diverse economy also provides opportunities in finance, aerospace, tech, and cannabis.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston assists felons reentering society in these main ways:
- Offers transitional housing specifically for recently incarcerated individuals
- Runs a Reentry Best Practices Database for employers looking to improve hiring policies
- The Boston Fair Chance Coalition promotes fair chance employment policies
- Hosts regular criminal record expungement clinics
Major industries like healthcare, finance and tech provide career opportunities as well.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco supports reintegrating felons through programs like:
- The Alameda County Justice Restoration Project provides legal services to clear records
- The America Works employment program partners with employers willing to hire felons
- Passed Fair Chance Ordinance preventing employers from asking about conviction history early in hiring process
- Provides supportive housing prospects through the Felton Institute
The technology industry and major companies also actively hire for roles.
Factors Felons Should Consider When Choosing Where to Live
When deciding the best place for a felon to live, there are several additional factors to consider beyond just friendly policies:
- Housing affordability – Make sure you can reasonably afford rent and utilities in the area.
- Public transportation – Look at what bus and metro options are available if you do not have a car.
- Employment opportunities – Research the types of jobs and companies that you can realistically find work with.
- Cost of living – Consider not just housing but overall costs like groceries, healthcare, entertainment, etc.
- Parole/probation requirements – If you are on parole or probation, choose a place where you can comply with requirements.
- Education opportunities – Look for cities with community colleges and vocational schools if further education is your goal.
- Healthcare options – Make sure you have access to clinics and services that fit your health needs and budget.
- Sober living – Those recovering from addiction should ensure strong sober living resources are available.
Thinking through factors like affordability, opportunity and community support will help guide you in choosing the best place to restart your life after incarceration.
Tips for Felons Looking for Housing
Finding accessible and affordable housing is often the biggest challenge for felons reentering society. Here are some tips to make the housing search process easier:
- See if your city or state has a city housing authority that assists with low-income options.
- Research reentry programs that offer transitional housing and shelter assistance.
- Consider taking on a roommate to split costs and allow more flexibility as you reestablish yourself.
- Look into income-based housing programs like Section 8 that base rent on your income level.
- Build up your rental resume by getting recommendations from employers, counselors and community members.
- Prepare an explanation letter to help reassure any reluctant landlords about your circumstances.
- Explore rental options from private landlords, who often have more flexibility than large complexes.
- Have savings on hand for move-in costs like security deposits and first month’s rent.
- Be completely transparent and forthcoming so landlords understand your full history.
With persistence and preparation, securing housing as a felon is an achievable goal in the right cities.
Conclusion
Finding acceptance and successfully reintegrating into society after incarceration requires an environment receptive to hiring, housing and fully rehabilitating felons. Cities and states like Colorado, New York, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania have led the way in removing barriers and creating opportunities for felons to restart their lives. Factors like housing affordability, employment prospects, reentry programs and access to education all impact how suitable and welcoming a location is for felons looking to move forward. Although challenges remain, the ideal combination of supportive policies, economic opportunities and community acceptance can turn places into beacons of hope for felons seeking redemption.
