When considering the best places for African Americans to live in the United States, there are several key factors to take into account. Some of the most important considerations include access to economic and educational opportunities, acceptance and inclusion within the broader community, affordable housing options, and an environment that embraces African American culture. With these criteria in mind, here are some of the top places African Americans may want to consider calling home.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta frequently tops lists of the best cities for African Americans. The Atlanta metro area has a strong African American middle class and a thriving business community. Roughly 54% of Atlanta’s population is African American. The city is home to several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) including Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University. This provides educational opportunities and fuels an intellectual, politically active environment. Constructive in terms of economic growth for all races, the income inequality gap between black and white residents is smaller in Atlanta than many other major cities.
Culturally, Atlanta offers a wide array of events and activities celebrating African American heritage, such as the Atlanta Black Pride Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Affordable housing can be found in areas like Southwest Atlanta, and the suburb of Decatur is popular with middle-class black families. Overall, Atlanta scores high marks for its thriving economy, black political representation, and abundance of black cultural events and heritage.
Washington D.C./Northern Virginia
The Washington D.C. metro area encompasses the city itself and Northern Virginia suburbs like Alexandria and Arlington. About 25% of the population in D.C. is African American, while Northern Virginia has a growing African American population around 10%. D.C. offers a strong job market with about 30% of employed African Americans working in the public administration, education, and health services industries. There are affluent predominantly black neighborhoods like Prince George’s County, Maryland.
African American culture and politics are front-and-center in D.C. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is located here, along with Howard University, one of the most prestigious HBCUs in the country. The metro area attracts politically active African Americans interested in public policy and social change careers. Housing can be very expensive in D.C. proper, but more affordable options exist in surrounding areas of Maryland and Virginia.
Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina
The Raleigh/Durham region has been attracting black professionals and families in recent years. About 21% of the population in Raleigh is African American, while Durham is about 40% black. Affordable homes can be found in both cities, especially in suburban neighborhoods. Raleigh/Durham is home to three HBCUs – North Carolina Central University, Shaw University, and St. Augustine’s University. This allows for connections to black culture and education.
Major industries like technology and life sciences provide jobs with competitive salaries. Raleigh and Durham actively promote diversity and inclusion within the community. The region lacks some of the deep historical roots of black culture found in places like Atlanta or D.C., but African Americans can still find welcoming neighborhoods and professional networks throughout the area.
Houston, Texas
Almost 25% of people living in Houston are African American. Houston offers lower costs of living compared to other major metro areas. It also provides a strong job market, especially in sectors like health care, manufacturing, and professional services. There are affordable housing options in areas like Sunnyside, Third Ward, and Northeast Houston.
Houston has one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country, honoring the end of slavery. The city is home to Texas Southern University, a leading HBCU. Houston does have less generous social services compared to more liberal states. But economically and culturally, African Americans can find opportunity and community throughout Houston.
New York City
The New York City metro area, including North New Jersey, houses one of the largest African American populations in the U.S. About 18% of NYC residents are black. Many live in areas of Harlem, Brooklyn, and Queens. The public transportation system makes it easier for African Americans to access affordable housing options. NYC attracts creatives, professionals, and entrepreneurs with its broad job market and endless networking potential.
Culturally speaking, NYC abounds with events and spaces dedicated to black history and excellence. These include the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, AfroPunk Festival, Apollo Theater, and countless galleries, restaurants, and performance venues promoting African American culture. Cost of living is very high, but the professional and creative opportunities draw many African Americans to build lives here.
Factors to Consider
When looking at the best cities and metro areas for African Americans to live, some key factors to consider include:
- Percentage of African American population
- Political representation – Black city council members, mayors, Congress members, etc.
- Job market and median income for African Americans
- Cost of living, availability of affordable housing
- Access to higher education, especially Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)
- Diversity and inclusion – Is the broader community accepting?
- Public transportation options
- Cultural opportunities – museums, festivals, restaurants, etc.
- History of African American community and civil rights
Places with strong economies, affordable housing, cultural richness, and opportunity for education and careers score highest across these metrics. Every individual and family will weigh the factors differently when deciding on the ideal place to put down roots.
Smaller Cities and Towns
In addition to major metropolitan areas, there are many smaller towns and cities around the country with vibrant African American communities. Here are some examples:
- Greensboro, NC
- Shreveport, LA
- Columbia, SC
- Tallahassee, FL
- Riverside, CA
- New Haven, CT
- Compton, CA
- Baltimore, MD
- Buffalo, NY
- Newark, NJ
Smaller cities can often provide a greater sense of community, more affordable real estate, and a slower pace of life. Proximity to larger metro areas for jobs and events is a plus. Many HBCUs are located in small cities. But limited career options and cultural offerings may be a trade-off.
Best States for African Americans
In addition to looking at specific cities, African Americans may consider relocating or settling down in a particular state. According to stats on income, homeownership, education, and health, some of the top-ranked states for African Americans include:
| State | Key Factors |
|---|---|
| Georgia | High African American homeownership, many HBCUs |
| Maryland | High median income for African Americans |
| New York | Large African American population, high college graduation rates |
| North Carolina | Strong economy and job growth in black communities |
| California | Large African American population, diversity |
States with large metropolitan areas, growing diversity, and strong education and economic metrics tend to offer the most opportunities. But even within these states, some cities will be better than others for black families.
The South
While the question asks about the best places to live in the U.S., it’s worth noting that most African Americans still live in the South. This region has a long cultural history and family roots dating back generations for many black Americans. Southern metro areas like Atlanta, Houston, Miami, and Memphis all have sizable black populations.
Cost of living is generally lower in the South compared to the Northeast or West Coast. But economic opportunities and social services may be less robust. Discrimination and racism also remain issues. Still, for those with existing ties to the South, it can be hard to sever those bonds completely.
Conclusions
Deciding where to live as an African American depends on individual needs and priorities. For well-rounded opportunity, mid-size to large metro areas like Atlanta, Washington D.C, Raleigh/Durham and Houston score high. New York City offers endless cultural richness and professional networks at the cost of sky-high expenses. Smaller towns provide community and affordability. Job prospects, education, housing costs, and family connections should all weigh on the decision.
While no city or town is perfect, African Americans today have more choices than ever when selecting a place to call home. By evaluating specific factors like economic advancement, inclusion, and cultural celebration of blackness, the ideal location can become a welcoming space to live, work, and thrive.