Best Cities for African American Families to Live

Nov 06, 2025 0

Now more than ever, it is important to identify cities in the United States where Black families can thrive. When looking for a city where Black families can thrive, it's important to consider economic opportunities and a sense of community.

According to Statista, in 2022, the median household income for non-Hispanic Black families was $51,286, compared to $80,404 for non-Hispanic white families. The median income for Black households in 2023 was $56,490. This underscores the importance of finding cities where Black families can achieve economic stability and growth.

Here are some of the best cities for African American families to live, considering various factors such as job markets, community, and quality of life.

Top Cities for Black Families

Several cities across the United States stand out as particularly welcoming and beneficial for African American families.

1. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is known as a ‘Black Mecca‘ for Black-owned businesses and cultural institutions. The city continues to draw African-Americans to its metropolitan area. It was billed as the "Black Mecca of the South" by Ebony magazine in 1971. The city has a strong job market, and many jobs can be found in areas such as entertainment and technology. Atlanta is a city of opportunity for young professionals.

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Facts according to Forbes: the median income: $41,803; home ownership rate: 46.9 percent. Change in population 2000-13: 49.9 percent. With a large percentage of over 48 percent of Black residents, Atlanta is a diverse city and great for Black families. There has been a 4.6 percent climb in Black homeownership over the past few years, and Atlanta is known for having great restaurants, cool bars, museums, and lots of kid and adult-friendly activities.

2. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina, is consistently selected as one of the top towns for Black families. Part of North Carolina’s triangle is Raleigh. Raleigh has a well-known, robust job market, exceptional quality of life, low unemployment rates, and a diverse community. The city’s educational landscape is just as impressive, and its schools encourage a diverse student body.

Known as the "City of Oaks," Raleigh, N.C., has attracted more Blacks to its city in the past decade. With a low poverty rate of 12% and a median household income of $73,000, this city is showing significant growth and wealth opportunities for Black families. For Black Families: Raleigh’s Black population continues to grow, with over 135,000 Black residents making up over 28 percent of the people. Along with having a long list of incredible colleges, Raleigh is also a great city for young professionals. Facts according to Forbes: median income: $42,285; home ownership rate: 46.7 percent; change in population, 2000-13: 55.9 percent. Raleigh’s Black homeownership rate sits at 43.1 percent, and there are also a lot of amenities like restaurants, bars, and activities.

3. Charlotte, North Carolina

One unique selling point of Charlotte is its efforts to promote Black business growth through the Charlotte Economic Inclusion Plan (NAACP) and more. Tying in fourth place is Charlotte, N.C., the largest city in the state and the second largest city in Southeastern America. According to The Charlotte Observer, people are referring to the city as the “Black Mecca” because it’s such a great place for both single Black people and Black families.

The city is great for young people working in business, finance and sports. More than 300 cultural institutions help make the city a hotbed of a thriving Black community, including the Harvey B. For Black Families: Charlotte is a great city to raise Black families and the Black population has significantly grown. The average annual income for Black Charlotteans is $36,522; the home ownership rate is 43.9 percent and 13.6 percent are self-employed. With cool holiday pop-up bars, fun activities like white water rafting and ice skating, and diverse exercise clubs like the Mad Miles Run Club, Black residents of Charlotte love the options that the city gives them.

4. Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., has many items on African American history in places with significant institutions and monuments. Washington D.C. is without a doubt one of the best cities for black people. Historically, D.C. starting in 1957. It was once 70% black as a result of the Great Migration where black people left the south and moved north in search of better opportunities and to escape segregation and lynching. Currently, it is hovering slightly over 40% black but still maintains the nickname of “Chocolate City”. In the 1970s, D.C.'s Black population peaked at 71 percent, with many calling it Chocolate City for that reason. In the past 40 years, the Black population has steadily declined to 50 percent as the white population rises. Still the city remains a place where Blacks are excelling economically.

Facts according to Forbes: median income: $64,896; home ownership rate: 49.2 percent; self-employed: 15.1 percent. It has an ocean of opportunities for entrepreneurs and black professionals. It is a well-paying city with one of the highest numbers of black internship opportunities. It has renowned universities like Howard University (HBCU), George Washington University, and Georgetown.

5. Virginia Beach-Norfolk, VA

Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Va., has a strong presence of African-American prosperity along their coastal region. Black people are closing the wealth gap in Virginia Beach, with a median household income of $65,600. For Black Families: Black families do well in Virginia Beach, both economically and socially. Virginia Beach is an excellent area for young professionals looking to live in a city by the beach.

Facts according to Forbes: median income: $40,677; home ownership rate: 43.8 percent; self-employed: 13.2 percent.

6. Other Notable Cities

Richmond, VA: In Richmond, we are seeing a resurgence with a strong job market and efforts to increase Black homeownership. Richmond residents who are African-American have a median household income of $38,889; a 47.8 percent home ownership rate; and 12.7 percent are self-employed.
Silver Spring, MD: Silver Spring is well known for its thriving Black Business district and being on the list of the best places for families. The city also vibrantly celebrates Black history and culture with numerous African American landmarks, events, and celebrations.
Miami, FL: Miami is another city in Florida where Blacks have a better quality of life on average than in other parts of country. Facts according to Forbes: median househould income: $36,749; home ownership rate: $44.9 percent; self employment rate: 11.2 percent.
Orlando, FL: Home of Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando, Fla., comes in on the list. Blacks who call this city home on average earn $33,982; have a home ownership rate of 43.8 percent and 11 percent are self-employed. Orlando is not simply a tourist town with a strong economy and incredible community.
Baltimore, MD: Forty miles north, and the most northern city on this list, is Baltimore. African-Americans in this city are earning on average $47,898; their home ownership rate is 46.2 percent and 15 percent are self-employed. Baltimore is a city with an idea of self and a sense of belonging. Baltimore is a city rich in history and based on its desire for inclusivity. These provide a dynamic environment for Black families.
Columbia, MD: Columbia, Maryland is one of the best places for Black families to live in because of its environmental equity. There’s tons of public green space for Black families to enjoy, something that isn’t found as often in other parts of the country. Columbia is also ranked high in education, with Maryland being the number 12 state in the country for state education and over 30 universities surrounding the city.
Los Angeles, CA: In terms of health equity and safety, Los Angeles ranks as a top place for Black families to live. Maternal mortality rates are significantly lower than other states coming at 9.7 percent according to the CDC. There are over 151,000 laws set in place for California residents that support their health and wellness.
New York City, NY: Known for its diversity, New York City is a great place for Black families. With so many activities to do, it may be overwhelming to know where to start in New York, but families have their pick at enjoying museums, lots of events, and tons of restaurants, cafès and bars to choose from. NYC is also home to incredible schools like New York University, Parsons School of Design, FIT, Columbia University, and more. Brooklyn is home to the second-largest population of Black people.

Additional Cities to Consider

Several other cities offer unique opportunities and environments for Black families:

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San Antonio, TX: San Antonio is booming right now. San Antonio, Texas, ties for eighth place for best cities where African-Americans are doing well economically. Facts according to Forbes: median household income: $41,681; home ownership rate: 40 percent; share who are employed: 9.3 percent.
Columbus, OH: Columbus is famous for its diverse community and economic opportunities. The city’s initiatives to support Black businesses and educational programs pave the way for future growth.
Austin, TX: People move to Black Austin because it has an ideal boomtown economy and cultural diversity. Austin is a city where Black families can thrive.
Memphis, TN: Memphis is a culturally rich city with a good community feel.
Jacksonville, FL: Black families will thrive in Jacksonville, which has a strong economy and community.
Phoenix, AZ: Phoenix is developing a growing economy and a diversified community.
Provo, UT: You might not think Provo is the next brilliant spot right away, but it has low unemployment rates and high-quality education for Black residents.
Indianapolis, IN: Indianapolis has a rich culture and many growing Black families in Indiana.

These cities provide a range of environments and opportunities for Black families to thrive. Each offers unique benefits and considerations, making it important to research and find the best fit for your family's needs and aspirations.

Best cities for Black singles

Wish to live or visit a town that is progressive, diverse, and tolerant? Do you want to be a place where you feel supported and also perhaps, more importantly, help you find BAE? Some cities selected have very few residents but offer big-city options. Others have some phenomenal work opportunities, maybe a foodie’s delight with various areas with restaurants, bars, and attractions, and others may be more of a Black Mecca. Just so you know Green Book Global is the first black travel review site and we are dedicated to helping black travelers explore the world safely.

You can’t mention one of the best cities for Black people and not mention Atlanta, Even though the ratio “may ” be slightly lopsided with regards to the ratio of single women to men, it should still be high on your list as a favorite for Black singles. With pretty good access to jobs, a low cost of living, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle where you can socialize, shop, eat, drink, and give yourself a glow-up, you can’t go wrong with Atlanta.
Though you may not have heard of this small town of about 70,000 residents, Frederick, Maryland should be on the top priority list for black singles. Just 50 miles outside of D.C., Frederick was ranked #4 on the top 100 list of best places to live in America. This charming town is located in western Maryland and is famous for its culture, art, and history. If you are a foodie, this city has great dining options and even has an abundance of wineries. Pedestrian-friendly paths that lead you by creeks, breweries, distilleries assortment of rooftop terraces your “aura” will be different in Fredericks. It truly is an incredible mix of hustle and bustle, and peaceful suburban life.
Montclair is one of the wealthiest cities in New Jersey with income levels hovering around 200K so it definitely one of the best cities for black people. Black people work in law enforcement, hospitals, government officials, lawyers, doctors, and a wide range of other professions and industries.
As a black single, maybe you should leave the big city life. With its small pollution of 13,000, Beaufort is a charming coastal southern town that could be a great fit. A good percentage (around 28%) of its population is black and it is a lovely walkable town with numerous restaurants and a boardwalk with awesome views of the water.
If you are ready for the fast life, New York is it. Both Harlem and Brooklyn are amazing and there is a running debate on which is better! Sorry Bronx (you go to the birthplace of hip-hop though) but you aren’t quite there yet. You can find plenty of jobs, and opportunities to showcase your talent, socialize and enjoy varied cultures. Bed-Stuy Has one of the highest concentrations of black residents in the USA.
African Americans have been a part of Oakland throughout most of its 167-year history. Oakland needs black people to return as well. It was almost majority black in the 1980’s hovering around 48% but over the past decades, the black population has continued to dwindle. In fact, Oakland’s population went up 50,000 between 2010-2020 but the black population went down by 7% and is now at 20%. Oakland is home to where the Black Panther Party was founded. West Oakland was once called the “Harlem of the West” and it had its own series of nightclubs and bars near the current-day Mandela Marketplace and the West Oakland BART station. Oakland was also called the West Coast center of blues music. There is so much history here that we cannot afford to lose. So singles, you got this!!
Washington D.C. is without a doubt one of the best cities for black people. It has an ocean of opportunities for entrepreneurs and black professionals. It has renowned universities like Howard University (HBCU), George Washington University, and Georgetown. It is a well-paying city with one of the highest numbers of black internship opportunities. Historically, D.C. starting in 1957. It was once 70% black as a result of the Great Migration where black people left the south and moved north in search of better opportunities and to escape segregation and lynching. Currently, it is hovering slightly over 40% black but still maintains the nickname of “Chocolate City”. Check out clubs like Bliss Nightclub, Club Timerhri, and Eighteen Street Lounge for a turn-up, or be a patron to black-owned restaurants like the historic Ben Chilli’s Bowl, Busboys, and Poets, or Mr. 9.
Martha’s Vineyard is the summertime sanctuary for the black elite and it really is one of the best cities for black people. Maybe you don’t want to live here year-round but summer in Martha’s Vineyard is the place to be for you to meet BAE. He or she will be about something or at least pretend to be lol.
Ghana, located in an area once known as the Gold Coast of Africa, was the hub of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the departure point for slaves bound for America. In 2019 it was also the meeting place for tens of thousands of the African diaspora to come back home during the Year of Return with a heavy emphasis on Accra. Ghana offers Black Americans the ability to escape “deadly racism” in the US, which is working.
Houston is the most diverse city in Texas but also in most diverse city in the entire United States. Diversity is critical to exchanging ideas, understanding different perspectives, and creating safe spaces, and Houston is at the forefront of this. Out of the 2 million population, about 23% are African Americans. It also could be a great place to settle down and enjoy black family suburbs and relatively inexpensive housing compared to the rest of the US.
Colombia has the 4th largest black population outside of Africa and Cali is one of Colombia’s highest-rated cities for healthcare. The pristine beaches on the Caribbean coast and the vibrant nightlife are key factors to staying here. With 70% of Cali’s population being black, it is the country’s blackest city but it is also still very segregated. Many of the concentrations of black people that live in Cali are in Agua Blanca which is also one of the more dangerous places. However, the “hood” is where the love is! Whether you are looking to visit, settle down, or party, these are great options as the Best Cities for Black People.