Have you been contemplating the Best Cities For Immigrants In The USA? You don’t need to anymore!
If you’re an immigrant in the United States, deciding where to move can be difficult. The United States has major cities, each with its own pros and cons, and many smaller cities as well. How do you decide which city to move to?
This guide will walk you through important considerations when choosing your new homes, such as housing options, your job market, and crime rates, while also sharing some general information about each city so that you have a better idea of what to expect when moving there.
Table of Contents
New York City
New York is a dream destination for many immigrants, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only does it have one of the largest immigrant populations in America, but New York is also home to hundreds of different nationalities and languages that create a unique cultural tapestry.
To make things even better, NYC has some of America’s best (and most affordable) colleges, universities, and schools – making New York great for raising families as well as starting businesses.
It’s also famous for its food scene, which attracts chefs from all over the world; plus there are plenty of jobs on offer here too.
There are downsides though: like any big city, living costs can be high; however, you can get by if you stick to a budget. And while crime rates have fallen dramatically in recent years, they remain higher than in other parts of America. But with so much going for it, New York remains an excellent choice for immigrants looking to start their new lives in America.
Los Angeles
While L.A.’s diversity is its greatest strength, it also plays a large role in why people move here and then up and leave as quickly as possible. L.A. has an abundance of Hollywood glitz and superficial glamour but also an abundance of poverty, homelessness, and gang violence that many immigrants will, unfortunately, face when first arriving in America.
However, Los Angeles is one of only three cities on our list with a relatively high median income (the other two are Washington D.C. and San Francisco).
This means that while you may have to deal with more crime than other cities on our list, your life will be better financially if you can stick it out through these tough times.
Read Also: Best Cities For Immigrants In Canada
If you can handle living in one of America’s most ethnically diverse cities for at least five years, Los Angeles might be for you! It’s also worth noting that although housing prices aren’t too expensive by American standards, they’re still significantly higher than in many other parts of California, which makes renting or buying a home very difficult for new residents.
If you want to buy the property and live in Southern California without going broke, consider looking outside of L.A., like Santa Monica or Anaheim.
There are over 1 million Asian Americans living in Los Angeles county alone!
Washington, D.C.
The capital of America is also an ideal place for newcomers. Whether you’re from a different state or another country, chances are good that there’s a sizable population of other immigrants in D.C., many of whom share your language and culture.
This makes it easier to find others who can offer advice on jobs, schools, housing—and even help you find a community center where you can practice your native tongue with others. It’s no surprise that more than 50 percent of residents were born outside of the U.S., making it one of our top cities for immigrants overall.
You might not be able to snag a White House tour, but you will be able to explore some of our nation’s most important landmarks—all while learning how Washington really works. And if you want to take advantage of all D.C.
Chicago
With a population of 2.7 million people, Chicago is home to over 180 ethnic groups. More than 30 languages are spoken in the city and there are many opportunities for immigrants who want to create their own businesses here. Chicago has been rated as one of America’s best cities for entrepreneurship and one of its fastest-growing economies.
As well as being ranked number 12 on Forbes’ list of top startup cities in 2016, it’s also an exciting place to explore if you’re looking to set up your own business.
It’s no surprise that Chicago attracts talented entrepreneurs from all over the world. They flock here because of jobs in finance, technology, and other sectors. And they stay because they love our cultural diversity and thriving nightlife scene!
Miami
If you want to party in America, then Miami is probably your best bet. Located on a tropical island, surrounded by warm turquoise waters and filled with palm trees, it has a vibrant nightlife and food scene as well as good weather. Home to a large Hispanic population, Miami attracts immigrants from all over Latin America and has one of the largest Cuban populations outside of Cuba. Spanish is one of Florida’s official languages alongside English.
Houston
City Overview Houston is a sprawling metropolis in Texas. If you love hot weather, it’s probably a great city for you.
One of its biggest draws is NASA’s Johnson Space Center, which employs more than 10,000 scientists and engineers in fields including aeronautics and space research.
There are about 1.4 million residents living within Houston’s borders, but well over 6 million people call Harris County home. This makes Houston one of America’s most diverse cities with 140 languages spoken by its population.
Philadelphia
Philly, as it’s most commonly known, is a treasure trove of cultures and neighborhoods. For example, there are more than 30 languages spoken in schools throughout Philly. Business is growing rapidly there—and Philadelphia has become a desirable destination for foreign investors who see promise in Philly’s assets. If you’re looking to start a business in an area that will welcome you with open arms, then look no further than Philly. And if you want to get some inspiration from other entrepreneurs who have made their home there, check out these three awesome success stories:
San Francisco Bay Area
While it may be incredibly expensive to live in San Francisco, there’s no denying that it’s one of the best cities for immigrants in America. One reason is its diverse population; based on 2013 estimates, almost one-third of residents were born outside of California. Another factor? A large number of immigrant entrepreneurs have set up shop here and are eager to hire foreign workers. Finally, if you need help navigating your new home or simply want to make friends with people from all over the world, there are plenty of social organizations dedicated to helping you do just that.