Black Enterprise (BE) revealed its most recent list of top cities for African Americans as featured in its May 2007 issue. Surveys were evaluated and the editors weighed the following criteria as it pertained to African Americans in each city: median household income, percentage of households earning more than $100,000, percentage of businesses owned, percentage of college graduates, unemployment rates, home loan rejections, and homeownership rates.
On this year’s list, the No. 1 city for African Americans is Washington, D.C. The No. 2 pick, Atlanta, GA, continues to impress. The city is home to 64,000 black-owned businesses and continues to offer extensive entrepreneurial opportunities. No. 3, Raleigh-Durham, NC, boasted a 3.4% rise in job growth, the highest employment statistic among the cities ranked.
The full list of the 10 best cities for African Americans:
- Washington D.C.
- Atlanta, GA
- Raleigh-Durham, NC
- Houston, TX
- Nashville, TN
- Dallas, TX
- Charlotte, NC
- Indianapolis, IN
- Columbus, OH;
- Jacksonville, FL.
So, I’m happy to see two cities that I’ve lived in on the list, but I must ask, where is Chicago? Well, the surveys indicated that residents of urban hubs such as Chicago, L.A., and New York continue to be disenchanted with nagging social problems, including the high cost of living, rising crime rates, and substandard public schools. The survey and stats are a great start and factor for deciding what city you want to live in, but also keep in mind your own personal standards and preferences. Consider the features of different cities that fit your personality, lifestyle and interests, such as cultural offerings, recreational and educational pursuits, climate, cost of living, shopping and transportation. Try Bestplaces.net and Findyourspot.com, two websites that help you figure out what city is the best fit for you.
GB
Hot, Hot, Hot! Thanks for this post. I am thinking about my next city and this is helpful. I am shocked Jacksonville is on there, but glad. My family’s there and I know my money would go a lot further there than in Miami, too.
April 18, 2007 at 10:44 am
Sheria
Yay for Raleigh!
April 18, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Dame
I lived I Atlanta when I was attending college and I have to say, it’s the best place I’ve ever lived.
April 18, 2007 at 6:25 pm
David McQueen
Yes. Where is Chicago?
Looking at the criteria though I wonder what would happen if the median household salary was a tad lower?
April 19, 2007 at 2:58 am
Bigrayvin
Shouts out to Raleigh-Durham for making the list
Great Place to live if you like urbanization,weather,and great people.
April 20, 2007 at 2:07 am
Ashley
And Houston is a great place to live, I’m a lil’ partial, but I love it here. And it’s relatively cheap to live here.
April 20, 2007 at 7:11 pm
JD
I have spent considerable time in all the cities on the list, Indy and Jacksonville???, No Chicago and New York? Other than that I agree, my brother lives in Atlanta and loves it, but even he would say it does not compare to Chi-town. I like to visit Atlanta but it is a tad too country for me to live
April 21, 2007 at 8:32 am
Villager
I was planning to post something about the Black Enterprise article on ‘best cities for Blackfolks’, however, it is still sitting in my list of ‘to-dos’. I’m glad to see that you took the time to ‘make it so’.
My last three cities –> Detroit, Long Island and Cincinnati aren’t on the list (smile)
peace, Villager
April 21, 2007 at 1:33 pm
nicole
Atlanta is a wonderful place to live. Its great to see so many sucessful African Americans all in one place. I moved here in 2001 and can’t imagine living anywhere else.
October 27, 2007 at 7:59 pm
D
I thinking about moving to Raleiegh-Durham area and I am presently in school to become a behavior analyst. I work with children with autism. Does any one have any suggestion on a place to further my career in thta area?
December 21, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Kitty
Although Houston and Dallas are amongst the ranks, I’m a natural born Texan and I’m seriously ready for a change. Visited ATL and liked it alot but I’m considering Nashville or Jacksonville. Anyone have anything that I should know about these two cities. I’m the single mother of two so I know that makes a big difference. Any feedback is very much appreciated!!!
August 29, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Evelyn
I would like to know about the jobs and education I have young kids
September 15, 2008 at 10:25 am
AW
@ Kitty, I grew up in Jacksonville and am curently back home. I'd say that your perception of Jacksonville depends mainly on what you do for a living. The cost of living is low, but salaries generally are low as well. If you are pretty established in your career and will be moving into another high level position, you should be okay, but working your way up from the bottom is relatively hard. Also, I'd say the biggest industries here are nursing/insurance/health-related and call-centers. It almost seems like whatever call center jobs are not outsourced internationally end up landing here. Schools are hit and miss. There are many excellent schools here, but the ones that are bad are really bad.
The “black scene” in terms of nightlife and cultural events isn't really existent. There aren't too many lounge-type spots, and the clubs are the type that make you decide whether you want to risk your life of not before you decide to go in. Seriously. There are some art festivals and such, but they tend to be more grassroots/community sponsored (nothing wrong with that) than the big, well-advertised events like Atlanta's black film festival. Also, the city is huge land-wise, so there's not really a cohesive neighborhood feel except in a few areas like Little 5 Points, Springfield, etc.
Before it seems like I'm hating on my city though, I'll give you the plusses:
-The weather is nice
-Lost of green space for those who are tired of looking at concrete all the time
-Wonderful beaches that are easy to get to
-A beautiful riverfront (even though it is underutilized)
-low cost of living
-beautiful neighborhoods
-a growing city with a progressive population
-lots of activities if you know where to look
September 23, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Tori
I am thinking about relocating to Atlanta from Washington D.C. because DCis extremely expensive! I will actually be visiting Atlanta in a couple of weeks for a conference. If you don't mind me asking, what is the job market like there?
October 4, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Tish
Well, I am not sure about North Carlolina because many moved here in the last year or so, and can not find jobs and are well educated and the ones me and husband have spoken to did there research, and when we got here the story changed. The headhunters and the employment agency's have nothing with this surplus in people and the economy is not doing so good, so that does not help either, but I know one thing do not come to North Carlolina unless you plan to start a business because they are hurting down here for jobs. I live here, and I am well educated and I have spoken with others and it is what is for now, so no not Charlotte!
Tish
October 5, 2008 at 2:59 pm
NaNa
I'm from NY and I want to move to DC soooo bad. My bestfriend graduated in May and took a job offer in Atlanta and she loves it and she's begging me to go after I graduate from undergrad but its a little too far from my family for my taste lol.
October 8, 2008 at 9:57 am
Dr. E
Howard University has influenced the overall make up of blacks in DC significantly in a positive way. What I like about DC is that the Black community is diverse and accepting of people based on their ideals, not simply their job status. There is a large Liberian and Ethiopian community. The Carnival parade in June is hot.
November 11, 2008 at 8:55 pm
keith jacobs
atlanta job market is 6.7% right now . in the month of september 56,000 jobs loss and the state of ga 533,000. there still job but very slim . what bout dc? my name is keith hit on my email kjacobs1983@yahoo.com
December 9, 2008 at 11:45 am
theArea
DC is definitely a great place for ybp's. You won't find more of us so close together anywhere else! And, there are tons of nearby universities for professional development and grad school, great shopping, and a sophisticated, urban nightlife. Tons more ybp's are sure to move in, hopefully, with the new presidential administration. the Area (as locals call it) is the place to be.
December 12, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Toussaint
Well here is Some Harsh honesty, If you want to be around educated black people with class and sophistication then D.C is the place to be. It has a more stable and educated black middle class( including its suburbs) Prince Georges County is the Wealthiest Black Community in the country. Atlanta is Okay, but it is full of stereotypical black people, the money is all new money and the people lack class. sure there is a lotr of fun to be had there, but if I had to be honest its more of a city for lower class blacks who love to party, smoke and get into trouble. its populated by the wealth of music people and athletes, where as D.C.'s Wealthy blacks are more professional.
If you want to keep it real in the hood and floss and silly stuff like that then Atl is the way to go
December 23, 2008 at 1:29 pm
forex
The Dallas Mavericks have one of the best point guards in NBA history. The Washington,great !
December 26, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Lynn
Touissant,
I totally disagree with your comments about Atlanta. If these are the kind of people you are constantly coming into contact with, then YOU need to check out who you are choosing to hang around with. The entertainment industry-new money blacks have their world and the professional blacks have theirs. Trust, it is not one and the same.
Atlanta is a wonderful city full of educated, professional blacks.
December 28, 2008 at 6:32 pm
LadyLuvBug
Its funny how the top places for us to live in this country has the highest stat's for HIV/AIDS.. Food for thought!
January 13, 2009 at 3:47 am
LadyLuvBug
Funny that these cities have some of the highest HIV/AIDS. I wouldn't rush to move there
January 13, 2009 at 3:49 am
Jeff
I live in Atlanta and it's a great place to be. I've lived in Jacksonville and visited Nashville. Jacksonville is a nice city and a good place to raise a family. If you move there don't move on the Northside, there's a lot of crime on that side of town but you would love the Southside or the Beach areas.
January 29, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Renetta
Hotlanta Baby !!!
January 30, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Tammy Harris
your blog is great 307 gratz!
February 12, 2009 at 5:03 pm
AIME
Well, I lived in Dallas for almost 3 years and I loved it!! I was able purchase my first home there. I loved the neighborhoods. Dallas, Texas has a nice 'family like' feel. Yes, I was single while in Texas and because of that I began to get home sick
but, in all, I enjoyed my time there. There are many upscale, high income earning, educated black folks in Dallas. From African to Afro Americans. The majority of the people I met were all about continuing their education, opening there business, and climbing the corporate latter. Currently, I accepted a better job and I moved to Tampa, Fl. Although I’m originally from Fort Lauderdale, FL I can defiantly say I am missing the Texas scene and comfort life. From it’s convenient train stations to it’s affordable housing to it’s high paying jobs…Dallas is great!! Currently, I’m thinking about moving back to Texas. But, I wanted to move to Houston Texas. Any feed back? I never had the chance to visit Houston, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be comparable to Dallas. Dozen of different polls suggest that Houston Texas is a great place to live, enjoyable, and raise your family. FYI, I’m more so looking for an area to raise my family. Where my new hubby can open his own business and for me to continue in the IT/ health field. I’ve been to Atlanta, but I didn’t like it at all!!! The homes were beautiful but, I wasn’t feeling the lifestyle of the people there….just not a place I would want to raise my new family. 
February 21, 2009 at 9:36 am
AIME
Well, I lived in Dallas for almost 3 years and I loved it!! I was able purchase my first home there. I loved the neighborhoods. Dallas, Texas has a nice 'family like' feel. Yes, I was single while in Texas and because of that I began to get home sick
but, in all, I enjoyed my time there. There are many upscale, high income earning, educated black folks in Dallas. From African to Afro Americans. The majority of the people I met were all about continuing their education, opening there business, and climbing the corporate latter. Currently, I accepted a better job and I moved to Tampa, Fl. Although I’m originally from Fort Lauderdale, FL I can defiantly say I am missing the Texas scene and comfort life. From it’s convenient train stations to it’s affordable housing to it’s high paying jobs…Dallas is great!! Currently, I’m thinking about moving back to Texas. But, I wanted to move to Houston Texas. Any feed back? I never had the chance to visit Houston, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be comparable to Dallas. Dozen of different polls suggest that Houston Texas is a great place to live, enjoyable, and raise your family. FYI, I’m more so looking for an area to raise my family. Where my new hubby can open his own business and for me to continue in the IT/ health field. I’ve been to Atlanta, but I didn’t like it at all!!! The homes were beautiful but, I wasn’t feeling the lifestyle of the people there….just not a place I would want to raise my new family. ïÂÅ’
February 21, 2009 at 9:37 am
Brandy
I lived in the DC area for 25+ years and the Raleigh/Triangle for over 5 years. I agree both are great cities in their own ways. Of course, DC is much larger, traffic is heavier, weather is not as nice as Raleigh (sweltering hot in the summer and brutally cold in the winter relative to Raleigh's mild year round temperatures). DC is much more cosmopolitan in terms of people and restaurants. But I find there's just as much to do in the Raleigh area…that doesn't take all day to get to and from home. You can go to a big concert at Alltel Pavilion in Raleigh and get home relatively quick and without hassle. Not the same with the DC area's Nissan Pavillion where you should plan to spend most the day there if you go. Oh, and local sports….Raleigh wins hands down with Duke, UNC, and NC State as the major universities. The locals just really get into it so much more. In DC, there's not that kinda 'fun college rivalry' and not everyone has their favorite picks. They're more into professional sports.
March 1, 2009 at 3:28 pm
blknchry
I second that
March 5, 2009 at 6:28 am
Independentcitizen
i was born in raleigh durham and now live in honolulu hawaii.
hawaii would be great if there were a mass migration of blacks here its easy to get a job and
racism is on a case by case basis. I've been able to adapt quickly.
but you know as beautiful as the weather is its hardly home I go home every year and miss the familiarity anyone who lived in ATL let me know how it is, I heard its a good place for black professionals trying to get started.
March 15, 2009 at 2:00 pm
TheKnow
Jacksonville is a CRIMINAL infested city. Do NOT encourage people to live in that ghetto city… it's DANGEROUS and it is 99% blacks making all the problems… as usual. DISGUSTING!!!
March 15, 2009 at 7:27 pm
TheKnow
stay in Hawaii. i've lived there too. it's much better than anywhere and hawaii has tons of jobs!!!
March 15, 2009 at 7:32 pm
TheKnow
ABSOLUTELY correct! I unfortunately took a job in Cleveland, OH… and I hate it; too many ghetto Blacks. DC has the most sophisticated Blacks across this entire country. They are well educated, well spoken, well deported, and intellectual. Atlanta, Jacksonville, Houston, Detroit, Memphis, St. Louis, Raleigh, Charlotte, Nashville, are ALL ghetto… HORRIBLE! I have worked extensively in all the aforementioned cities, and I am DISGUSTED by all the IGNORANT Black Americans in these so call hotbeds for Blacks. The litmus they are using for Blacks in America is definitively NOT my standard. Wherever there is too heavy concentration of Blacks be assured much crime is not that far away and that is simply PATHETIC! Blacks in America MUST educate themselves and HALT all the negative reality due to Blacks involved in crime. It's time for criminal black Americans to STOP their nonsense. I would be hard pressed to live in any of those cities. The best balances I have found for Blacks in America from the underlined list are Indianapolis and Columbus. I also recommend Madison, WI, Omaha, NE; Des Moines, IA; and Kansas City, MO. Yes, those are my recommendations. Why? Again there are infinite opportunities and less criminal Black Americans hanging out looking to make trouble and tarnish quality Black Americans images.
March 15, 2009 at 7:54 pm
TheKnow
Dallas is a ghetto and so is Houston. Read my other postings to see what's the best.
March 15, 2009 at 8:01 pm
lanai29
Hi, I just find this site and I was wondering if you could give me some info on Hawaii? I will be relocating there in Aug. I am actually inquiring about the percentage of blacks out there. I went on a housing-hunting trip with my husband last June and the place is lovely. I just really do not know much about the place, would appreciate any info and right now I'm living in Fayetteville NC.
March 25, 2009 at 7:03 pm
GiGi
Its a reason Cincinnati didn't make the cut. That is DEFINITELY not a city a Top city for African Americans.. have you lived here before? I have for over 25 years and I must say NOT IMPRESS at all. Not one black person I've meet or know that lives in Cincinnati say this is the place to be… instead they say.. I can't wait to leave…
March 27, 2009 at 3:32 pm
GiGi
And I third, fourth, fifith.. etc… NEVER and it shouldn't.. horrible city for people of color.. Horrible
March 27, 2009 at 3:34 pm